Originally Posted by
emma5920 
I always thought that I would be able to work through it by going out with friends and putting it to the back of my mind but instead I just keep drinking myself stupid, and it's making things worse instead of better.
Emma, it would be very difficult to put a rape behind you without professional counselling, as you're now finding out.
Let me say something in favour of professional therapy; the counsellor is trained to listen to your story and help you come to terms with the trauma. Sometimes it can be painful, but afterwards you feel better.
It's an advantage that the therapist isn't someone you know in your regular life. They're a neutral person, just there to help you, and you don't have to worry about hurting their feelings, or that they'll tell your parents, or laugh at you, or any of that.
I've used therapists at certain times when I've been troubled. Only a few sessions, but they have really helped me sort out my thoughts and move on.