Sexual Abuse Counselling in Bloomsbury, London

Photo of Amanda Watson, PsychD, Psychotherapist
Amanda Watson
Psychotherapist, PsychD
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A  (Online Only)
I am also able to support clients with psychological and emotional issues around sex, love, relationships (of all kinds), as well as sex/porn addictions, sexual abuse, BDSM/Kink, affairs, infidelity, etc.
I offer psychotherapy and counselling to individuals and couples/partnerships of all sexual orientations with a supportive and non judgemental approach. I work from an integrative perspective using a range of theories and strategies to suit the specific needs of the client and I specialise in Psychosexual and Relationship issues. I have a 25 year background in Education and Teaching. Please check out my website: www.amandalisawatson.com
I am also able to support clients with psychological and emotional issues around sex, love, relationships (of all kinds), as well as sex/porn addictions, sexual abuse, BDSM/Kink, affairs, infidelity, etc.
I offer psychotherapy and counselling to individuals and couples/partnerships of all sexual orientations with a supportive and non judgemental approach. I work from an integrative perspective using a range of theories and strategies to suit the specific needs of the client and I specialise in Psychosexual and Relationship issues. I have a 25 year background in Education and Teaching. Please check out my website: www.amandalisawatson.com
020 4538 2359 View 020 4538 2359
Photo of Ann-Louise McCarthy, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Ann-Louise McCarthy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1B
I have experience of working with clients within the NHS who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, with children and adolescents in a CAMHS service and in an inpatient Psychiatric facility providing group and individual Psychotherapy for adults.
I am Ann McCarthy and I am a UKCP registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. I am also a member of CPJA (Council for Psychoanalytic and Jungian Analysts). I provide Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment, on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period. Our work together will focus on identifying, better understanding and working through the issues that are impacting negatively on your life so you are able to develop positive changes within yourself and in your ways of relating with others.
I have experience of working with clients within the NHS who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, with children and adolescents in a CAMHS service and in an inpatient Psychiatric facility providing group and individual Psychotherapy for adults.
I am Ann McCarthy and I am a UKCP registered Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. I am also a member of CPJA (Council for Psychoanalytic and Jungian Analysts). I provide Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment, on an open-ended basis or for an agreed time period. Our work together will focus on identifying, better understanding and working through the issues that are impacting negatively on your life so you are able to develop positive changes within yourself and in your ways of relating with others.
01227 931090 View 01227 931090
Photo of Fabio D'Apice - Working Through, MA, COSRT General, Counsellor
Working Through
Counsellor, MA, COSRT General
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
020 8103 5619 View 020 8103 5619
Photo of Amber Sheikh, MBACP, Counsellor
Amber Sheikh
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A  (Online Only)
I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and have experience working in a number of organisations and charities providing psychotherapy and counselling in areas such as: Bereavement, Domestic Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Divorce, Relationship issues, Childhood Trauma, Cultural Diversity, Racial Identity.
At times life can be challenging and we can get to point where we may feel a bit stuck and need to make sense of things. I seek to create a safe, culturally sensitive and non judgmental space for you to feel heard and understood. I’m here to support you to achieve the changes that you desire for yourself by helping you to process your feelings, gain greater clarity and to build more self awareness.
I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor and have experience working in a number of organisations and charities providing psychotherapy and counselling in areas such as: Bereavement, Domestic Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Divorce, Relationship issues, Childhood Trauma, Cultural Diversity, Racial Identity.
At times life can be challenging and we can get to point where we may feel a bit stuck and need to make sense of things. I seek to create a safe, culturally sensitive and non judgmental space for you to feel heard and understood. I’m here to support you to achieve the changes that you desire for yourself by helping you to process your feelings, gain greater clarity and to build more self awareness.
020 4538 7765 View 020 4538 7765
Photo of Dr Nazee Akbari, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Dr Nazee Akbari
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
Specialising in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cross-Cultural therapy, and advanced-level Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), I effectively address PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger management, relationship issues, confidence, phobias, OCD, personality disorder, sexual abuse, bereavement, and addiction.
With over 23 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring expertise as a bilingual psychotherapist with a Doctorate-level qualification. Providing therapy in English and Farsi, I tailor an integrative approach to meet each client's unique needs. My extensive background encompasses Humanistic, Psychoanalytic, Existential,and Cognitive Behavioural approaches, with a focus on CBT and Cross-Cultural therapy. As a cross-cultural therapist, I specialise in supporting individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating mixed cultural relationships and identity challenges within different cultures.
Specialising in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cross-Cultural therapy, and advanced-level Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), I effectively address PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger management, relationship issues, confidence, phobias, OCD, personality disorder, sexual abuse, bereavement, and addiction.
With over 23 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring expertise as a bilingual psychotherapist with a Doctorate-level qualification. Providing therapy in English and Farsi, I tailor an integrative approach to meet each client's unique needs. My extensive background encompasses Humanistic, Psychoanalytic, Existential,and Cognitive Behavioural approaches, with a focus on CBT and Cross-Cultural therapy. As a cross-cultural therapist, I specialise in supporting individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating mixed cultural relationships and identity challenges within different cultures.
020 4538 7865 View 020 4538 7865
Photo of Afirah Azmi, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Afirah Azmi
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
Relationship problems, Childhood & Adult Trauma, PTSD, Substance Misuse, Eating Disorders, Alcoholism, Couples Therapy, Work Place Related Stress, Emotional & Mental Abuse, Cultural Difficulties, Narcissism, Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome/Survivors, Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, Adults of childhood trauma, Victims of Sexual Assault & Abuse.
I continuously aim to build trusting therapeutic relationships and have developed vast experience with a varying range of personal life difficulties. I work from a real and reparative standpoint with understanding, compassion and empathy. Relationships are the core of a healthy life balance and often that begins with our relationship with self. To understand, be able to explore deeply and work through deeply imbedded conscious and subconscious belief systems, behavioural patterns, overcome conditioning, in order to realise future hopes and goals for a more fulfilled life.
Relationship problems, Childhood & Adult Trauma, PTSD, Substance Misuse, Eating Disorders, Alcoholism, Couples Therapy, Work Place Related Stress, Emotional & Mental Abuse, Cultural Difficulties, Narcissism, Narcissistic Abuse Syndrome/Survivors, Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, Adults of childhood trauma, Victims of Sexual Assault & Abuse.
I continuously aim to build trusting therapeutic relationships and have developed vast experience with a varying range of personal life difficulties. I work from a real and reparative standpoint with understanding, compassion and empathy. Relationships are the core of a healthy life balance and often that begins with our relationship with self. To understand, be able to explore deeply and work through deeply imbedded conscious and subconscious belief systems, behavioural patterns, overcome conditioning, in order to realise future hopes and goals for a more fulfilled life.
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Photo of Mitika Goolry Fowler, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Mitika Goolry Fowler
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
I have previously worked within secondary care NHS psychotherapy service where I provided long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma.
I provide short-term therapy aimed at dealing with an immediate presenting issue and long-term therapy aimed at facilitating change at a deeper psychological level. I use different psychotherapeutic modalities to create a unique therapeutic approach that focuses and addresses each client’s individual needs. My way of working might be helpful for people who wish to understand themselves and what troubles them.
I have previously worked within secondary care NHS psychotherapy service where I provided long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma.
I provide short-term therapy aimed at dealing with an immediate presenting issue and long-term therapy aimed at facilitating change at a deeper psychological level. I use different psychotherapeutic modalities to create a unique therapeutic approach that focuses and addresses each client’s individual needs. My way of working might be helpful for people who wish to understand themselves and what troubles them.
020 3984 9652 View 020 3984 9652
Photo of Kirsten Fisher - Kirsten Fisher Therapy, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Kirsten Fisher Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1X
Your goal is to change something in your life to feel better, my goal is to support you in getting there. You have a desire to understand yourself better, to overcome anxiety, to feel excitement instead of dread, to feel alive and engaged - I also want this for you. To do this we might explore your past to understand your present, explore your thoughts, emotions and needs. We may also use techniques to manage anxiety, stress, and negative thinking. I don't have the answers, but I trust you to guide me to understand life from your perspective to find them.
Your goal is to change something in your life to feel better, my goal is to support you in getting there. You have a desire to understand yourself better, to overcome anxiety, to feel excitement instead of dread, to feel alive and engaged - I also want this for you. To do this we might explore your past to understand your present, explore your thoughts, emotions and needs. We may also use techniques to manage anxiety, stress, and negative thinking. I don't have the answers, but I trust you to guide me to understand life from your perspective to find them.
020 3835 3897 View 020 3835 3897
Photo of Jonathan de Oliveira, MBACP, Counsellor
Jonathan de Oliveira
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
An integrative therapist in private practice in Ealing, West London, W5 and Online. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental and considerate space that helps you fell at ease to explore the issues and concerns in your life. I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. I work in a client centred way which draws on a variety of perspectives tailored to your needs. I offer 50 minute sessions in English and Brazilian Portuguese on a short-term or ongoing basis. I have a background in teaching, mental health support and complementary therapies.
An integrative therapist in private practice in Ealing, West London, W5 and Online. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental and considerate space that helps you fell at ease to explore the issues and concerns in your life. I have worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. I work in a client centred way which draws on a variety of perspectives tailored to your needs. I offer 50 minute sessions in English and Brazilian Portuguese on a short-term or ongoing basis. I have a background in teaching, mental health support and complementary therapies.
020 3835 5362 View 020 3835 5362
Photo of Jonathan Hugo Edwards, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Jonathan Hugo Edwards
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1N
With over 25 years of experience, ranging from addiction through to sexual and emotional abuse, anxiety, depression, anger and numbness, I'd like to support you. In recent years I have moved my work focus to integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) as I find this way of working empowering to the client, engaging and highly effective. It may be you hear a loud critical voice inside or joy and fun may be fleeting or missing, you might like to access them again (or for the first time!). If your goal is a compassionate, connected, creative Self then maybe Internal Family systems be what you are looking for in therapy.
With over 25 years of experience, ranging from addiction through to sexual and emotional abuse, anxiety, depression, anger and numbness, I'd like to support you. In recent years I have moved my work focus to integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) as I find this way of working empowering to the client, engaging and highly effective. It may be you hear a loud critical voice inside or joy and fun may be fleeting or missing, you might like to access them again (or for the first time!). If your goal is a compassionate, connected, creative Self then maybe Internal Family systems be what you are looking for in therapy.
07989 444563 View 07989 444563
Photo of Janice Chan - Janice Chan Therapy & Consulting, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Janice Chan Therapy & Consulting
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A  (Online Only)
Looking a therapist can feel daunting, and my hope is to offer a space for you to feel totally seen, heard and understood. We all find ourselves feeling stuck in thinking and behaviour patterns that we wish were different at times. Talking to friends and family isn't always useful, or an option. That's where therapy may be more effective. I am a BACP registered psychological therapist with over a decade of experience of working multi-culturally using CBT, CPT, IFS and solution-focused approaches. I provide a warm, confidential, non-judgmental space to support you to work through life's issues.
Looking a therapist can feel daunting, and my hope is to offer a space for you to feel totally seen, heard and understood. We all find ourselves feeling stuck in thinking and behaviour patterns that we wish were different at times. Talking to friends and family isn't always useful, or an option. That's where therapy may be more effective. I am a BACP registered psychological therapist with over a decade of experience of working multi-culturally using CBT, CPT, IFS and solution-focused approaches. I provide a warm, confidential, non-judgmental space to support you to work through life's issues.
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Photo of Karen Stallard, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Karen Stallard
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
I am a friendly creative therapist who believes that human connection is vital for a sense of wellbeing and also for equipping people to make significant changes in their lives. I am trained to use the arts, this includes image making, clay, sand tray, puppets, music, drama, movement as well as working as a talking psychotherapist. My approach will depend on what is right for you. I am interested in the whole person and enjoy working with different spiritualities and am experienced in working with childhood trauma, sexuality and gender issues.
I am a friendly creative therapist who believes that human connection is vital for a sense of wellbeing and also for equipping people to make significant changes in their lives. I am trained to use the arts, this includes image making, clay, sand tray, puppets, music, drama, movement as well as working as a talking psychotherapist. My approach will depend on what is right for you. I am interested in the whole person and enjoy working with different spiritualities and am experienced in working with childhood trauma, sexuality and gender issues.
020 3984 8426 View 020 3984 8426
Photo of Paola Casotti Cook, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Paola Casotti Cook
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomsbury, London WC1B
You may experience anxiety, anger, depression, relationship and sexuality difficulties, addictive behavior. Talking therapy helps to understand our emotions so that we can identify and manage negative feelings or unwanted habits. When working together, client and therapist explore present and past events to identify the relation between the present emotions and the early life experiences. By understanding how childhood experiences affect our emotions and behavior as adults, it is possible to understand the root of the problem.
You may experience anxiety, anger, depression, relationship and sexuality difficulties, addictive behavior. Talking therapy helps to understand our emotions so that we can identify and manage negative feelings or unwanted habits. When working together, client and therapist explore present and past events to identify the relation between the present emotions and the early life experiences. By understanding how childhood experiences affect our emotions and behavior as adults, it is possible to understand the root of the problem.
07480 535177 View 07480 535177
Photo of Jerome Dawes, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jerome Dawes
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
Cognitive behavioural therapist and psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 7 years experience working in mental health services for the University of London - - I trained in two very different styles of therapy because people come to therapy for many reasons, and I wanted my work to embody the breadth of what therapy covers, from the evidence-based and goal-directed, to the creative and mysterious.
Cognitive behavioural therapist and psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 7 years experience working in mental health services for the University of London - - I trained in two very different styles of therapy because people come to therapy for many reasons, and I wanted my work to embody the breadth of what therapy covers, from the evidence-based and goal-directed, to the creative and mysterious.
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Photo of Nicolas Burden, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Nicolas Burden
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of experience. I maintain an open-minded, warm and non-judgmental approach to the struggles that people have. I aim to make my clients feel safe and work hard to establish a strong therapeutic relationship, knowing that this is crucial in supporting people to make important changes. I work with adults, couples and families and those struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship strain, family strain, stress, trauma & low self-esteem. I have specialised expertise in working with LGBTQ+ communities, Gay Men and relationship diversity (GSRD).
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of experience. I maintain an open-minded, warm and non-judgmental approach to the struggles that people have. I aim to make my clients feel safe and work hard to establish a strong therapeutic relationship, knowing that this is crucial in supporting people to make important changes. I work with adults, couples and families and those struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship strain, family strain, stress, trauma & low self-esteem. I have specialised expertise in working with LGBTQ+ communities, Gay Men and relationship diversity (GSRD).
020 3667 9906 View 020 3667 9906
Photo of Dragana Savcic-Sanders, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dragana Savcic-Sanders
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1B  (Online Only)
I am a registered psychologist and EMDR therapist with over 20 years of experience of helping adults in the NHS psychological services and private practice. I can help with burn out, anxiety-related disorders, depression, the effects of childhood adverse experiences, abuse including domestic abuse, complex trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or difficulty in relationships, both with ourselves and others. I can help with complex bereavement including dealing with the effects of someone's suicide, eating disorders, coping with illness, personality disorder, anger; self-esteem issues and many others difficulties and challenges.
I am a registered psychologist and EMDR therapist with over 20 years of experience of helping adults in the NHS psychological services and private practice. I can help with burn out, anxiety-related disorders, depression, the effects of childhood adverse experiences, abuse including domestic abuse, complex trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or difficulty in relationships, both with ourselves and others. I can help with complex bereavement including dealing with the effects of someone's suicide, eating disorders, coping with illness, personality disorder, anger; self-esteem issues and many others difficulties and challenges.
020 3870 3675 View 020 3870 3675
Photo of Michael Bloomfield, PhD, Psychiatrist
Michael Bloomfield
Psychiatrist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1N
Dr Bloomfield can help across a range of mental health problems including: Feeling low, problems sleeping, feeling very worried, feeling nervous around other people, having unwanted thoughts or images, doing things a particular way or over and over again until it “feels right”, panic attacks, being scared and avoiding certain situations, hearing voices, feeling like someone or something is trying to harm you, unwanted memories or bad dreams after a sad or bad event, bereavement and loss, low self esteem, or relationship problems including problems forming and maintaining stable relationships with other people.
Dr Bloomfield can help across a range of mental health problems including: Feeling low, problems sleeping, feeling very worried, feeling nervous around other people, having unwanted thoughts or images, doing things a particular way or over and over again until it “feels right”, panic attacks, being scared and avoiding certain situations, hearing voices, feeling like someone or something is trying to harm you, unwanted memories or bad dreams after a sad or bad event, bereavement and loss, low self esteem, or relationship problems including problems forming and maintaining stable relationships with other people.
020 4538 0554 View 020 4538 0554
Photo of Kim Goodwin-Wheatle - Connect Relationship & Sex Therapy , COSRT General, Psychotherapist
Connect Relationship & Sex Therapy
Psychotherapist, COSRT General
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
A relationship and psychosexual therapist, devoted to providing a safe, sexually affirmative space in which to support individuals & couples to address their communication &/ or sexual concerns. I offer therapy for couples & individuals experiencing intimacy & sexual difficulties. My experience has been gained by working in private practice as well as with the NHS. My integrative therapeutic approach enables me to provide a tailored approach best suited to you. I recognise the importance of cultural difference and diversity in the helping relationship, with respect to age, disability, gender, sexuality & ethnicity.
A relationship and psychosexual therapist, devoted to providing a safe, sexually affirmative space in which to support individuals & couples to address their communication &/ or sexual concerns. I offer therapy for couples & individuals experiencing intimacy & sexual difficulties. My experience has been gained by working in private practice as well as with the NHS. My integrative therapeutic approach enables me to provide a tailored approach best suited to you. I recognise the importance of cultural difference and diversity in the helping relationship, with respect to age, disability, gender, sexuality & ethnicity.
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Photo of Simon Rudd, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Simon Rudd
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1B
I am an integrative psychotherapist and see individuals for both short term and open-ended therapy. You might be struggling to manage relationships or suffering from symptoms that might have origins or echoes in your past. My training encouraged me to meet new clients with a non judgmental, accepting and open stance towards your issues. I will work with you, initially to map the territory; getting a sense of past and present difficulties. Moving from there the therapy space allows a dialogue to develop between us as we work towards change and improved vitality.
I am an integrative psychotherapist and see individuals for both short term and open-ended therapy. You might be struggling to manage relationships or suffering from symptoms that might have origins or echoes in your past. My training encouraged me to meet new clients with a non judgmental, accepting and open stance towards your issues. I will work with you, initially to map the territory; getting a sense of past and present difficulties. Moving from there the therapy space allows a dialogue to develop between us as we work towards change and improved vitality.
020 3597 6632 View 020 3597 6632
Photo of Jess MacIntyre-Harrison, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Jess MacIntyre-Harrison
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bloomsbury, London WC1A
I am a Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of experience working with people struggling with complex life & emotional difficulties. Through building a trusting relationship, I aim to sit alongside my clients & empower them in their journeys towards getting to know themselves better, understanding their difficulties, and compassionately making change. I centre compassion and non-judgement in my work, integrating ideas borrowed from Narrative Therapy (NT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Analytic Therapy (CAT) and body work.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with 15 years of experience working with people struggling with complex life & emotional difficulties. Through building a trusting relationship, I aim to sit alongside my clients & empower them in their journeys towards getting to know themselves better, understanding their difficulties, and compassionately making change. I centre compassion and non-judgement in my work, integrating ideas borrowed from Narrative Therapy (NT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Analytic Therapy (CAT) and body work.
020 3835 3331 View 020 3835 3331
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Sexual Abuse Counsellors

How do therapists treat sexual abuse?

A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?

Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?

Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?

As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.