Sexual Abuse Counselling in Edinburgh

Photo of Leah Jameson - Childhood Abuse Therapy-Available, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Childhood Abuse Therapy-Available
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH4  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself grappling with the lingering effects of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)? Struggling to trust others, especially after experiencing betrayal? Finding it difficult to form healthy, fulfilling relationships? Motivated to change but stuck due to depression and anxiety. I understand these issues can take over someones life.
Do you find yourself grappling with the lingering effects of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)? Struggling to trust others, especially after experiencing betrayal? Finding it difficult to form healthy, fulfilling relationships? Motivated to change but stuck due to depression and anxiety. I understand these issues can take over someones life.
01992 663319 View 01992 663319
Photo of Tina MacDonald - Tina MacDonald Counselling, BACP, Counsellor
Tina MacDonald Counselling
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1  (Online Only)
I have some experience with survivors of Childhood sexual abuse but work with all aspects of life.
Working online UK wide I offer honest open counselling. A client who is looking for a 1 off session or a long term approach can find in our work a place to express their concerns and find it treated sensitively. I have experience of a range of counselling wants and needs. Change will not happen unless change is made and together my clients and I work out what their starting point and way forward will be to achieve what they are looking for.
I have some experience with survivors of Childhood sexual abuse but work with all aspects of life.
Working online UK wide I offer honest open counselling. A client who is looking for a 1 off session or a long term approach can find in our work a place to express their concerns and find it treated sensitively. I have experience of a range of counselling wants and needs. Change will not happen unless change is made and together my clients and I work out what their starting point and way forward will be to achieve what they are looking for.
01592 805661 View 01592 805661
Photo of Mairi McAllister, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Mairi McAllister
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
I specialise in working with people who are struggling with issues that may be the result of Trauma, some traumas are very obvious like domestic abuse, sexual assault, neglect, serving in the armed forces or experiencing a serious event like a car crash. As a result you may have PTSD/cPTSD, anxiety, depression etc. Sometimes though its what we didn't have that's the problem, attention, a person you could talk to about difficult things, encouragement and support. If you didn't you may struggle with confidence, self esteem, relationships and parenting. Your not alone, most of us have things we would benefit from talking about.
I specialise in working with people who are struggling with issues that may be the result of Trauma, some traumas are very obvious like domestic abuse, sexual assault, neglect, serving in the armed forces or experiencing a serious event like a car crash. As a result you may have PTSD/cPTSD, anxiety, depression etc. Sometimes though its what we didn't have that's the problem, attention, a person you could talk to about difficult things, encouragement and support. If you didn't you may struggle with confidence, self esteem, relationships and parenting. Your not alone, most of us have things we would benefit from talking about.
01592 323042 View 01592 323042
Photo of Courtney Amesbury-Cooke, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Courtney Amesbury-Cooke
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH1
I've supported people with substance use issues, (theirs, or another person's), gambling issues, depression, anxiety, bereavement, physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse, life transitions & academic issues.
Saturday appointments available. You might be struggling with how you feel about yourself, or having challenges in your close relationships. This could present as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, problems with alcohol/drugs or food, or other challenging behaviours. You might want to explore why this is happening and learn more about yourself. You might want to find coping strategies or set yourself goals to achieve during therapy. Whatever it is that you want, it's my role to help you get there. Whilst I will deepen your self-understanding, I won't push you to discuss things you don't want to - it's your space.
I've supported people with substance use issues, (theirs, or another person's), gambling issues, depression, anxiety, bereavement, physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse, life transitions & academic issues.
Saturday appointments available. You might be struggling with how you feel about yourself, or having challenges in your close relationships. This could present as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, problems with alcohol/drugs or food, or other challenging behaviours. You might want to explore why this is happening and learn more about yourself. You might want to find coping strategies or set yourself goals to achieve during therapy. Whatever it is that you want, it's my role to help you get there. Whilst I will deepen your self-understanding, I won't push you to discuss things you don't want to - it's your space.
View
Photo of Bennie Sanio - BeeSan Psychotherapy and Counselling Services, MBACP, Psychotherapist
BeeSan Psychotherapy and Counselling Services
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH12
I specialise in child sexual abuse, trauma/complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, loss relationship issues, and anger management.
Starting therapy may seem daunting at first as we try to make sense of our world, thoughts, feelings and emotions. We might be repeating patterns of behaviour in our present lives due to past experiences and patterns. I want to help you shift mental blocks, untangle complex emotions, resolve issues and reveal new perspectives. Whether it’s self-development, addressing emotional and psychological issues, or processing traumatic events, I will work with you to help you become more integrated in yourself. I offer both online and in-person appointments in the centre of Edinburgh where we will work together to help you achieve your goal.
I specialise in child sexual abuse, trauma/complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, loss relationship issues, and anger management.
Starting therapy may seem daunting at first as we try to make sense of our world, thoughts, feelings and emotions. We might be repeating patterns of behaviour in our present lives due to past experiences and patterns. I want to help you shift mental blocks, untangle complex emotions, resolve issues and reveal new perspectives. Whether it’s self-development, addressing emotional and psychological issues, or processing traumatic events, I will work with you to help you become more integrated in yourself. I offer both online and in-person appointments in the centre of Edinburgh where we will work together to help you achieve your goal.
0131 381 8083 View 0131 381 8083
Photo of Zofia Zyborska, MSc, COSRT Accred, Counsellor
Zofia Zyborska
Counsellor, MSc, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH3
I specialise in Sex and Relationship Therapy and offer talking therapy for couples and individuals with sexual problems. These include vaginismus, painful sex, difficulty achieving orgasm, loss of desire for sex, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. I have particular experience in working with those impacted by past sexual trauma, abuse or assault. I am specifically trained and qualified to work with sex and porn addiction(s). I also work with partners of sex/porn addicts who are perhaps struggling with their partner’s addiction, working with the distress, betrayal, shock and trauma they may be experiencing.
I specialise in Sex and Relationship Therapy and offer talking therapy for couples and individuals with sexual problems. These include vaginismus, painful sex, difficulty achieving orgasm, loss of desire for sex, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. I have particular experience in working with those impacted by past sexual trauma, abuse or assault. I am specifically trained and qualified to work with sex and porn addiction(s). I also work with partners of sex/porn addicts who are perhaps struggling with their partner’s addiction, working with the distress, betrayal, shock and trauma they may be experiencing.
0131 357 6236 View 0131 357 6236
Photo of Ana Puljic, MSc, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Ana Puljic
Psychotherapist, MSc, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH2
While I'm especially interested in working with existential issues and those affected by parental narcissism, I'm experienced in working with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, complex trauma, sexual abuse, attachment, substance abuse, and family and relationship problems.
Hi there, my name is Ana and I'm a psychodynamic therapist and supervisor with a special interest and experience in working with those affected by existential issues and a Masters thesis in working with adult children of parents with narcissistic traits. In my client work, I draw on my background in psychology, philosophy and systemic therapy, as well as psychodynamic therapy and attachment theory which looks at the unconscious relational processes between us and finds links between what you're experiencing in the present and your early childhood and family experiences. My supervision approach is both psychodynamic and integrative.
While I'm especially interested in working with existential issues and those affected by parental narcissism, I'm experienced in working with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, complex trauma, sexual abuse, attachment, substance abuse, and family and relationship problems.
Hi there, my name is Ana and I'm a psychodynamic therapist and supervisor with a special interest and experience in working with those affected by existential issues and a Masters thesis in working with adult children of parents with narcissistic traits. In my client work, I draw on my background in psychology, philosophy and systemic therapy, as well as psychodynamic therapy and attachment theory which looks at the unconscious relational processes between us and finds links between what you're experiencing in the present and your early childhood and family experiences. My supervision approach is both psychodynamic and integrative.
View
Photo of Roberta Dutra, MBACP, Counsellor
Roberta Dutra
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
Most of my experience comes from supporting people that has experienced emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse.
Hello and welcome to my profile. I’m Roberta, a qualified counsellor offering face-to-face and online counselling sessions. I’d like to welcome you to my counselling practice where you listened to and accepted unconditionally. I am passionate about giving people space to talk about your personal difficulties where they can be heard, valued and understood. By having the space to emotionally talk about your personal struggles you can gain a sense of clarity. Then, together we can work towards your personal therapeutic goals.
Most of my experience comes from supporting people that has experienced emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse.
Hello and welcome to my profile. I’m Roberta, a qualified counsellor offering face-to-face and online counselling sessions. I’d like to welcome you to my counselling practice where you listened to and accepted unconditionally. I am passionate about giving people space to talk about your personal difficulties where they can be heard, valued and understood. By having the space to emotionally talk about your personal struggles you can gain a sense of clarity. Then, together we can work towards your personal therapeutic goals.
01934 311356 View 01934 311356
Photo of Gabriele Razmute, MBACP, Counsellor
Gabriele Razmute
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH6  (Online Only)
Experienced in supporting persons who struggle with the following: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, childhood abuse, childhood sexual abuse, depression, eating disorders, health related issues, loss, mental health issues, PTSD, trauma and etc.
“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting – over and over announcing your place in the family of things" (Mary Oliver). Sometimes when difficult feelings takes over us it can be hard to hear that song of the world which brings a sense of belonging. Have you been struggling in your life? Let’s have a chat and see if we can resolve it together!
Experienced in supporting persons who struggle with the following: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, childhood abuse, childhood sexual abuse, depression, eating disorders, health related issues, loss, mental health issues, PTSD, trauma and etc.
“Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting – over and over announcing your place in the family of things" (Mary Oliver). Sometimes when difficult feelings takes over us it can be hard to hear that song of the world which brings a sense of belonging. Have you been struggling in your life? Let’s have a chat and see if we can resolve it together!
View
Photo of Kath Muirhead, MBACP, Counsellor
Kath Muirhead
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH9
My professional experience has been working with people affected by mental health issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings, anxiety and panic, grief and loss among other issues. I also specialise in working with trauma particularly childhood sexual abuse and the debilitating impact of many life areas. I work with what people bring and go at their pace; my approach being person centred and bespoke to the individual.
My professional experience has been working with people affected by mental health issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings, anxiety and panic, grief and loss among other issues. I also specialise in working with trauma particularly childhood sexual abuse and the debilitating impact of many life areas. I work with what people bring and go at their pace; my approach being person centred and bespoke to the individual.
01368 653223 View 01368 653223
Photo of Joanne Elizabeth Phimister - Mind Matters - Joanne E Phimister, MCOSCA, Counsellor
Mind Matters - Joanne E Phimister
Counsellor, MCOSCA
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH12  (Online Only)
Additionally, I have specialist training and experience in working with baby loss, survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the armed forces community.
My name is Joanne and I am a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Group Work Therapist. I offer a range of services including online counselling, online CBT and telephone counselling to help you on your journey to mental wellness. I am a skilled, warm and empathetic practitioner with a keen interest in personal development in the field of CBT and all modalities of psychotherapy. I pride myself on the relationships I build with my clients which forms the basis of the work we are able to achieve together.
Additionally, I have specialist training and experience in working with baby loss, survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the armed forces community.
My name is Joanne and I am a fully qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Group Work Therapist. I offer a range of services including online counselling, online CBT and telephone counselling to help you on your journey to mental wellness. I am a skilled, warm and empathetic practitioner with a keen interest in personal development in the field of CBT and all modalities of psychotherapy. I pride myself on the relationships I build with my clients which forms the basis of the work we are able to achieve together.
01383 661316 View 01383 661316
Photo of Gillian Wardhaugh, Counsellor
Gillian Wardhaugh
Counsellor
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH1
Having worked as a CBT therapist for individuals affected by childhood sexual abuse, I am well equipped to help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, anger, bereavement, sleep disturbances, phobias, health anxiety, panic, social anxiety, stress and many other issues.
I am an integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapist passionate about helping individuals shape day-to-day struggles into a happier, calmer, more fulfilling life. I can provide CBT therapy while keeping your needs at the forefront of our treatment plan, including using creative ways to adapt traditional therapies for neurodiverse clients who may struggle with traditional CBT therapy structures, completing homework or attending sessions. Therapy sessions offer a calm, non-judgmental atmosphere where you're in control of your healing journey and together, we'll develop a customised plan based on what matters most to you.
Having worked as a CBT therapist for individuals affected by childhood sexual abuse, I am well equipped to help individuals cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, anger, bereavement, sleep disturbances, phobias, health anxiety, panic, social anxiety, stress and many other issues.
I am an integrative Cognitive Behavioural Therapist passionate about helping individuals shape day-to-day struggles into a happier, calmer, more fulfilling life. I can provide CBT therapy while keeping your needs at the forefront of our treatment plan, including using creative ways to adapt traditional therapies for neurodiverse clients who may struggle with traditional CBT therapy structures, completing homework or attending sessions. Therapy sessions offer a calm, non-judgmental atmosphere where you're in control of your healing journey and together, we'll develop a customised plan based on what matters most to you.
01236 918250 View 01236 918250
Photo of Laura Beech, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Laura Beech
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH1  (Online Only)
I specialise in working with relationships, adverse childhood experiences (neglect or abuse), sexual abuse, bullying, parental breakup and other difficult experiences whilst growing up.
Do you feel like past events are affecting how you cope with life today leaving you feeling stuck and anxious or depressed? Are you having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep? Do you keep repeating the same negative patterns in relationships? I am an experienced, accredited psychotherapist who works with couples, individuals, and groups who can help you identify and change these unhelpful patterns. Currently only taking on EMDR Clients.
I specialise in working with relationships, adverse childhood experiences (neglect or abuse), sexual abuse, bullying, parental breakup and other difficult experiences whilst growing up.
Do you feel like past events are affecting how you cope with life today leaving you feeling stuck and anxious or depressed? Are you having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep? Do you keep repeating the same negative patterns in relationships? I am an experienced, accredited psychotherapist who works with couples, individuals, and groups who can help you identify and change these unhelpful patterns. Currently only taking on EMDR Clients.
0121 817 7042 View 0121 817 7042
Photo of Pauline Tait, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Pauline Tait
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH8
My approach to working with clients is honest, genuine, straightforward. I am gentle when required to be and direct and challenging when I’m needed to be. I am warm, engaging and have a great sense of humour! We will work together to make you more self aware and able to find a way forward .
My approach to working with clients is honest, genuine, straightforward. I am gentle when required to be and direct and challenging when I’m needed to be. I am warm, engaging and have a great sense of humour! We will work together to make you more self aware and able to find a way forward .
01764 915901 View 01764 915901
Photo of Morgan Mitchell Emdr, GMBPsS, Counsellor
Morgan Mitchell Emdr
Counsellor, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
Trauma can include life-threatening events or simply moments where you were overwhelmed and felt helpless. A troubling or terrifying event has an impact on the whole person – it is held in the body, changes ways of thinking, and often comes with an overwhelming set of emotional and behavioural responses. At times, these changes and responses are unhelpful and seriously affect people’s quality of life and their ability to move forward. Working together, we explore and come to understand your current responses. We identify tools that you can use to rebuild your life in a way that works for you.
Trauma can include life-threatening events or simply moments where you were overwhelmed and felt helpless. A troubling or terrifying event has an impact on the whole person – it is held in the body, changes ways of thinking, and often comes with an overwhelming set of emotional and behavioural responses. At times, these changes and responses are unhelpful and seriously affect people’s quality of life and their ability to move forward. Working together, we explore and come to understand your current responses. We identify tools that you can use to rebuild your life in a way that works for you.
0131 381 8084 View 0131 381 8084
Photo of Valéry Hervé Renault, MA, Counsellor
Valéry Hervé Renault
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10  (Online Only)
Do you want to understand why you always act the way you do? Does it seem to you that your behavior follows repetitive patterns and you'd like to be able to change it, but you tend to always fall back into the same ruts? How about starting from the beginning and trying to understand what's going on?
Do you want to understand why you always act the way you do? Does it seem to you that your behavior follows repetitive patterns and you'd like to be able to change it, but you tend to always fall back into the same ruts? How about starting from the beginning and trying to understand what's going on?
020 3856 7704 View 020 3856 7704
Photo of Marianne Trent, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Marianne Trent
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH1  (Online Only)
I love working with people, getting to know you and hearing your story. I believe that we are all unique. One of the things I love most about my work is the privilege of seeing someone begin to thrive and to enjoy their life again. I love helping to find some inner calm, clarity of thought and to be practicing self compassion as part of their everyday lives. I work in a bespoke way, tailor making my approach to each person. However, that said, everyone's needs compassion and so a compassion focused therapy approach runs through all of my work. I am most definitely a human first and a psychologist second.
I love working with people, getting to know you and hearing your story. I believe that we are all unique. One of the things I love most about my work is the privilege of seeing someone begin to thrive and to enjoy their life again. I love helping to find some inner calm, clarity of thought and to be practicing self compassion as part of their everyday lives. I work in a bespoke way, tailor making my approach to each person. However, that said, everyone's needs compassion and so a compassion focused therapy approach runs through all of my work. I am most definitely a human first and a psychologist second.
024 7518 9423 View 024 7518 9423
Photo of Paula Kane, MBACP, Counsellor
Paula Kane
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH1
Have you been in abusive relationship after abusive relationship and wonder why you can't seem to find a partner who will treat you well and respect you? Do you worry that you won't be able to have a healthy relationship? Perhaps you find yourself prioritising others needs over your own and feel that you come last in all your relationships throughout your life. Do you wish you could set boundaries with others, and have the ability to ask for what you want without feeling guilty?
Have you been in abusive relationship after abusive relationship and wonder why you can't seem to find a partner who will treat you well and respect you? Do you worry that you won't be able to have a healthy relationship? Perhaps you find yourself prioritising others needs over your own and feel that you come last in all your relationships throughout your life. Do you wish you could set boundaries with others, and have the ability to ask for what you want without feeling guilty?
028 9433 8832 View 028 9433 8832
Photo of Hazel Stevenson, MCOSCA, Counsellor
Hazel Stevenson
Counsellor, MCOSCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edinburgh EH15
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
Welcome! Talking is a wonderful way to share what’s on your mind. You may not even know what is bothering you, but by talking, it helps to get in touch with your emotions and make sense of your thoughts. Changes are often small but can be significant. Speaking with someone who is really listening and can offer a non-judgemental space to fully express yourself, improve your self awareness, and accept you for being you, can help!
01764 915874 View 01764 915874
Photo of Helen Mitchell, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Helen Mitchell
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Edinburgh EH10
In the busy pace of today's world, it can be difficult to find the time to sit with our thoughts and feelings. It can also be challenging to lay them out before someone else or to speak from the heart without fear of judgement.
In the busy pace of today's world, it can be difficult to find the time to sit with our thoughts and feelings. It can also be challenging to lay them out before someone else or to speak from the heart without fear of judgement.
0131 510 2976 View 0131 510 2976
1
...

See more therapy options for Edinburgh

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.