Sexual Abuse Therapists in Griffin, GA

Photo of Barbara Phillips, LPC, Counselor
Barbara Phillips
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Griffin, GA 30224
Hello. My name is Barbara Phillips, and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia. I have 23 years of experience working in the mental health field. My experience includes treating clients who need help with anxiety, depression. stress management, anger management, grief management, and self-esteem. issue. I work with adults 18 years old to 90 years old. The conditions I feel comfortable treating include anxiety, depression, stress management, anger management, grief, and self-esteem issues.
Hello. My name is Barbara Phillips, and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia. I have 23 years of experience working in the mental health field. My experience includes treating clients who need help with anxiety, depression. stress management, anger management, grief management, and self-esteem. issue. I work with adults 18 years old to 90 years old. The conditions I feel comfortable treating include anxiety, depression, stress management, anger management, grief, and self-esteem issues.
(470) 466-3782 View (470) 466-3782
Photo of Shannon Eller, LPC, LMFT, CPCS, CAADC, RPT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannon Eller
Marriage & Family Therapist, LPC, LMFT, CPCS, CAADC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Griffin, GA 30223
I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth and training they're striving for in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs to help attain the personal growth and training they're striving for in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere.
(678) 752-4020 View (678) 752-4020
Photo of Courtney Howell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney Howell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Griffin, GA 30224  (Online Only)
Hi there! Starting therapy or any new journey of our lives can be difficult, so I am here to support you during this therapeutic process. Whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, family, marital, relationship, sexuality, or employment stressors, you are not alone and we can work through this together. My name is Courtney Howell, I am a LGBTQ+ affirmative, body positive, and non-traditional relationship affirming therapist. I try to help teens, adults, and couples find a place where they are accepted and comfortable. I provide online telehealth sessions ONLY at this time.
Hi there! Starting therapy or any new journey of our lives can be difficult, so I am here to support you during this therapeutic process. Whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, family, marital, relationship, sexuality, or employment stressors, you are not alone and we can work through this together. My name is Courtney Howell, I am a LGBTQ+ affirmative, body positive, and non-traditional relationship affirming therapist. I try to help teens, adults, and couples find a place where they are accepted and comfortable. I provide online telehealth sessions ONLY at this time.
(770) 404-8855 View (770) 404-8855
Photo of Kiona Dunn-Henegan Emdr Therapist, LPC, EMDR, CSOTP, CAMS II, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kiona Dunn-Henegan Emdr Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR, CSOTP, CAMS II, MS
Verified Verified
Griffin, GA 30224  (Online Only)
"The optics of perfection, is rarely ever perfect." Are you feeling stuck and unsure of your next move? My name is Kiona and I am committed to assisting people live their best lives beyond anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse and anger. As the proud owner of Simple Truth Counseling Center, I focus on finding the simple truth for all! I believe in meeting people where they are, seeking solutions and using problem-solving methods for daily life issues. Treatment is tailored to meet specific needs, through the use of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and EMDR.
"The optics of perfection, is rarely ever perfect." Are you feeling stuck and unsure of your next move? My name is Kiona and I am committed to assisting people live their best lives beyond anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse and anger. As the proud owner of Simple Truth Counseling Center, I focus on finding the simple truth for all! I believe in meeting people where they are, seeking solutions and using problem-solving methods for daily life issues. Treatment is tailored to meet specific needs, through the use of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and EMDR.
(404) 760-8151 View (404) 760-8151
Photo of Candice Gould - CSG & Associates Counseling and Consulting, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
CSG & Associates Counseling and Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Griffin, GA 30223
"You can change how you feel". CSG Counseling specializes in individual and family therapy for adolescents and adults who are experiencing challenges or difficulties in the home, school or work setting. We also offer couples counseling and divorce care. Whether you are struggling with depression, anger management, impulse control, loss, or some other life change, or you just want a caring, non-judgemental, person with whom to talk, working with a therapist may be the solution that you have been searching for.
"You can change how you feel". CSG Counseling specializes in individual and family therapy for adolescents and adults who are experiencing challenges or difficulties in the home, school or work setting. We also offer couples counseling and divorce care. Whether you are struggling with depression, anger management, impulse control, loss, or some other life change, or you just want a caring, non-judgemental, person with whom to talk, working with a therapist may be the solution that you have been searching for.
(770) 282-4990 View (770) 282-4990
Photo of Arless 'Rich' Lewis, LPC, MAMFC, NCC, MFLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Arless 'Rich' Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAMFC, NCC, MFLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Griffin, GA 30223
Greetings! I am so glad we were able to find each other! I appreciate you taking the time to read my profile and consider giving me the opportunity to help you during this stressful time of your life. My goal will always be to meet you where you're at in your journey and to help you get to the place where you want to be. The counseling process can be both challenging and rewarding, but I want to reassure you that we will walk it together. You're not alone!
Greetings! I am so glad we were able to find each other! I appreciate you taking the time to read my profile and consider giving me the opportunity to help you during this stressful time of your life. My goal will always be to meet you where you're at in your journey and to help you get to the place where you want to be. The counseling process can be both challenging and rewarding, but I want to reassure you that we will walk it together. You're not alone!
(833) 556-3542 View (833) 556-3542
Photo of Thomas Brown - Trust Professionals LLC., CEO, MS, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Trust Professionals LLC.
Licensed Professional Counselor, CEO, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Griffin, GA 30224
At Trust Professionals LLC. we recognize that its difficult to trust a person with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and its these same thoughts feelings and behaviors that threatens our stability at home and in the community. At Trust Professionals, we create an environment and relationship where you can TRUST again by taking the journey of recovery with a skilled and trained Professional; that respects and accepts your strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
At Trust Professionals LLC. we recognize that its difficult to trust a person with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and its these same thoughts feelings and behaviors that threatens our stability at home and in the community. At Trust Professionals, we create an environment and relationship where you can TRUST again by taking the journey of recovery with a skilled and trained Professional; that respects and accepts your strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
(770) 343-5560 View (770) 343-5560
Photo of Felice Martin - Behavioral Health Associates of Georgia, LLC., MS, LPC, CPCS, CCTP, CNC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Behavioral Health Associates of Georgia, LLC.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CPCS, CCTP, CNC
Verified Verified
Griffin, GA 30223
Are you tired of riding the emotional rollercoaster? You’ve tried everything! You’re doing your best, but something just isn’t right. And it is taking every ounce of strength to keep holding on; please know that change is possible. We understand the longing for emotional peace. We are here to help! Not only as trained mental health professionals with over 10 years’ experience but as humans who have embraced emotional freedom.
Are you tired of riding the emotional rollercoaster? You’ve tried everything! You’re doing your best, but something just isn’t right. And it is taking every ounce of strength to keep holding on; please know that change is possible. We understand the longing for emotional peace. We are here to help! Not only as trained mental health professionals with over 10 years’ experience but as humans who have embraced emotional freedom.
(770) 464-5293 View (770) 464-5293
Photo of Michael Turner, LPC, CHT, DBT-I, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Turner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CHT, DBT-I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Griffin, GA 30223  (Online Only)
You've noticed something feels off and you’re not sleeping regularly, it’s harder to focus, your brain keeps firing away at times when you just want to relax. Your stress is out of control and everywhere you turn there's a trigger to more stress. You find yourself coping with life by smoking or display other unwanted behaviors and now you have a habit you want to stop. Emotions have gotten the best of you, your motivation is down, your appetite has changed you even stay inside more and away from people. Your performance on and off the field or at the job is weak and you need help getting in the zone. I'm here to help.
You've noticed something feels off and you’re not sleeping regularly, it’s harder to focus, your brain keeps firing away at times when you just want to relax. Your stress is out of control and everywhere you turn there's a trigger to more stress. You find yourself coping with life by smoking or display other unwanted behaviors and now you have a habit you want to stop. Emotions have gotten the best of you, your motivation is down, your appetite has changed you even stay inside more and away from people. Your performance on and off the field or at the job is weak and you need help getting in the zone. I'm here to help.
(678) 932-0260 View (678) 932-0260
Photo of Myrana Craig - Enhance Behavioral Health, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Enhance Behavioral Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Griffin, GA 30223
Our mission is to provide effortlessly accessible behavioral health services to the community in an environment that is safe, warm, inviting, and secure. To remove the fear, shame, inadequacy, and hopelessness that prevents individuals from seeking help while addressing the client’s lack of insight and providing mental health awareness.
Our mission is to provide effortlessly accessible behavioral health services to the community in an environment that is safe, warm, inviting, and secure. To remove the fear, shame, inadequacy, and hopelessness that prevents individuals from seeking help while addressing the client’s lack of insight and providing mental health awareness.
(478) 779-1994 View (478) 779-1994
Photo of Amy Ripley - Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching, LCSW, LPC, LAPC, MFT, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW, LPC, LAPC, MFT, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Griffin, GA 30223
Are you living with anxiety or depression? Are you having relationship issues with your significant other or family members? Do you need help adjusting to major life changes? Are you ready to make changes to your life that will result in health, happiness, and healing in all areas of your life? Today is the day to schedule an appointment with Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching McDonough to address these issues and more. Located just south of Atlanta, GA, Thriveworks McDonough therapists, counselors, and life coaches are closer than you think to get you through the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visit us at www.thriveworks.com/mcdonough to see what we are all about. At Thriveworks You Can Thrive. We Can Help.
Are you living with anxiety or depression? Are you having relationship issues with your significant other or family members? Do you need help adjusting to major life changes? Are you ready to make changes to your life that will result in health, happiness, and healing in all areas of your life? Today is the day to schedule an appointment with Thriveworks Counseling and Coaching McDonough to address these issues and more. Located just south of Atlanta, GA, Thriveworks McDonough therapists, counselors, and life coaches are closer than you think to get you through the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visit us at www.thriveworks.com/mcdonough to see what we are all about. At Thriveworks You Can Thrive. We Can Help.
(404) 998-5102 View (404) 998-5102

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Nicole D Green, CADCII, CAMS, CARES, CMRT, CCS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Nicole D Green
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADCII, CAMS, CARES, CMRT, CCS
Verified Verified
Sunny Side, GA 30284
Nicole counsels and coaches women who feel stuck and unfulfilled in life. Women who are struggling with addiction and/or unresolved trauma, abandonment, or toxic relationships, and battle with low self-esteem and confidence. Women with difficulty setting and maintaining healthy boundaries have led to stress and unhealthy relationships. Now craving empowerment to rediscover their inner strength, healing to address past traumas, and strategies to build self-worth. Assisting those seeking personal growth, trauma recovery, confidence building, and healthy relationships. Providing the tools for transformation, empowerment, and support.
Nicole counsels and coaches women who feel stuck and unfulfilled in life. Women who are struggling with addiction and/or unresolved trauma, abandonment, or toxic relationships, and battle with low self-esteem and confidence. Women with difficulty setting and maintaining healthy boundaries have led to stress and unhealthy relationships. Now craving empowerment to rediscover their inner strength, healing to address past traumas, and strategies to build self-worth. Assisting those seeking personal growth, trauma recovery, confidence building, and healthy relationships. Providing the tools for transformation, empowerment, and support.
(470) 594-5167 View (470) 594-5167

Online Therapists

Photo of Jennifer Minnicks, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Minnicks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
Applying my extensive experience from various settings & populations including Cobb County Schools & CHOA my practice includes working with all life transitions, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, HIV/AIDS, codependency, substance abuse, school pressure, chronic illness, behavioral issues, victims of sexual abuse, grief & loss, divorce & blended families.
Are you overwhelmed, anxious, sad or feel like you're not sure how to navigate a new territory of your life? Do you need help in setting healthy boundaries or coping with stress, anxiety? Or perhaps a past trauma is beginning to surface? I truly believe our darkest wounds lose power and we begin to heal when we shed light on them. My goal is to provide support and insight to help you identify your own strengths and get your life back on track with appropriate coping strategies and perhaps new boundaries.
Applying my extensive experience from various settings & populations including Cobb County Schools & CHOA my practice includes working with all life transitions, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, HIV/AIDS, codependency, substance abuse, school pressure, chronic illness, behavioral issues, victims of sexual abuse, grief & loss, divorce & blended families.
Are you overwhelmed, anxious, sad or feel like you're not sure how to navigate a new territory of your life? Do you need help in setting healthy boundaries or coping with stress, anxiety? Or perhaps a past trauma is beginning to surface? I truly believe our darkest wounds lose power and we begin to heal when we shed light on them. My goal is to provide support and insight to help you identify your own strengths and get your life back on track with appropriate coping strategies and perhaps new boundaries.
(678) 562-1622 View (678) 562-1622
Photo of Niti Patel, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Niti Patel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
I have extensive training and experience in the fields of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse.
Ever feel like being human isn’t always enough? Like you’re supposed to have superpowers that haven’t “kicked in” yet? Have you ever felt stuck? As human beings, we are met with obstacles. When those obstacles become overwhelming, we may feel stuck or confined to thoughts and feelings of failure, defeat, or hopelessness. I believe that our experiences allow us to create unique narratives that tell the stories of our lives. I work with clients to rewrite the stories they feel confined to. I respect the distinct narratives shared by each client and thrive to help them achieve the success they are in search of.
I have extensive training and experience in the fields of domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse.
Ever feel like being human isn’t always enough? Like you’re supposed to have superpowers that haven’t “kicked in” yet? Have you ever felt stuck? As human beings, we are met with obstacles. When those obstacles become overwhelming, we may feel stuck or confined to thoughts and feelings of failure, defeat, or hopelessness. I believe that our experiences allow us to create unique narratives that tell the stories of our lives. I work with clients to rewrite the stories they feel confined to. I respect the distinct narratives shared by each client and thrive to help them achieve the success they are in search of.
(678) 973-1998 x703 View (678) 973-1998 x703
Photo of Carol L Moore - Counseling Innovations, MA, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling Innovations
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30060
I have particular expertise working with Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Eating Disorders, Attachment Issues, Anxiety, Asperger's Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia.
As a licensed professional counselor, my goal is to help individuals, couples, and families identify areas where change is needed to enhance growth, harmony, and balance in their lives. I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities into my practice including CBT, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Imago Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness Based Therapy (i.e., meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
I have particular expertise working with Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Eating Disorders, Attachment Issues, Anxiety, Asperger's Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Schizophrenia.
As a licensed professional counselor, my goal is to help individuals, couples, and families identify areas where change is needed to enhance growth, harmony, and balance in their lives. I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities into my practice including CBT, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Imago Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness Based Therapy (i.e., meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
(678) 919-1077 View (678) 919-1077
Photo of Candace Pranger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Candace Pranger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodstock, GA 30189
I have worked with children and families for over 15 years in many different capacities. As a therapist I work with children and adolescents who have endured trauma in their lives and assist them to overcome these struggles and move forward towards a healthy and happy life. My background includes working with those who have been afflicted by sexual abuse, domestic violence, family conflict, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, and various others. I work with individuals as well as families to facilitate healthy relationships and inner peace.
I have worked with children and families for over 15 years in many different capacities. As a therapist I work with children and adolescents who have endured trauma in their lives and assist them to overcome these struggles and move forward towards a healthy and happy life. My background includes working with those who have been afflicted by sexual abuse, domestic violence, family conflict, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, and various others. I work with individuals as well as families to facilitate healthy relationships and inner peace.
(404) 982-4269 View (404) 982-4269
Photo of Monica Bell Callahan, MA, LPC, CLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Monica Bell Callahan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CLC
Verified Verified
Macon, GA 31210  (Online Only)
It is my mission to be a vessel and share the love of God with others by providing genuine compassion and concern to hurting people with a desire to rebuild and or restore their lives! We all have something in common which includes pain from the past that affects how we relate to others and/or how they relate to us. Lets work together to get to the root of the problem to reset our lives and Begin Again! I've had the privilege of working in many diverse settings including individual, marital and family counseling, and residential settings helping women to overcome the horrors of human trafficking and/or a history of sexual abuse.
It is my mission to be a vessel and share the love of God with others by providing genuine compassion and concern to hurting people with a desire to rebuild and or restore their lives! We all have something in common which includes pain from the past that affects how we relate to others and/or how they relate to us. Lets work together to get to the root of the problem to reset our lives and Begin Again! I've had the privilege of working in many diverse settings including individual, marital and family counseling, and residential settings helping women to overcome the horrors of human trafficking and/or a history of sexual abuse.
(478) 449-0105 View (478) 449-0105
Photo of Courtney Hintermeyer, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Courtney Hintermeyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30075
I specialize in complex trauma, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual, physical, & emotional abuse at any age, PTSD, commercial sexual exploitation & human trafficking, sex addiction, eating disorders, family of origin issues, co-dependency, life transitions, artists & other creatives.
Hi, I'm Courtney. I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and am EMDR trained. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, and helping them to heal the effect trauma has in a person's nervous system and life. I have served in a wide range of clinical settings, working on an inpatient unit for trauma and eating disorders, in residential programs for sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and addictions, as well as the private practice setting.
I specialize in complex trauma, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, sexual, physical, & emotional abuse at any age, PTSD, commercial sexual exploitation & human trafficking, sex addiction, eating disorders, family of origin issues, co-dependency, life transitions, artists & other creatives.
Hi, I'm Courtney. I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), and am EMDR trained. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, and helping them to heal the effect trauma has in a person's nervous system and life. I have served in a wide range of clinical settings, working on an inpatient unit for trauma and eating disorders, in residential programs for sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and addictions, as well as the private practice setting.
(470) 435-8881 View (470) 435-8881
Photo of Tiffany Rogers, PhD, APC, Counselor
Tiffany Rogers
Counselor, PhD, APC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sugar Hill, GA 30518
I have worked in a variety of roles in the mental health field, primarily centered around sexual assault/intimate partner violence survivor advocacy and support services, addictions counseling, and women’s issues in counseling.
Each client comes to therapy with their own unique experiences and resources, and I am passionate about working together to discover clients’ strengths and highlighting their resiliencies. I work collaboratively with clients to help them navigate their pain and emerge with more insights and self-compassion, while still honoring their past experiences and holding hopeful space for their future. Additionally, I believe in the power of authenticity and self-acceptance, as well as how a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship can greatly contribute to client success.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the mental health field, primarily centered around sexual assault/intimate partner violence survivor advocacy and support services, addictions counseling, and women’s issues in counseling.
Each client comes to therapy with their own unique experiences and resources, and I am passionate about working together to discover clients’ strengths and highlighting their resiliencies. I work collaboratively with clients to help them navigate their pain and emerge with more insights and self-compassion, while still honoring their past experiences and holding hopeful space for their future. Additionally, I believe in the power of authenticity and self-acceptance, as well as how a strong, supportive therapeutic relationship can greatly contribute to client success.
(470) 665-4895 View (470) 665-4895
Photo of Timi Wennemann Psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor
Timi Wennemann Psychotherapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Johns Creek, GA 30097  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My professional experience includes assisting clients with many issues such as Attention Deficit (ADHD), behavioral and anger difficulties, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders, self-mutilation/injury, addictions/recovery, trauma, grief, stress, sexual abuse, marital/family conflict, domestic violence, and parenting.
Sorry for the inconvenience, not currently taking new clients. I am a Psychotherapist who has been working with children, adolescents, and adults for many years. My professional experience includes providing quality therapeutic services in the clinical, school, and community settings to individuals, families, couples, and groups.
My professional experience includes assisting clients with many issues such as Attention Deficit (ADHD), behavioral and anger difficulties, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders, self-mutilation/injury, addictions/recovery, trauma, grief, stress, sexual abuse, marital/family conflict, domestic violence, and parenting.
Sorry for the inconvenience, not currently taking new clients. I am a Psychotherapist who has been working with children, adolescents, and adults for many years. My professional experience includes providing quality therapeutic services in the clinical, school, and community settings to individuals, families, couples, and groups.
(678) 973-1492 View (678) 973-1492
Sexual Abuse Therapists

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.