Sexual Abuse Therapists in Kennesaw, GA
![Photo of Karen McDonald, PhD, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ede1abf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am the founder and lead counselor of Racheal's Rest, a five-day restorative retreat program that helps victims of violence and sexual abuse regain their balance in life.
Most of my clients are recovering from a loss of some sort. I see children of divorcing parents, people with grief issues, anxiety and depression, as well as parent/child relationship problems. I work with teens and adults. I understand the issues related to logical behavior as opposed to trauma-related responses. Helping you understand your own behaviors is key to making changes in your life. My style is low-key and compassionate. Whether you need occasional guidance for a temporary problem or intense counseling for a complex childhood, I can help.
I am the founder and lead counselor of Racheal's Rest, a five-day restorative retreat program that helps victims of violence and sexual abuse regain their balance in life.
Most of my clients are recovering from a loss of some sort. I see children of divorcing parents, people with grief issues, anxiety and depression, as well as parent/child relationship problems. I work with teens and adults. I understand the issues related to logical behavior as opposed to trauma-related responses. Helping you understand your own behaviors is key to making changes in your life. My style is low-key and compassionate. Whether you need occasional guidance for a temporary problem or intense counseling for a complex childhood, I can help.
![Photo of Teresa Watson, MS, NCC, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e297f1c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I focus the majority of my counseling practice on marital infidelity and it's impact on marriage. However, I also work well with other issues such as anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, self-image, post-abortive syndrome, chronic illness and grief.
I focus the majority of my counseling practice on marital infidelity and it's impact on marriage. However, I also work well with other issues such as anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, self-image, post-abortive syndrome, chronic illness and grief.
![Photo of Lisa Mustillo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ab44e6b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Most of my experience has been working with individuals who struggle with the painful effects of trauma, depression and anxiety related to sexual abuse.
I believe that effective psychotherapy consists of an open, honest and compassionate partnership between therapist and patient. My therapeutic style is one of warmth, compassion and collaboration. I specialize in treating individuals suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. I am passionate about my work, and have been witness to the extraordinary healing capacity of psychotherapy. I offer In Person and Telehealth sessions in Georgia and Telehealth Sessions in New York.
Most of my experience has been working with individuals who struggle with the painful effects of trauma, depression and anxiety related to sexual abuse.
I believe that effective psychotherapy consists of an open, honest and compassionate partnership between therapist and patient. My therapeutic style is one of warmth, compassion and collaboration. I specialize in treating individuals suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. I am passionate about my work, and have been witness to the extraordinary healing capacity of psychotherapy. I offer In Person and Telehealth sessions in Georgia and Telehealth Sessions in New York.
![Photo of Todd B Hudson, LPC, NCC, CCTP-II, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a2ac3a1-f22c-425f-9dfe-1da34e7c19f1/1/320x400.jpeg)
You experience worry that is debilitating. You perceive threat that is out of proportion to reality. This is anxiety. Or you have experienced upsetting events in the past that make it difficult or impossible to live fully in the present. This is trauma. You may or may not remember what you experienced, but your body and your behavior are telling the story. Neglect, abuse, sexual assault, toxic shaming, or tragic loss has left you wondering how you can ever fit this experience into the way you think about yourself. You want to feel "normal." I can help.
You experience worry that is debilitating. You perceive threat that is out of proportion to reality. This is anxiety. Or you have experienced upsetting events in the past that make it difficult or impossible to live fully in the present. This is trauma. You may or may not remember what you experienced, but your body and your behavior are telling the story. Neglect, abuse, sexual assault, toxic shaming, or tragic loss has left you wondering how you can ever fit this experience into the way you think about yourself. You want to feel "normal." I can help.
![Photo of Audrey Hughes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48826280-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of trying to heal on your own? Relying solely on your own efforts? Sometimes our friends and family members are unable to help. I am an experienced clinician who is passionate about helping people heal from trauma. Trauma can be caused by one experience such as a car accident, divorce or assault. It can also be the result of a series of events that took place over time. Trauma can lead to feeling alone, having difficulty trusting, feeling trapped, guilty, angry or like we don't fit in. There is hope regardless of what you are experiencing.
Are you tired of trying to heal on your own? Relying solely on your own efforts? Sometimes our friends and family members are unable to help. I am an experienced clinician who is passionate about helping people heal from trauma. Trauma can be caused by one experience such as a car accident, divorce or assault. It can also be the result of a series of events that took place over time. Trauma can lead to feeling alone, having difficulty trusting, feeling trapped, guilty, angry or like we don't fit in. There is hope regardless of what you are experiencing.
![Photo of Elaine A Thomas, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be1e2a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety conditions I work with include: separation anxiety, OCD, selective mutism, post-traumatic stress disorder, child traumatic grief, distress following single incident traumas such as car accidents and natural disasters, child physical abuse and child sexual abuse.
It takes tremendous courage to acknowledge emotional and behavioral difficulties in yourself or a loved one. I provide a nurturing context that will help you to recognize strengths and resilience as well as obtain relief from your current stress, worries, past trauma, couples conflict, family-related issues or parenting problems. I am a seasoned clinician with experience working in community mental health, private practice, medical and educational settings. Your treatment will be tailored to your needs using my knowledge of effective treatment, cultural awareness and your preferences. Please call me to discuss how I may be helpful to you.
Anxiety conditions I work with include: separation anxiety, OCD, selective mutism, post-traumatic stress disorder, child traumatic grief, distress following single incident traumas such as car accidents and natural disasters, child physical abuse and child sexual abuse.
It takes tremendous courage to acknowledge emotional and behavioral difficulties in yourself or a loved one. I provide a nurturing context that will help you to recognize strengths and resilience as well as obtain relief from your current stress, worries, past trauma, couples conflict, family-related issues or parenting problems. I am a seasoned clinician with experience working in community mental health, private practice, medical and educational settings. Your treatment will be tailored to your needs using my knowledge of effective treatment, cultural awareness and your preferences. Please call me to discuss how I may be helpful to you.
![Photo of Becky Wofford, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46f01474-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Many people come to counseling feeling stuck in certain behaviors, relational patterns, or emotional cycles, perhaps without even understanding why, or without hope of lasting change. My desire is to journey with you toward emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational wholeness. You may be facing a broken relationship, suffering from disordered eating or body image concerns, have a history of sexual abuse or trauma, be living with or recovering from a serious illness, or be experiencing depression or anxiety. There is hope!
Many people come to counseling feeling stuck in certain behaviors, relational patterns, or emotional cycles, perhaps without even understanding why, or without hope of lasting change. My desire is to journey with you toward emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational wholeness. You may be facing a broken relationship, suffering from disordered eating or body image concerns, have a history of sexual abuse or trauma, be living with or recovering from a serious illness, or be experiencing depression or anxiety. There is hope!
![Photo of Carol L Moore - Counseling Innovations, MA, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CHT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8a2ecd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Innovations
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30144
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.
![Photo of Counseling Services Of Atlanta - Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e9745ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Services of Atlanta
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30144
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
We treat: Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, relationship issues, Parenting, Divorce, Couples, Mood Disorders, Childhood abuse, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, PTSD, OCD, Loneliness, Grief, Eating disorders, Addiction (all forms), ADHD/ADD, Women's Issues, LGBT Issues, Men's Issues,Teen Issues, Bipolar, Play therapy/social skills for ages 3 and up, and Life coaching.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, and family therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, East Cobb, West Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
![Photo of Todd Rugg, LAPC, NCC, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d5d545d-7b6a-4fe4-9648-57eba4d13fd1/3/320x400.jpeg)
OPEN availability: Tuesdays 11:00 - 1:00 Thursdays 10:00 - 1:00. I would like to help anyone who feels frustrated with the state of their life. I have worked extensively with people suffering from trauma, especially domestic violence, and sexual trauma. I love working on Men's issues. During my practice, I found that Toxic Masculinity is maybe the biggest contributor to psychological issues in men. So, I started the only group for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Northern Georgia.
OPEN availability: Tuesdays 11:00 - 1:00 Thursdays 10:00 - 1:00. I would like to help anyone who feels frustrated with the state of their life. I have worked extensively with people suffering from trauma, especially domestic violence, and sexual trauma. I love working on Men's issues. During my practice, I found that Toxic Masculinity is maybe the biggest contributor to psychological issues in men. So, I started the only group for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse in Northern Georgia.
![Photo of Beverly Herndon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fd26628-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My experience includes working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse, and life transitions.
As a therapist, I believe that all of us can benefit from the use of help at times in managing the struggles brought on by the stresses of daily living, work or school, life transitions, grief, and past traumas. Therapy may also be the right choice when long-standing feelings of anxiety, unhappiness or shame have hindered you from living your best life. I focus on the whole person: physically, emotionally, mentally, sexually, and spiritually. It is my goal to join with you and together work towards healing and a more meaningful life.
My experience includes working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse, and life transitions.
As a therapist, I believe that all of us can benefit from the use of help at times in managing the struggles brought on by the stresses of daily living, work or school, life transitions, grief, and past traumas. Therapy may also be the right choice when long-standing feelings of anxiety, unhappiness or shame have hindered you from living your best life. I focus on the whole person: physically, emotionally, mentally, sexually, and spiritually. It is my goal to join with you and together work towards healing and a more meaningful life.
15 Second Videos
Brandon Browne
Joseph House
Kevin F. Daly
Michael Shorter
Lydia Walters
Orchard Human Services, Inc
![Photo of Roy A Blankenship | Csat| Emdr | Sex Addiction, LPC, LMFT, CSAT, EMDR, CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f563247-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Roy A Blankenship | Csat| Emdr | Sex Addiction
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT, CSAT, EMDR, CAADC
Verified Verified
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Sometimes, life becomes overwhelming or seemingly out of control resulting in anxiety, sadness, depression, confusion, anger, or irritability, along with a feeling of being powerless and without options. Factors may be related to work, marriage, parenting, financial stress, addiction, infidelity, symptoms of past traumatic experience(s), and many other things. Is your situation draining your energy or keeping you awake at night resulting in tiredness and fatigue? Is your situation affecting your life in negative ways? I have been helping people discover solutions to these kinds of problems for 25 years. Let me help you today!
Sometimes, life becomes overwhelming or seemingly out of control resulting in anxiety, sadness, depression, confusion, anger, or irritability, along with a feeling of being powerless and without options. Factors may be related to work, marriage, parenting, financial stress, addiction, infidelity, symptoms of past traumatic experience(s), and many other things. Is your situation draining your energy or keeping you awake at night resulting in tiredness and fatigue? Is your situation affecting your life in negative ways? I have been helping people discover solutions to these kinds of problems for 25 years. Let me help you today!
![Photo of Alexis Wright, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0bf55281-525c-4fe9-92c0-be2534f6157a/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a relationship therapist who loves helping couples and individuals discover how to have incredible relationships and satisfying sex. You will find a space that is safe and compassionate, where you will feel comfortable as you explore sensitive topics and discover unique solutions for your concerns. Together, we will work to build communication and conflict management skills, increase emotional connection with self and others, and deepen intimacy within your relationships. You will be encouraged as you explore your sexuality and discover solutions that will give you the knowledge, confidence, and wholeness that you desire.
I’m a relationship therapist who loves helping couples and individuals discover how to have incredible relationships and satisfying sex. You will find a space that is safe and compassionate, where you will feel comfortable as you explore sensitive topics and discover unique solutions for your concerns. Together, we will work to build communication and conflict management skills, increase emotional connection with self and others, and deepen intimacy within your relationships. You will be encouraged as you explore your sexuality and discover solutions that will give you the knowledge, confidence, and wholeness that you desire.
![Photo of Miriam Napolitano-Magaw, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e8f9a6e-efda-413d-b62f-d11bdd8fe3ec/2/320x400.jpeg)
Miriam Napolitano-Magaw
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30152
Waitlist for new clients
Are you looking to find resolution and inner peace? I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who want to improve their quality of life, find resolution with long-standing issues and current life challenges, and feel a sense of inner peace. By providing support with insight and honest, non-judgmental feedback I help clients address current challenges and long-standing issues. Together with the client I work to build one's strengths and achieve life goals.
Are you looking to find resolution and inner peace? I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families who want to improve their quality of life, find resolution with long-standing issues and current life challenges, and feel a sense of inner peace. By providing support with insight and honest, non-judgmental feedback I help clients address current challenges and long-standing issues. Together with the client I work to build one's strengths and achieve life goals.
![Photo of Ashley Albertson, MA, APC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1a7ad7d-e271-4613-983a-8d0ff15da029/2/320x400.jpeg)
While I have broad training as a generalist, I specialize in trauma and abuse, spirituality, relationships, and embodiment. I prioritize creating a safe, trusting, and hopeful environment. I believe in the dual powers of acceptance and constructive challenge, guiding individuals through their fears and challenges toward healing and restoration. Counseling is an opportunity for me to help others reduce pain, navigate life's complexities, and enhance their joy, purpose, and self-acceptance.
While I have broad training as a generalist, I specialize in trauma and abuse, spirituality, relationships, and embodiment. I prioritize creating a safe, trusting, and hopeful environment. I believe in the dual powers of acceptance and constructive challenge, guiding individuals through their fears and challenges toward healing and restoration. Counseling is an opportunity for me to help others reduce pain, navigate life's complexities, and enhance their joy, purpose, and self-acceptance.
![Photo of Kimberly A Hood, MA, LPC, CMHC, NCC, CTF-CBT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e987f2ec-c123-460a-8a6d-bd132c6e14a9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly A Hood
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CMHC, NCC, CTF-CBT
Verified Verified
Kennesaw, GA 30144 (Online Only)
Are you searching for a trauma therapist who can help you or your child heal from a traumatic or stressful life experience? If so, I may be the therapist for you. I provide evidenced-based trauma therapy, I’m fluent in Spanish, & I am a trauma survivor that can understand what it feels like to walk in your shoes. I have extensive clinical training on trauma & how it can impact a persons overall mental health & well-being. Toxic stress, flashbacks, panic attacks, self-limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, & difficulty managing big emotions are some of the trauma symptoms & reactions the clients I work with are facing & overcoming.
Are you searching for a trauma therapist who can help you or your child heal from a traumatic or stressful life experience? If so, I may be the therapist for you. I provide evidenced-based trauma therapy, I’m fluent in Spanish, & I am a trauma survivor that can understand what it feels like to walk in your shoes. I have extensive clinical training on trauma & how it can impact a persons overall mental health & well-being. Toxic stress, flashbacks, panic attacks, self-limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, & difficulty managing big emotions are some of the trauma symptoms & reactions the clients I work with are facing & overcoming.
![Photo of Willa Boston - Psychological Diagnostic Center, LLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f1a12f2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
The Psychological Diagnostic Center specializes exclusively in psychological assessments/evaluations for individuals age 2 to 99. PDC utilize widely-recognized and national standardized psychological tests to perform comprehensive evaluations that get you the answers and recommendations needed to get you back on track to living fully.
The Psychological Diagnostic Center specializes exclusively in psychological assessments/evaluations for individuals age 2 to 99. PDC utilize widely-recognized and national standardized psychological tests to perform comprehensive evaluations that get you the answers and recommendations needed to get you back on track to living fully.
![Photo of Brandon Browne, LPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c4c59d3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brandon Browne
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30144
I love what I do and it shows. I care about each and every one of you and will do all that I can do to help. I listen and find out what is important to you and then individually customize treatment as to best meet your goals. I use treatments that are shown to be the most effective according to research. I also draw on experience of what I have witnessed work the best. I look forward to speaking with you and assisting with accomplishing your goals.
I love what I do and it shows. I care about each and every one of you and will do all that I can do to help. I listen and find out what is important to you and then individually customize treatment as to best meet your goals. I use treatments that are shown to be the most effective according to research. I also draw on experience of what I have witnessed work the best. I look forward to speaking with you and assisting with accomplishing your goals.
![Photo of Crystal Favre, NCC, LPC, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e45aadd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Crystal Favre, LPC has helped hundreds of children, adolescents, adults and families recover, grow and take control of their lives. Sometimes all people need is the first step of recovering and finding balance. Others have goals they're struggling to reach because of obstacles in their way. In each case, Crystal takes a compassionate, patient approach to help each individual/family work out the steps they need to progress toward their goals regardless of the situation.
Crystal Favre, LPC has helped hundreds of children, adolescents, adults and families recover, grow and take control of their lives. Sometimes all people need is the first step of recovering and finding balance. Others have goals they're struggling to reach because of obstacles in their way. In each case, Crystal takes a compassionate, patient approach to help each individual/family work out the steps they need to progress toward their goals regardless of the situation.
![Photo of Priscilla Yates Conrad, MDiv, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46143eee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Priscilla Yates Conrad
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Relationships that are damaged or have ended can have you feeling isolated, hurt or disappointed. It's hard to pick up the pieces and make sense of what has happened to you. Crises can be devastating to the point of making it difficult for you to function. I will help you discover untapped resources and realize your life can be both fulfilling AND healthy. You CAN have meaningful relationships and learn to maintain them in healthy ways. Go to www.PriscillaCares.org. When you're ready to begin, call or email me.
Relationships that are damaged or have ended can have you feeling isolated, hurt or disappointed. It's hard to pick up the pieces and make sense of what has happened to you. Crises can be devastating to the point of making it difficult for you to function. I will help you discover untapped resources and realize your life can be both fulfilling AND healthy. You CAN have meaningful relationships and learn to maintain them in healthy ways. Go to www.PriscillaCares.org. When you're ready to begin, call or email me.
See more therapy options for Kennesaw
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Kennesaw
- Acworth
- Austell
- Cartersville
- Dallas
- Hiram
- Holly Springs
- Mableton
- Marietta
- Powder Springs
- Roswell
- Smyrna
- Woodstock
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.