Sexual Abuse Therapists in Woodside, NY
![Photo of Ariana T. Purnell, MS, MHC-LP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8318761-51ef-4540-ace2-d666121e59a6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I'm Ariana, a Mental Health Therapist and Clinical Psy.D Doctoral student. Welcome to the beginning of this beautiful journey of therapy! You are simply, a human, wanting freedom from past trauma, pain, and the daily stressors that threaten to take you down. I can relate in more ways than one and promise to be with you every step of the way. There will be challenging times, exhausting even. However, you deserve to live a life that is authentic, joy-filled, and open to receiving all of life's blessings. Don't doubt yourself, doubt your doubts. Be unapologetically you and you will experience a freedom that you've only dreamt of.
Hi! I'm Ariana, a Mental Health Therapist and Clinical Psy.D Doctoral student. Welcome to the beginning of this beautiful journey of therapy! You are simply, a human, wanting freedom from past trauma, pain, and the daily stressors that threaten to take you down. I can relate in more ways than one and promise to be with you every step of the way. There will be challenging times, exhausting even. However, you deserve to live a life that is authentic, joy-filled, and open to receiving all of life's blessings. Don't doubt yourself, doubt your doubts. Be unapologetically you and you will experience a freedom that you've only dreamt of.
![Photo of Dr. William Chum, LMHC, DBH, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89b94e7b-782c-4b61-9a94-eb8242d9446d/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a mental health researcher and expert in culture and identity conflicts, my therapy work starts with making space for your unique lived experiences, identities, and how you show up in your different worlds. I am trained in a range of evidence-based therapy techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I help my patients learn about themselves, explore issues that have led to emotional distress, and teach skills to manage the situations at hand. Therapy can involve exploring your past, present, and future challenges and pursuing an emotional growth to handle it all.
As a mental health researcher and expert in culture and identity conflicts, my therapy work starts with making space for your unique lived experiences, identities, and how you show up in your different worlds. I am trained in a range of evidence-based therapy techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I help my patients learn about themselves, explore issues that have led to emotional distress, and teach skills to manage the situations at hand. Therapy can involve exploring your past, present, and future challenges and pursuing an emotional growth to handle it all.
![Photo of Dr. Juan-David Rivera-Del Valle, LCSW, DSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ca02982-e7e8-4486-9744-9392f81e6f30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Juan-David Rivera-Del Valle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, DSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Woodside, NY 11377 (Online Only)
Like many people as of late, you might be reevaluating life. If you came across this page, you're probably looking for an experienced, trained professional to help you process your thoughts and feelings. Now more than ever, people are seeking therapy. Time is valuable. Therapy is an investment of your time and resources in you. Your unique life experiences, cultures, sexuality, and gender identities are just a few of the components that intersect to make you, well, you. Together, we can explore how these intersecting identities and your cognitive-behavioral patterns come together to create your experience and your life.
Like many people as of late, you might be reevaluating life. If you came across this page, you're probably looking for an experienced, trained professional to help you process your thoughts and feelings. Now more than ever, people are seeking therapy. Time is valuable. Therapy is an investment of your time and resources in you. Your unique life experiences, cultures, sexuality, and gender identities are just a few of the components that intersect to make you, well, you. Together, we can explore how these intersecting identities and your cognitive-behavioral patterns come together to create your experience and your life.
![Photo of Sneha Patel, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0634d695-5c6a-4717-b15e-0df0b4761522/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed psychotherapist who works with individuals, adolescents, families, and couples treating a broad range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, identity and relationship concerns. I integrate elements of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, as well as psychodynamic and mindfulness techniques to help you gain awareness and autonomy over your day to day functioning.
I am a licensed psychotherapist who works with individuals, adolescents, families, and couples treating a broad range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, identity and relationship concerns. I integrate elements of evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, as well as psychodynamic and mindfulness techniques to help you gain awareness and autonomy over your day to day functioning.
![Photo of Michell Lubeth, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33edb224-c884-402a-b91e-7076b99d9537/2/320x400.png)
Michell Lubeth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Woodside, NY 11377 (Online Only)
I see clients for anxiety, depression, anger management, obsessive-compulsive disorder, worry, substance use, behavioral and relationship issues. I create a calm, welcoming and comfortable environment for my clients. I engage with my clients and create a therapeutic environment which encourages them to share their feelings and thoughts openly. I also collaborate with my clients in creating treatment plans specific to each client's needs.
I see clients for anxiety, depression, anger management, obsessive-compulsive disorder, worry, substance use, behavioral and relationship issues. I create a calm, welcoming and comfortable environment for my clients. I engage with my clients and create a therapeutic environment which encourages them to share their feelings and thoughts openly. I also collaborate with my clients in creating treatment plans specific to each client's needs.
![Photo of Nicole Sanchez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fdc465d6-d208-4e07-97d1-6f2991476809/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicole Sanchez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodside, NY 11377 (Online Only)
I specialize in providing integrated EMDR to LGBTQ+ youth and adults, who are struggling with complex trauma and feeling disturbed by painful past experiences. They most often feel like they are a burden, incompetent or often find themselves endlessly ruminating over worst case scenarios. Therapy is initiated when they realize that they are ready to stop spiraling and begin experiencing a sense of grounding and connection. There has been an acknowledgement that they do not have to stay stuck. Their desire to feel confident, secure, and live authentically outweighs the fear to work through their pain.
I specialize in providing integrated EMDR to LGBTQ+ youth and adults, who are struggling with complex trauma and feeling disturbed by painful past experiences. They most often feel like they are a burden, incompetent or often find themselves endlessly ruminating over worst case scenarios. Therapy is initiated when they realize that they are ready to stop spiraling and begin experiencing a sense of grounding and connection. There has been an acknowledgement that they do not have to stay stuck. Their desire to feel confident, secure, and live authentically outweighs the fear to work through their pain.
![Photo of Keith Fadelici, LCSW-R, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d44c514-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Keith Fadelici
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, CGP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodside, NY 11377 (Online Only)
I believe in the ability of people to heal from difficult events and to make positive changes in their lives. Therapy (individual, group, couples) needs to be a safe place where a client can feel supported in addressing their issues. I have seen how a psychotherapeutic relationship, in combination with other relationships in the client's life, can aid in those processes of healing and self-change. As a therapist I offer insight and other assistance where helpful but the focus remains on the client, the client's experience and the meanings that she/he/they draw from that experience.
I believe in the ability of people to heal from difficult events and to make positive changes in their lives. Therapy (individual, group, couples) needs to be a safe place where a client can feel supported in addressing their issues. I have seen how a psychotherapeutic relationship, in combination with other relationships in the client's life, can aid in those processes of healing and self-change. As a therapist I offer insight and other assistance where helpful but the focus remains on the client, the client's experience and the meanings that she/he/they draw from that experience.
![Photo of Bianca Hormaza Pesola, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/447110ed-b92a-468c-b89e-148a288c409f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bianca Hormaza Pesola
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodside, NY 11377 (Online Only)
I have over nine years of direct practice experience in the field of mental health. I am committed to helping children, adolescents, and adults achieve mental wellness and overcome challenges in their lives. I have honed my skills in providing evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral difficulties to gain awareness and autonomy. We will discuss your feelings, examine behavioral patterns, and life events that impact your current functioning and enhance your inner resources to achieve your goals.
I have over nine years of direct practice experience in the field of mental health. I am committed to helping children, adolescents, and adults achieve mental wellness and overcome challenges in their lives. I have honed my skills in providing evidence-based interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral difficulties to gain awareness and autonomy. We will discuss your feelings, examine behavioral patterns, and life events that impact your current functioning and enhance your inner resources to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Rezowana K. Linta, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d23052b8-28b9-4335-9d8c-bf0296c4afa6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Taking this step in pursuing therapy to honor yourself and your journey of personal growth is to be commended! You are the expert of your own lived experience and together we will create a personalized and transformative plan to place you on the path toward increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and change. Using trauma-informed therapy, I specialize in providing individual/group counseling to survivors of Gender-Based Violence. In addition I have experience working with at-risk adolescent and the LGBTQ population. As a first-generation immigrant and a woman of color, I am particularly interested in empowering all individuals.
Taking this step in pursuing therapy to honor yourself and your journey of personal growth is to be commended! You are the expert of your own lived experience and together we will create a personalized and transformative plan to place you on the path toward increased self-awareness, self-compassion, and change. Using trauma-informed therapy, I specialize in providing individual/group counseling to survivors of Gender-Based Violence. In addition I have experience working with at-risk adolescent and the LGBTQ population. As a first-generation immigrant and a woman of color, I am particularly interested in empowering all individuals.
![Photo of Patricio Destvet - A Center at Western Queens, LMHC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b9ee5fe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our Center is a Community Based Facility oriented to serve families and individuals. Our Director, Patricio Destvet, has over twenty years providing services for our community. We provide treatment for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness,domestic violence, and family problems. We also treat children with school problems, ADHD/ADD, ODD,learning and behavior problems. In the case of children and adolescents, we always provide parenting counseling. We do provide services to couples or families. Hours Monday to Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9:30 am to 6 pm
Our Center is a Community Based Facility oriented to serve families and individuals. Our Director, Patricio Destvet, has over twenty years providing services for our community. We provide treatment for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, chronic illness,domestic violence, and family problems. We also treat children with school problems, ADHD/ADD, ODD,learning and behavior problems. In the case of children and adolescents, we always provide parenting counseling. We do provide services to couples or families. Hours Monday to Friday 9 am to 9 pm Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday 9:30 am to 6 pm
![Photo of Javier M. Matos, LCSW, CASAC-2, PC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/495f63f6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Javier M. Matos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASAC-2, PC
Verified Verified
Woodside, NY 11377
My practice provides the finest quality of therapeutic services to a diverse range of clients without any type of discrimination. Together we can develop strong coping skills in dealing with your drug addiction/ alcoholism problems. To overcome your traumas related to physical, emotional, sexual or religious abuse. To brake away from the debilitating effects of depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks and recover the control of your life. We can create a safe place for you to share your deepest fears, concerns and good moments. When dealing with your kids/adolescents, they will want to come to therapy willingly.
My practice provides the finest quality of therapeutic services to a diverse range of clients without any type of discrimination. Together we can develop strong coping skills in dealing with your drug addiction/ alcoholism problems. To overcome your traumas related to physical, emotional, sexual or religious abuse. To brake away from the debilitating effects of depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks and recover the control of your life. We can create a safe place for you to share your deepest fears, concerns and good moments. When dealing with your kids/adolescents, they will want to come to therapy willingly.
![Photo of Maia Dioses, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f56ed56-6dbe-46f1-b31f-79496037da60/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! My goal for our therapeutic relationship is for you to feel heard, safe and welcome. Creating a safe space where you can feel comfortable with developing your journey to work on persisting barriers, reconnecting with your inner strengths and embracing your present and your future with regained confidence. I believe we can work collaboratively through short or long-term treatment interventions towards your goals. I have experience working with depression, grief, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, relationship conflict and LGBTQIA+ challenges.
Hi there! My goal for our therapeutic relationship is for you to feel heard, safe and welcome. Creating a safe space where you can feel comfortable with developing your journey to work on persisting barriers, reconnecting with your inner strengths and embracing your present and your future with regained confidence. I believe we can work collaboratively through short or long-term treatment interventions towards your goals. I have experience working with depression, grief, trauma, anxiety, PTSD, relationship conflict and LGBTQIA+ challenges.
![Photo of Alba Ureña, LMHC , RYT-200, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b6e6742-162e-4f91-bf8a-ef6de74960c5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I believe in viewing individuals as a whole and guiding them with evidence-based, strength-focused approaches to foster self-awareness and encourage positive change. My passion is helping others rediscover their potential, overcome barriers, and reestablish their lives. With specialized training in trauma-informed yoga (RYT-200) and mindfulness, I use these tools to when needed to enhance my counseling practice. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for healing and growth, welcoming individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I believe in viewing individuals as a whole and guiding them with evidence-based, strength-focused approaches to foster self-awareness and encourage positive change. My passion is helping others rediscover their potential, overcome barriers, and reestablish their lives. With specialized training in trauma-informed yoga (RYT-200) and mindfulness, I use these tools to when needed to enhance my counseling practice. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for healing and growth, welcoming individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
![Photo of Stephanie Tolli-Abraham - Integral Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, CASAC, LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83b35794-5ac0-4bc5-ad38-70e607beefac/3/320x400.jpeg)
Integral Mental Health Counseling
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CASAC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodside, NY 11377
We are a private psychotherapy practice in Corona, Queens. We have extensive experience successfully assessing, counseling and supporting varying client populations in multiple settings, We have multiple bilingual specialized professionals for your service and care. We specialize in all types of psychological disorders, ADHD, ADD, ODD, Depression, Anxiety to name a few. We provide parenting classes, marriage counseling, psychotherapy for adolescents, group family therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, play therapy for children, students with academic and behavioral problems, response prevention and more.
We are a private psychotherapy practice in Corona, Queens. We have extensive experience successfully assessing, counseling and supporting varying client populations in multiple settings, We have multiple bilingual specialized professionals for your service and care. We specialize in all types of psychological disorders, ADHD, ADD, ODD, Depression, Anxiety to name a few. We provide parenting classes, marriage counseling, psychotherapy for adolescents, group family therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, play therapy for children, students with academic and behavioral problems, response prevention and more.
![Photo of Stephanie Tolli-Abraham, MSEd, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7031241f-d913-44c9-9a31-360e4d868442/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Tolli-Abraham
Counselor, MSEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
Woodside, NY 11377
Not accepting new clients
Taking the initial step towards mental health self-care & counseling is a courageous act. We sometimes neglect our emotional & mental well-being, which happens to be the foundation of our physical self. With over six years of experience in narrative psychology and a client-centered approach, my initial goal is to make you comfortable to share your story from the minute you step into my office.
Taking the initial step towards mental health self-care & counseling is a courageous act. We sometimes neglect our emotional & mental well-being, which happens to be the foundation of our physical self. With over six years of experience in narrative psychology and a client-centered approach, my initial goal is to make you comfortable to share your story from the minute you step into my office.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jessica Hazard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ab9e91c-201f-4f76-aeaa-5d5d850249df/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Hazard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Long Island City, NY 11101 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with young people with trauma or complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and I have worked with many who have experienced sexual exploitation, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and familial abuse.
I am a caring, eclectic, and nonjudgmental therapist who specializes in working with adolescents, ages 12-24. I come from a place of empowerment and am trained in CBT, DBT, talk therapy, motivational interviewing, and superhero therapy. I am also in the process of getting certified in TF-CBT. I start where the person I am working with is and get to know them! I try different things with clients and see what they like and don't like, and we go from there. I don't believe therapy is one-size-fits-all. I love helping young people work toward their goals and feel better about themselves!
I specialize in working with young people with trauma or complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and I have worked with many who have experienced sexual exploitation, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and familial abuse.
I am a caring, eclectic, and nonjudgmental therapist who specializes in working with adolescents, ages 12-24. I come from a place of empowerment and am trained in CBT, DBT, talk therapy, motivational interviewing, and superhero therapy. I am also in the process of getting certified in TF-CBT. I start where the person I am working with is and get to know them! I try different things with clients and see what they like and don't like, and we go from there. I don't believe therapy is one-size-fits-all. I love helping young people work toward their goals and feel better about themselves!
![Photo of Kylie Cunningham - Kylie Cunningham, Firefly Therapy, LMSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ea1d36f-648e-45ba-95a8-997ed29b99c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kylie Cunningham, Firefly Therapy
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Rego Park, NY 11374 (Online Only)
I offer individual and group sessions, including a group for adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
I am so happy you are here! Seeking support can be intimidating, but it is an integral step in your healing journey. I believe in the importance of a collaborative therapeutic relationship and act as a partner to individuals seeking to heal from past experiences, process difficult emotions, and create a life full of joy and purpose. I will work alongside my clients to tailor unique interventions to meet their specific needs while fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery.
I offer individual and group sessions, including a group for adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
I am so happy you are here! Seeking support can be intimidating, but it is an integral step in your healing journey. I believe in the importance of a collaborative therapeutic relationship and act as a partner to individuals seeking to heal from past experiences, process difficult emotions, and create a life full of joy and purpose. I will work alongside my clients to tailor unique interventions to meet their specific needs while fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery.
![Photo of Elizabeth J. Carroll, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb841332-0ae9-4b75-ac4e-ee523843414b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for considering me as your therapist! I'm a warm and relational provider who specializes in working with emerging adults, high-achieving women, members of the LGBT+ community, anxiety and depression, a history of sexual abuse or sexual trauma, current or historical family conflict, and relationship exploration. I also do work with couples seeking to learn how to better understand their relationship, communicate in healthier ways with each other, and build more emotional intimacy.
Thank you for considering me as your therapist! I'm a warm and relational provider who specializes in working with emerging adults, high-achieving women, members of the LGBT+ community, anxiety and depression, a history of sexual abuse or sexual trauma, current or historical family conflict, and relationship exploration. I also do work with couples seeking to learn how to better understand their relationship, communicate in healthier ways with each other, and build more emotional intimacy.
![Photo of Molly G. Simmons Brusick, LCAT, ATR-BC, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8956b0e2-6ca8-4184-955f-efae83b4f6af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Molly G. Simmons Brusick
Art Therapist, LCAT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Molly specializes in depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, PTSD, and sexual abuse.
Molly is an art therapist that practices with a person-centered approach with an emphasis on empathy, compassion, and genuineness. She seeks to promote creative expression and well-being through art therapy, but is able to work with clients who are seeking psychotherapy or working with a combination of both. Knowing that creating art can be intimidating, she creates a safe space for those who desire to express themselves in a non-verbal way. Molly focuses on building a trusting relationship with her clients and believes that establishing a meaningful relationship is most important in the healing process.
Molly specializes in depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, PTSD, and sexual abuse.
Molly is an art therapist that practices with a person-centered approach with an emphasis on empathy, compassion, and genuineness. She seeks to promote creative expression and well-being through art therapy, but is able to work with clients who are seeking psychotherapy or working with a combination of both. Knowing that creating art can be intimidating, she creates a safe space for those who desire to express themselves in a non-verbal way. Molly focuses on building a trusting relationship with her clients and believes that establishing a meaningful relationship is most important in the healing process.
![Photo of Pamela Ann Kirsch, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/80c90ae1-f51c-44b3-97f4-98721d3e63d9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela Ann Kirsch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Online Only)
I earned my master’s degree in social work from Columbia University where I focused on clinical practice and contemporary social issues. I follow an anti-oppressive framework and apply a strength based and client-centered approach to my work with survivors of sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. I have extensive experience providing crisis support and on-going counseling to patients who identify as LGBTQIA or HIV-affected and have been impacted by violence and/or struggle with depression, anxiety or PTSD. In practice, I use a combination of trauma informed care and cognitive behavioral therapy.
I earned my master’s degree in social work from Columbia University where I focused on clinical practice and contemporary social issues. I follow an anti-oppressive framework and apply a strength based and client-centered approach to my work with survivors of sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. I have extensive experience providing crisis support and on-going counseling to patients who identify as LGBTQIA or HIV-affected and have been impacted by violence and/or struggle with depression, anxiety or PTSD. In practice, I use a combination of trauma informed care and cognitive behavioral therapy.
See more therapy options for Woodside
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Woodside
- Astoria
- Corona
- East Elmhurst
- Elmhurst
- Forest Hills
- Jackson Heights
- Long Island City
- Maspeth
- Middle Village
- Rego Park
- Ridgewood
- Sunnyside
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.