Sexual Abuse Therapists in Illinois
![Photo of Clair Miller, MA, NCC, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a921f6e5-6e32-46f9-a7e8-bb92b64c60a6/3/320x400.jpeg)
There is hope and healing; even though it might not feel like it. I have experience working with children, teens, and young adults dealing with everything from anxiety and relationship issues to trauma and sexual abuse. It would be a privilege to work with you or your child towards healing, tailoring the counseling process to best fit your needs.
There is hope and healing; even though it might not feel like it. I have experience working with children, teens, and young adults dealing with everything from anxiety and relationship issues to trauma and sexual abuse. It would be a privilege to work with you or your child towards healing, tailoring the counseling process to best fit your needs.
![Photo of Gail Grossman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d94848d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping children and families develop new strategies and coping skills to work through difficult life transitions and overcome emotional and behavioral problems that impede ideal functioning. My expertise is in working with families dealing with sexual abuse and divorce issues. I provide individual and group support for children and adults navigating through the painful process of coping with these issues. Utilizing a family systems approach, I have a collaborative and interactive style and focus on each individual's assets and problem solving strengths. I have worked extensively with the judicial system providing evaluation, mediation,and parenting plans.
I specialize in helping children and families develop new strategies and coping skills to work through difficult life transitions and overcome emotional and behavioral problems that impede ideal functioning. My expertise is in working with families dealing with sexual abuse and divorce issues. I provide individual and group support for children and adults navigating through the painful process of coping with these issues. Utilizing a family systems approach, I have a collaborative and interactive style and focus on each individual's assets and problem solving strengths. I have worked extensively with the judicial system providing evaluation, mediation,and parenting plans.
![Photo of Kathleen Hundt Terzinski, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/467003fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
EMDR provides the foundation on which I help victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, those overcome with guilt or shame witnesses of horrific crimes, and a host of other traumatic experiences.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor and a fully trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist . I received my Master of Arts/Science degree from Roosevelt University. I specialize in Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),anxiety, depression, addictions, fears, guilt and a range of life adjustment issues. I work with individuals to help make sense of the past to understand and neutralize the negative influence it has on present functioning and relationships. By clearing up the "debri" from the past, we can fully focus on being our best in the present and future.
EMDR provides the foundation on which I help victims of child abuse, sexual abuse, those overcome with guilt or shame witnesses of horrific crimes, and a host of other traumatic experiences.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), National Certified Counselor and a fully trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist . I received my Master of Arts/Science degree from Roosevelt University. I specialize in Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),anxiety, depression, addictions, fears, guilt and a range of life adjustment issues. I work with individuals to help make sense of the past to understand and neutralize the negative influence it has on present functioning and relationships. By clearing up the "debri" from the past, we can fully focus on being our best in the present and future.
![Photo of Amanda Aguilera, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12b37aaa-eb4e-480e-84df-458fde9319f8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Aguilera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I specialize in sexual abuse, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, post-partum depression, racial identity, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+, relationships/ attachment, and other issues.
It is essential to look at past relationships and experiences to work through what is bringing you into therapy now, including relationship issues, difficulty pinpointing or expressing emotions, or experiencing distressing symptoms. Our experiences from the past shape how we view the world, engage with others, and often speak to how we feel about ourselves.
I specialize in sexual abuse, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, post-partum depression, racial identity, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+, relationships/ attachment, and other issues.
It is essential to look at past relationships and experiences to work through what is bringing you into therapy now, including relationship issues, difficulty pinpointing or expressing emotions, or experiencing distressing symptoms. Our experiences from the past shape how we view the world, engage with others, and often speak to how we feel about ourselves.
![Photo of Rachel Bunyard, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9954c653-fc6b-4f5c-b95c-0e6e868d7107/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Bunyard is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPC) and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and want to improve their coping skills and overall mental health. Emotional and psychological trauma can make you feel helpless and Rachel is here to help you find hope and heal from your trauma. She has worked with clients with a wide range of life challenges such as sexual assault, sexual violence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, personality disorders, Executive Functioning Disorders, and others,
Rachel Bunyard is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPC) and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and want to improve their coping skills and overall mental health. Emotional and psychological trauma can make you feel helpless and Rachel is here to help you find hope and heal from your trauma. She has worked with clients with a wide range of life challenges such as sexual assault, sexual violence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm, personality disorders, Executive Functioning Disorders, and others,
![Photo of Kelsey Gao, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf666a0f-ed0f-465c-81aa-1a01b4330a0f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm drawn to working with individuals who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse, sexual abuse or domestic violence. Oftentimes, those who have endured these types of traumas end up struggling with setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships. I’m also passionate about working with people who are religious/spiritual or who feel their religion/spirituality may have been affected by trauma. I enjoy working with mothers to help navigate the identity shift as well as manage past childhood traumas that may come to the forefront as a result of having children.
I'm drawn to working with individuals who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse, sexual abuse or domestic violence. Oftentimes, those who have endured these types of traumas end up struggling with setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships. I’m also passionate about working with people who are religious/spiritual or who feel their religion/spirituality may have been affected by trauma. I enjoy working with mothers to help navigate the identity shift as well as manage past childhood traumas that may come to the forefront as a result of having children.
![Photo of Morgan Vance, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ade68a52-c3da-4e8b-b578-0d6d387106d9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Morgan Vance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
Waitlist for new clients
My practice focus and experience includes survivors of sexual abuse and assault, domestic violence, medical trauma and other traumas, anxiety and depression, attachment and grief and loss.
The decision to begin therapy is a big one, and often filled with a range of emotions and questions. There are many paths a therapeutic process can take in moving toward healing, processing painful issues, and working toward positive, integrated change. Each person enters therapy with specific individual challenges and goals for treatment. I work from a perspective of respect for my clients and utilize an eclectic, collaborative treatment approach based on your individual needs. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment that will enable us to work collaboratively and objectively toward those goals.
My practice focus and experience includes survivors of sexual abuse and assault, domestic violence, medical trauma and other traumas, anxiety and depression, attachment and grief and loss.
The decision to begin therapy is a big one, and often filled with a range of emotions and questions. There are many paths a therapeutic process can take in moving toward healing, processing painful issues, and working toward positive, integrated change. Each person enters therapy with specific individual challenges and goals for treatment. I work from a perspective of respect for my clients and utilize an eclectic, collaborative treatment approach based on your individual needs. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment that will enable us to work collaboratively and objectively toward those goals.
![Photo of Kimberly J Malczynski, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46bd6569-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I also specialize in trauma such as domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse.
I want to assist you in uncovering your true potential that allows you to lead a life that is worth celebrating. We cannot change difficult situations in the past, but we can work together to better understand and resolve these obstacles. We can work together to help you change relationships, behavior patterns, or negative outlook that may hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life. If you are looking for support and guidance or you are ready to make changes in your life, I can help you work toward achieving your goals.
I also specialize in trauma such as domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse.
I want to assist you in uncovering your true potential that allows you to lead a life that is worth celebrating. We cannot change difficult situations in the past, but we can work together to better understand and resolve these obstacles. We can work together to help you change relationships, behavior patterns, or negative outlook that may hold you back from experiencing a fulfilling and meaningful life. If you are looking for support and guidance or you are ready to make changes in your life, I can help you work toward achieving your goals.
![Photo of Michelle A Gilliard, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96a9c2ab-3cbe-4475-af6c-05500448465d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle A Gilliard
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60605 (Online Only)
My research and treatment has a heavy emphasis on childhood sexual abuse and trauma within the African American community.
Hello! Therapy should be a safe space in which you are able to be transparent, vulnerable and the driver to the change you would like to see in your life. As an experienced clinician, I am dedicated to collaborating with you to heal from past relationships, understand, recognize and heal from trauma and remove the barriers that may be negatively impacting your progress.
My research and treatment has a heavy emphasis on childhood sexual abuse and trauma within the African American community.
Hello! Therapy should be a safe space in which you are able to be transparent, vulnerable and the driver to the change you would like to see in your life. As an experienced clinician, I am dedicated to collaborating with you to heal from past relationships, understand, recognize and heal from trauma and remove the barriers that may be negatively impacting your progress.
![Photo of Lonnie Joy Sommer, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72ff6bf7-31f4-462b-bcbc-7228a06eb959/1/320x400.png)
Lonnie Joy Sommer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Inverness, IL 60067
A sister, daughter, wife, and mother to three incredible humans of differing needs and identities, I have experience beyond my practice years with anxiety, depression, autism, attention deficit, interpersonal violence, and sexual abuse.
My mission is to create a safe, calm, inclusive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic space. As an embodied listener, I am honored to hold others’ stories in confidence and help uncover their deeply held understanding and expertise of their lives from a strengths-based perspective. I am exceptionally awed at the incremental freedom that comes from engaging stories of harm, trauma, and abuse. The beauty freedom produces led me to seek certification in narrative-focused trauma therapy.
A sister, daughter, wife, and mother to three incredible humans of differing needs and identities, I have experience beyond my practice years with anxiety, depression, autism, attention deficit, interpersonal violence, and sexual abuse.
My mission is to create a safe, calm, inclusive, and nonjudgmental therapeutic space. As an embodied listener, I am honored to hold others’ stories in confidence and help uncover their deeply held understanding and expertise of their lives from a strengths-based perspective. I am exceptionally awed at the incremental freedom that comes from engaging stories of harm, trauma, and abuse. The beauty freedom produces led me to seek certification in narrative-focused trauma therapy.
![Photo of Shawnte Jenkins-Alexander - Shawnte Jenkins-Alexander, Ed.D., LCPC, Ltd., EdD, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e87ab71-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shawnte Jenkins-Alexander, Ed.D., LCPC, Ltd.
Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Do you ever feel like the support of your family and friends is not enough? You don't have to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder to benefit from therapy. Many people turn to therapy for help with everyday life issues: relationship problems, anxiety, and self-doubt. Others seek therapy during difficult times such as sexual abuse and grief. In order to reap the benefits of therapy it's important that you choose the right therapist- someone you can trust, who makes you feel valued with the experience to help you overcome emotional challenges and make changes for the better in your life.
Do you ever feel like the support of your family and friends is not enough? You don't have to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder to benefit from therapy. Many people turn to therapy for help with everyday life issues: relationship problems, anxiety, and self-doubt. Others seek therapy during difficult times such as sexual abuse and grief. In order to reap the benefits of therapy it's important that you choose the right therapist- someone you can trust, who makes you feel valued with the experience to help you overcome emotional challenges and make changes for the better in your life.
15 Second Videos
Kathleen Hundt Terzinski
Amanda Aguilera
Anna Poss
Maryellen Armour
Connor McInerney
Sarah Cheung
Chelsea Davis
Susan Pauna, MS, LCPC
Joselyn C Woodson
Felix K Deiss
Cynthia M Stafford
Jada Choate
Keisha J. Mathew
Susan M. Stutzman
Kaitlin Skog
Kate Hoffower
Theresa M McCrillis
Lindabeth Rivera
Jinnie Kwon Cristerna
Celina Huerta
Wolf Pack Therapy
Marshelle Hood
Haley Lochan
Annie Novotny
Sarah Bedell
Patrick Sobol
Meg Fell
Megan R Garza
Jessica Heise
Shane L. Tytenicz
Drew Singeisen
Olga Konyakova
Alexandria E Poe
Kasandra Sapp
Holly Chuang
Celia Kokoris
Deborah Dettman
Nikki Diaz
Jo Flannery
Catharine M Devlin
Lorena Maposito
Pamela S Allen
Carolyn Alter
Sydney Rinehart
Willis Counseling and Consulting
Madeline McDonnell
Nancy Robin Krtek
Jessica York
Daniel Campos
Ashley Barba
![Photo of Susan Zeigler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4988023b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am particularly attuned to individuals from the LGBTQ community, persons who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence, and persons living with HIV/AIDS or other chronic or life-threatening diseases.
I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.
I am particularly attuned to individuals from the LGBTQ community, persons who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence, and persons living with HIV/AIDS or other chronic or life-threatening diseases.
I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.
![Photo of Cheryl Stampley, PhD, LCSW, RN ret, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1de8a9e2-b771-4772-8a51-c73d6edbc8de/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cheryl Stampley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, RN ret
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Joliet, IL 60435
Welcome! I am excited to share my passion and expertise working with college students, mid-life through geriatric age, professionals working in academic settings, and couples. My knowledge and understanding of diversity, inclusiveness, and equality are readily incorporated into my therapeutic practice. I work with individuals struggling with PTSD, anxiety/depression, grief & loss, mood disorders, chronic emotional illness, addiction/chemical substances, chronic pain, eating disorders, sexual abuse/trauma, and sleep disturbances. I also enjoy working with biracial / multicultural folx and parents with biracial kids.
Welcome! I am excited to share my passion and expertise working with college students, mid-life through geriatric age, professionals working in academic settings, and couples. My knowledge and understanding of diversity, inclusiveness, and equality are readily incorporated into my therapeutic practice. I work with individuals struggling with PTSD, anxiety/depression, grief & loss, mood disorders, chronic emotional illness, addiction/chemical substances, chronic pain, eating disorders, sexual abuse/trauma, and sleep disturbances. I also enjoy working with biracial / multicultural folx and parents with biracial kids.
![Photo of Breanna Todd, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e7b39ea3-d1c4-429b-b176-a6dfcfedcc85/2/320x400.jpeg)
Breanna Todd
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Wheaton, IL 60187
Waitlist for new clients
I have a passion for working with those struggling with incidents of domestic violence, incidents of sexual assault, anxiety, complex trauma/PTSD, relationship and attachment struggles, and sexual identity/expression struggles.
Hi! My name is Breanna Todd, and I am an experienced trauma therapist and EMDR practitioner, who wholeheartedly believes in therapy being a very human experience. I want to be a partner with you in this healing process, and I am passionate about meeting each and every client exactly where they are. I want clients to feel safe, respected, and authentically cared for in the presence of their therapist. I fully believe that healing is possible when the therapeutic process is tailored to you, and your mind, body, and soul are being honored.
I have a passion for working with those struggling with incidents of domestic violence, incidents of sexual assault, anxiety, complex trauma/PTSD, relationship and attachment struggles, and sexual identity/expression struggles.
Hi! My name is Breanna Todd, and I am an experienced trauma therapist and EMDR practitioner, who wholeheartedly believes in therapy being a very human experience. I want to be a partner with you in this healing process, and I am passionate about meeting each and every client exactly where they are. I want clients to feel safe, respected, and authentically cared for in the presence of their therapist. I fully believe that healing is possible when the therapeutic process is tailored to you, and your mind, body, and soul are being honored.
![Photo of Judith C. Wherley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92ad2501-841b-4361-bc15-93809bb1ba17/1/320x400.jpeg)
Judith C. Wherley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Villa Park, IL 60181 (Online Only)
I have years of specialized training in the treatment of addiction, codependency, sexual assault and other trauma.
Healing happens in relationships. I value compassion, empathy and trust. My office is a safe and nonjudgmental space. My goal is to empower you as you walk through the difficult times in your life. There is no time like the present to begin or renew the journey.
I have years of specialized training in the treatment of addiction, codependency, sexual assault and other trauma.
Healing happens in relationships. I value compassion, empathy and trust. My office is a safe and nonjudgmental space. My goal is to empower you as you walk through the difficult times in your life. There is no time like the present to begin or renew the journey.
![Photo of Logan Chambers, MA, NCC, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52db39bd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise are with clients who have experienced trauma; including sexual assault, religious trauma, and familial trauma.
Healing can be both incredibly painful and incredibly liberating. Handling trauma and life's challenges alone can be overwhelming, fostering feelings of isolation. I am dedicated to reminding my clients that they are not alone in their therapeutic pursuit. No one should have to heal alone. My focus is on helping those who have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma, and identify as LGBTQ, providing them with a compassionate space to be heard. You are worthy of healing and self-compassion
My areas of expertise are with clients who have experienced trauma; including sexual assault, religious trauma, and familial trauma.
Healing can be both incredibly painful and incredibly liberating. Handling trauma and life's challenges alone can be overwhelming, fostering feelings of isolation. I am dedicated to reminding my clients that they are not alone in their therapeutic pursuit. No one should have to heal alone. My focus is on helping those who have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma, and identify as LGBTQ, providing them with a compassionate space to be heard. You are worthy of healing and self-compassion
![Photo of Elizabeth Diaz, AM, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6571bee9-cd71-42de-b0c9-e4aa7a927d54/3/320x400.jpeg)
Currently have a waitlist of 2-3 months. I specialize in treating individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety (including performance anxiety), depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). I have experience working with individuals who have experienced or been witness to severe trauma including sexual abuse, childhood abuse, traumatic loss, birth trauma, loss of a parent, etc. Additionally, I am trained in working with individuals who have adjustment disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and developmental disabilities and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.
Currently have a waitlist of 2-3 months. I specialize in treating individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety (including performance anxiety), depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). I have experience working with individuals who have experienced or been witness to severe trauma including sexual abuse, childhood abuse, traumatic loss, birth trauma, loss of a parent, etc. Additionally, I am trained in working with individuals who have adjustment disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and developmental disabilities and disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.
![Photo of Stephanie Weir, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e82601a3-1c4f-479d-b51d-04ed15aac233/2/320x400.png)
As a skilled and compassionate therapist, I specialize in working with persons having experienced trauma, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, offering a safe place for individuals to heal and rediscover their strength. With many years of experience in the field, I have committed myself to supporting survivors on their path towards healing and empowerment.
As a skilled and compassionate therapist, I specialize in working with persons having experienced trauma, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, offering a safe place for individuals to heal and rediscover their strength. With many years of experience in the field, I have committed myself to supporting survivors on their path towards healing and empowerment.
![Photo of Kamita Clark](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51fdd6fa-56bf-4cac-a751-b70d75271656/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have assisted individuals with overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, identity issues, depression, sexual offenses, and complex grief.
My goal is to meet you where you are on your journey to wellness, and take you where you want to be. I create opportunities to express your narrative in a safe space, in a manner that is conducive to your well-being. I provide an inclusive judgment-free space regardless of background or identification. I help individuals gain insight into their own decisions, patterns of outcomes. I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing a life transition or difficulty adjusting to change. Current clients describe my approach as warm, validating, and intentional.
I have assisted individuals with overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, identity issues, depression, sexual offenses, and complex grief.
My goal is to meet you where you are on your journey to wellness, and take you where you want to be. I create opportunities to express your narrative in a safe space, in a manner that is conducive to your well-being. I provide an inclusive judgment-free space regardless of background or identification. I help individuals gain insight into their own decisions, patterns of outcomes. I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing a life transition or difficulty adjusting to change. Current clients describe my approach as warm, validating, and intentional.
![Photo of Heidi Yeung, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9be4795-3136-4903-8076-ff34a5c82109/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! If you’re looking for a practical, affirming, and person-centered approach, you’ve found the right page. My hope is for you to feel heard in therapy. For you to feel safe enough to begin to feel your feelings. For you to be able to discover and embrace your authentic self in the space we create. Many of us struggle with complex issues that can impact our thoughts and feelings in many different ways. I specialize in working with folks with a history of complex trauma, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, identity issues, and self-harm. My therapeutic style is grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration.
Welcome! If you’re looking for a practical, affirming, and person-centered approach, you’ve found the right page. My hope is for you to feel heard in therapy. For you to feel safe enough to begin to feel your feelings. For you to be able to discover and embrace your authentic self in the space we create. Many of us struggle with complex issues that can impact our thoughts and feelings in many different ways. I specialize in working with folks with a history of complex trauma, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, identity issues, and self-harm. My therapeutic style is grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration.
See more therapy options for Illinois
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.