Sexual Abuse Therapists in Illinois
There is something keeping you from having the happy, fulfilling life you crave. Anxiety about your career is causing performance issues at work. Is it keeping you from enjoying life outside of work? Maybe stress is keeping you from sleeping. Your anxiety is relentless and exhausting. Perhaps a past sexual assault or other trauma is making it difficult to have the healthy relationship you crave. It is making it hard to trust yourself and others. Or maybe you just can't get over that break-up. You're in a demanding career or caregiver role that has you burned out. You can't get away from low self-esteem and self-doubt.
There is something keeping you from having the happy, fulfilling life you crave. Anxiety about your career is causing performance issues at work. Is it keeping you from enjoying life outside of work? Maybe stress is keeping you from sleeping. Your anxiety is relentless and exhausting. Perhaps a past sexual assault or other trauma is making it difficult to have the healthy relationship you crave. It is making it hard to trust yourself and others. Or maybe you just can't get over that break-up. You're in a demanding career or caregiver role that has you burned out. You can't get away from low self-esteem and self-doubt.
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.
I am passionate about providing anti-racist counseling to survivors of sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, and complex trauma from childhood abuse and neglect.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space where clients who have been traumatized and marginalized are allowed to share their stories and feelings. My therapy office is a judgment free zone where you will receive validation, support, and practical ways to manage difficult thoughts and experiences. I have had success counseling survivors of complex trauma, girls and women of all ages, and those that have felt marginalized and invalidated by their experience in the world. I am real and love to use humor in session when appropriate!
I am passionate about providing anti-racist counseling to survivors of sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, and complex trauma from childhood abuse and neglect.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space where clients who have been traumatized and marginalized are allowed to share their stories and feelings. My therapy office is a judgment free zone where you will receive validation, support, and practical ways to manage difficult thoughts and experiences. I have had success counseling survivors of complex trauma, girls and women of all ages, and those that have felt marginalized and invalidated by their experience in the world. I am real and love to use humor in session when appropriate!
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.
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.
I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse and trauma recovery, coming out and sexual identity issues, women's empowerment, recovery from addictions, dual diagnoses, spirituality issues, and academic and career dilemmas.
I use an empathetic and empowering approach and favor interventions that focus on deepening your relationship with yourself, increasing your self-awareness and improving your relationships with others. I work with emotions, helping you to understand what, why and how to manage them and how to discover the wisdom they hold. I use a variety of strategies including cognitive/behavioral, psychodynamic, solution focused, dialectic behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation. I help you seek the sources of support available to you, both internal and external, and to create a balanced life that enables you to achieve your goals.
I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse and trauma recovery, coming out and sexual identity issues, women's empowerment, recovery from addictions, dual diagnoses, spirituality issues, and academic and career dilemmas.
I use an empathetic and empowering approach and favor interventions that focus on deepening your relationship with yourself, increasing your self-awareness and improving your relationships with others. I work with emotions, helping you to understand what, why and how to manage them and how to discover the wisdom they hold. I use a variety of strategies including cognitive/behavioral, psychodynamic, solution focused, dialectic behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation. I help you seek the sources of support available to you, both internal and external, and to create a balanced life that enables you to achieve your goals.
Shawnte Jenkins-Alexander, Ed.D., LCPC, Ltd.
Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
I have extensive experience working with male and female survivors of child sexual abuse as well as sex offender specific treatment.
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.
I have extensive experience working with male and female survivors of child sexual abuse as well as sex offender specific treatment.
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.
Waitlist of 2-3 months; immediate opening Tues 4pm. 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.
Waitlist of 2-3 months; immediate opening Tues 4pm. 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.
Cyndi Benner
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
I have experience supporting clients with parenting, troublesome childhoods, chronic anxiety, depression, healing from sexual abuse and meaning of life issues.
Do you find yourself feeling flooded with uncomfortable feelings like fear, sadness or just plain numb? Are you overwhelmed with life's responsibilities or the heaviness in the world? Do you find it challenging to be kind to yourself? I am passionate about working with people who feel stuck, who have a loud inner critic, who struggle to regulate emotions. I want to help you make sense of your experiences, heal from past wounds and move forward with more freedom.
I have experience supporting clients with parenting, troublesome childhoods, chronic anxiety, depression, healing from sexual abuse and meaning of life issues.
Do you find yourself feeling flooded with uncomfortable feelings like fear, sadness or just plain numb? Are you overwhelmed with life's responsibilities or the heaviness in the world? Do you find it challenging to be kind to yourself? I am passionate about working with people who feel stuck, who have a loud inner critic, who struggle to regulate emotions. I want to help you make sense of your experiences, heal from past wounds and move forward with more freedom.
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,
I specialize in working with youth ages 12 and older, parents, and family dynamics. I also work with adults. The mental health issues I specialize in are: depression and suicidal thoughts/ideation, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, trauma history or disorders, oppositional defiance, ADHD, parenting, peer relationships, self-esteem, sexual abuse, and sexually problematic behaviors. I also specialize in family reintegration and boundary setting. Therapy should be about improving yourself and learning the tools to do that effectively.
I specialize in working with youth ages 12 and older, parents, and family dynamics. I also work with adults. The mental health issues I specialize in are: depression and suicidal thoughts/ideation, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, trauma history or disorders, oppositional defiance, ADHD, parenting, peer relationships, self-esteem, sexual abuse, and sexually problematic behaviors. I also specialize in family reintegration and boundary setting. Therapy should be about improving yourself and learning the tools to do that effectively.
15 Second Videos
Anna Poss
Maryellen Armour
Amanda Aguilera
Kathleen Hundt Terzinski
Theresa M McCrillis
Lindabeth Rivera
Joselyn C Woodson
Kate Hoffower
Chelsea Davis
Kaitlin Skog
Felix K Deiss
Sarah Cheung
Cynthia M Stafford
Susan Pauna, MS, LCPC
Keisha J. Mathew
Susan M. Stutzman
Connor McInerney
Jada Choate
Patrick Sobol
Annie Novotny
Jinnie Kwon Cristerna
Sarah Bedell
Haley Lochan
Marshelle Hood
Celina Huerta
Meg Fell
Wolf Pack Therapy
Megan R Garza
Celia Zanayed
Sunshine Ballentine
Drew Singeisen
Suzie Thomas
Sierra Petersen
Matt McCarthy
Patrick Mooney
Carla Carter
Kellie Calderon
Amber Beal
Ayna Kaur Virk
Shannon Lieberman
Jenna Jablonski
Elda Solano
Mallory Mareski
Willis Counseling and Consulting
Joseph White
The Good Life
Ashley Homa
Ellie Mental Health- Chicagoland
Kyle McGuinness
Legends Counseling
Change is often scary, but a necessary part of life for growth. It takes courage to reach out for help. I have over 8 years of experience in the field, working with diverse populations. I have experience working as a sexual assault counselor and outpatient intake/assessment specialist in a community mental health setting. I have helped clients with a variety of issues over the years including: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress management, life transitions, relationship distress, anger management, and self-injury. I am offering telehealth and in-person services, depending on your preferences or needs.
Change is often scary, but a necessary part of life for growth. It takes courage to reach out for help. I have over 8 years of experience in the field, working with diverse populations. I have experience working as a sexual assault counselor and outpatient intake/assessment specialist in a community mental health setting. I have helped clients with a variety of issues over the years including: depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, stress management, life transitions, relationship distress, anger management, and self-injury. I am offering telehealth and in-person services, depending on your preferences or needs.
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.
Dr. Gina Bogin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, CPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60564
I love guiding teens and adults who are navigating the special challenges of depression, anxiety, sexual assault, trauma, low-self-esteem, and the stress of caring for another. My experience includes being a High School Social Worker, a Victim Advocate/Crisis Interventionist at a sexual assault crisis center, a parent and a caretaker of a parent.
I love guiding teens and adults who are navigating the special challenges of depression, anxiety, sexual assault, trauma, low-self-esteem, and the stress of caring for another. My experience includes being a High School Social Worker, a Victim Advocate/Crisis Interventionist at a sexual assault crisis center, a parent and a caretaker of a parent.
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.
Additionally I have knowledge about working with individuals impacted by ADHD, Conduct Disorder, ODD, depressive disorders, sexually problematic behaviors, sexual abuse, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues and self-harming behaviors.
Sometimes we all struggle with feeling overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, disconnected or sad. These thoughts and feelings can negatively impact our lives and our relationships with our loved ones. I can help. I am a clinical mental health counselor with experience working with children, individuals, couples and families. In practice, I tailor my approach to meet each clients needs in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Choosing a counselor you can trust and feel comfortable with is an important part of your therapeutic journey. I encourage clients to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have before scheduling.
Additionally I have knowledge about working with individuals impacted by ADHD, Conduct Disorder, ODD, depressive disorders, sexually problematic behaviors, sexual abuse, anxiety disorders, behavioral issues and self-harming behaviors.
Sometimes we all struggle with feeling overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, disconnected or sad. These thoughts and feelings can negatively impact our lives and our relationships with our loved ones. I can help. I am a clinical mental health counselor with experience working with children, individuals, couples and families. In practice, I tailor my approach to meet each clients needs in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Choosing a counselor you can trust and feel comfortable with is an important part of your therapeutic journey. I encourage clients to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have before scheduling.
Amanda Aguilera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
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.
Shelley Pier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Dekalb, IL 60115 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with sexual assault and sexual abuse survivors.
Healing from trauma and grief is not just about surviving the experience, it is also about learning to LIVE again. I enjoy being part of this process and empowering people to grow, change, heal, and thrive! I am passionate about my work and I love helping people reconnect with themselves. I believe it is important to get to the root of the problem, not just manage symptoms. One of the gifts I bring to you is listening deeply and helping you feel understood as we collaborate on implementing practical solutions.
I have extensive experience working with sexual assault and sexual abuse survivors.
Healing from trauma and grief is not just about surviving the experience, it is also about learning to LIVE again. I enjoy being part of this process and empowering people to grow, change, heal, and thrive! I am passionate about my work and I love helping people reconnect with themselves. I believe it is important to get to the root of the problem, not just manage symptoms. One of the gifts I bring to you is listening deeply and helping you feel understood as we collaborate on implementing practical solutions.
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.
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.
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.