Sexual Abuse Therapists in Hutchinson, MN
![Photo of Katie Webster, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98ea56b7-1f92-4057-9de0-d1f39a48430a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I recognize the importance of having a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and aim to create an environment where you can freely express yourself. I work with adults experiencing a range of symptoms and life issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, co-dependency, and post-traumatic stress. I take special interest in working with parents. As a parent myself, I understand the joys and challenges faced when raising children and juggling work, a household, marriage, and self-care.
I recognize the importance of having a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and aim to create an environment where you can freely express yourself. I work with adults experiencing a range of symptoms and life issues, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, co-dependency, and post-traumatic stress. I take special interest in working with parents. As a parent myself, I understand the joys and challenges faced when raising children and juggling work, a household, marriage, and self-care.
![Photo of Adam Sarff, MA, LMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45a3ba16-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have a passion to promote and assist in the health of couples, families, and individuals who are experiencing mental, emotional, and/or spiritual pain that are looking for a way to process through their experiences.
I have a passion to promote and assist in the health of couples, families, and individuals who are experiencing mental, emotional, and/or spiritual pain that are looking for a way to process through their experiences.
![Photo of Kaitlin Rooney, MA LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bfea39f1-6657-41c2-abcd-6362914c18a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlin Rooney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Hello! Are you seeking some support but feel unclear about what you need right now? Are you encountering challenges coping with all the changes taking place in your life, in your relationships, and within yourself? Are you feeling or suppressing emotions that you do not want to feel? If any of these questions resonate with you, I may be able to help. Seeking help is the first courageous step toward the healing process & overall wellness. Sometimes we all need a bit of extra support. Therapy can be the key to increasing insight into relationships you have with yourself and others.
Hello! Are you seeking some support but feel unclear about what you need right now? Are you encountering challenges coping with all the changes taking place in your life, in your relationships, and within yourself? Are you feeling or suppressing emotions that you do not want to feel? If any of these questions resonate with you, I may be able to help. Seeking help is the first courageous step toward the healing process & overall wellness. Sometimes we all need a bit of extra support. Therapy can be the key to increasing insight into relationships you have with yourself and others.
![Photo of Danielle Nelson - Northstar Counseling Center, MA, LMFT-S, RPT-S™, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f510518-393b-4723-91df-c82a787ae293/4/320x400.jpeg)
Northstar Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S, RPT-S™
Verified Verified
Hutchinson, MN 55350
At NorthStar Counseling Center, we understand everyone has internal and relationship struggles at times. We have a broad range of experience working with children, adolescents dealing with emotional or behavioral difficulties and with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, life cycle transitions, and trauma. We also provide counseling for relationship issues between parents and children, couples, families experiencing divorce, and blended families. I have recently been trained in ART to enhance my trauma training, accelerated resolution therapy to help replace negative imaginary.
At NorthStar Counseling Center, we understand everyone has internal and relationship struggles at times. We have a broad range of experience working with children, adolescents dealing with emotional or behavioral difficulties and with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, life cycle transitions, and trauma. We also provide counseling for relationship issues between parents and children, couples, families experiencing divorce, and blended families. I have recently been trained in ART to enhance my trauma training, accelerated resolution therapy to help replace negative imaginary.
![Photo of Jacqui Theisen - Serenity Mental Health Services, MS, NCC, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5131e6a0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Serenity Mental Health Services
Counselor, MS, NCC, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hutchinson, MN 55350
At Serenity Mental Health Services, we enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life. We are passionate about what we do, and feel great joy when we see individuals make positive changes towards their recovery goals. We have experience in treating many diagnoses, utilizing several different treatment modalities. We work with individuals, families, couples, and groups. We also offer ARMHS, and CTSS!
At Serenity Mental Health Services, we enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life. We are passionate about what we do, and feel great joy when we see individuals make positive changes towards their recovery goals. We have experience in treating many diagnoses, utilizing several different treatment modalities. We work with individuals, families, couples, and groups. We also offer ARMHS, and CTSS!
![Photo of Sara Kaczmarek, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/548b645d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you need help finding direction or clarity? Are you struggling with a personal problem or relationship? Do you need a safe, non-biased place to share your concerns? If so, I would like to help. I am committed to working together with my clients to establish goals and a positive direction for therapy. Genuineness, respect and empathy are the essential components of my therapeutic style. I strive to provide a place where clients feel accepted and valued regardless of their life situations. My passion is to help others who are struggling in their lives or their relationships and want to change the direction of their lives.
Do you need help finding direction or clarity? Are you struggling with a personal problem or relationship? Do you need a safe, non-biased place to share your concerns? If so, I would like to help. I am committed to working together with my clients to establish goals and a positive direction for therapy. Genuineness, respect and empathy are the essential components of my therapeutic style. I strive to provide a place where clients feel accepted and valued regardless of their life situations. My passion is to help others who are struggling in their lives or their relationships and want to change the direction of their lives.
![Photo of Jason D'Amour, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74ae8bd9-8dc7-4d63-8b18-2d709a72c666/3/320x400.jpeg)
My counseling philosophy seeks to find the root of issues, rather than only focusing on managing surface-level symptoms. I incorporate positive psychology, Attachment theory, Family Systems, and Jungian analysis- including a focus on Personality Types, as identified by the Myers-Briggs (MBTI). I believe change occurs in therapy when the client is able to identify the things that are holding them back or distracting them from finding fulfillment in developing their true self. My work as a therapist is to partner with you on your journey toward wholeness as a safe, consistent, trustworthy listener and helper.
My counseling philosophy seeks to find the root of issues, rather than only focusing on managing surface-level symptoms. I incorporate positive psychology, Attachment theory, Family Systems, and Jungian analysis- including a focus on Personality Types, as identified by the Myers-Briggs (MBTI). I believe change occurs in therapy when the client is able to identify the things that are holding them back or distracting them from finding fulfillment in developing their true self. My work as a therapist is to partner with you on your journey toward wholeness as a safe, consistent, trustworthy listener and helper.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Eden Broberg, MA, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff1600e1-e63c-48ca-8750-20027c51ec29/2/320x400.jpeg)
Eden Broberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Stillwater, MN 55082
I currently specialize in eating disorders but am also qualified and experienced to treat depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and sexual trauma/assault.
I believe that all bodies are good bodies, that to find self-acceptance you must explore your self-hate, and that authentic personal growth looks different for everyone. I am passionate about practicing in a client-centered way and utilizing a feminist approach to explore and challenge notions of boundary-setting, self-exploration, guilt, success, progress, people-pleasing, and diet culture (BMI, ‘Obesity epidemic,’ why diets don’t work, restriction, symptom swapping, minimalism, etc.) I work fulltime at a nationally-renowned eating disorder clinic in the Twin Cities area.
I currently specialize in eating disorders but am also qualified and experienced to treat depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and sexual trauma/assault.
I believe that all bodies are good bodies, that to find self-acceptance you must explore your self-hate, and that authentic personal growth looks different for everyone. I am passionate about practicing in a client-centered way and utilizing a feminist approach to explore and challenge notions of boundary-setting, self-exploration, guilt, success, progress, people-pleasing, and diet culture (BMI, ‘Obesity epidemic,’ why diets don’t work, restriction, symptom swapping, minimalism, etc.) I work fulltime at a nationally-renowned eating disorder clinic in the Twin Cities area.
![Photo of Andrea D Shellen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1124ec5a-6bd8-4cd8-b75b-cfad79549cb6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea D Shellen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Prior Lake, MN 55372 (Online Only)
Areas of focus in my work have been domestic violence, sexual assault, relationship/family problems, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, traumas, loss, parenting styles and many others.
What exactly IS trauma? Trauma is any experience that the person deems negative and continues to live in the shadow of the event(s). If you feel trapped, like the trauma is following you, within you, or pops up at random, I can help. I love helping people to get "unstuck," so that they are no longer being controlled by their past traumas. I offer two life-changing therapies, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy). These therapies help clients transform themselves from symptomatic to symptom-free, giving people a sense of peace, safety and the freedom to truly live life.
Areas of focus in my work have been domestic violence, sexual assault, relationship/family problems, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, traumas, loss, parenting styles and many others.
What exactly IS trauma? Trauma is any experience that the person deems negative and continues to live in the shadow of the event(s). If you feel trapped, like the trauma is following you, within you, or pops up at random, I can help. I love helping people to get "unstuck," so that they are no longer being controlled by their past traumas. I offer two life-changing therapies, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy). These therapies help clients transform themselves from symptomatic to symptom-free, giving people a sense of peace, safety and the freedom to truly live life.
![Photo of Molly L Nicholson, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c37c15e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I have the honor of working with people experiencing a wide variety of concerns including: depression; anxiety; grief/loss; life transitions; chronic illness; postpartum depression; sexual abuse; relationship problems; low self-esteem; family of origin; stress and more. My relational approach is based on the belief that within the framework of a trusting relationship with a therapist, clients can explore patterns of behavior and emotions which may relate back to earlier relationships. Once a better understanding of the origins of these patterns is developed, people often find lasting freedom from their hold over their lives.
I have the honor of working with people experiencing a wide variety of concerns including: depression; anxiety; grief/loss; life transitions; chronic illness; postpartum depression; sexual abuse; relationship problems; low self-esteem; family of origin; stress and more. My relational approach is based on the belief that within the framework of a trusting relationship with a therapist, clients can explore patterns of behavior and emotions which may relate back to earlier relationships. Once a better understanding of the origins of these patterns is developed, people often find lasting freedom from their hold over their lives.
![Photo of Ruth Brooke Markowitz, MALP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d43b7c2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in sexual healing from the sexual repercussions of sexual abuse including desire, arousal, orgasm and compulsive sexual issues.
I enjoy working with adults of all sexual orientations who want to heal sexually and intimately.I love working with couples as well as individuals. People who are creative and artistic and enjoy using a variety of therapeutic modalities to heal find me helpful. Anxious, traumatized avoidant, ,depressed and grief stricken people find me to be direct, warm,honest and a good listener. I am integrative in my approach and also believe in homework, practice and mindfulness practice. I believe I am a good fit with people who describe themselves as a bit out of the box.
I specialize in sexual healing from the sexual repercussions of sexual abuse including desire, arousal, orgasm and compulsive sexual issues.
I enjoy working with adults of all sexual orientations who want to heal sexually and intimately.I love working with couples as well as individuals. People who are creative and artistic and enjoy using a variety of therapeutic modalities to heal find me helpful. Anxious, traumatized avoidant, ,depressed and grief stricken people find me to be direct, warm,honest and a good listener. I am integrative in my approach and also believe in homework, practice and mindfulness practice. I believe I am a good fit with people who describe themselves as a bit out of the box.
![Photo of Krista L Vosberg - Krista Vosberg PLLC, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40845d23-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
childhood abuse, sexual assault, loss, accidents and unexpected life events).
I provide individual, couples and family therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing a number of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and marital problems, sexual issues, behavior problems, anger, life transitions, separation and divorce, family conflict, parenting issues, and grief and loss. I worked for 3 years at an inpatient treatment program for high risk adolescents and 15 years at an outpatient mental health clinic before starting my own practice.
childhood abuse, sexual assault, loss, accidents and unexpected life events).
I provide individual, couples and family therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing a number of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and marital problems, sexual issues, behavior problems, anger, life transitions, separation and divorce, family conflict, parenting issues, and grief and loss. I worked for 3 years at an inpatient treatment program for high risk adolescents and 15 years at an outpatient mental health clinic before starting my own practice.
![Photo of Claudia Petcu, MSW, LPsy, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f22b64a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Claudia Petcu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LPsy, LGSW
Verified Verified
Little Falls, MN 56345
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual addiction and issues, domestic abuse, and fears of all kinds. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to continue to live their lives to the fullest.
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual addiction and issues, domestic abuse, and fears of all kinds. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to continue to live their lives to the fullest.
![Photo of Kathryn Ocanas - Eden Therapy Center- Kathryn Ocanas, MA, LADC, PL-LPCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/21197d1b-b34e-46b3-bc63-2509668c9534/2/320x400.png)
Eden Therapy Center- Kathryn Ocanas
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LADC, PL-LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
I am also a trained sexual assault advocate and have experience working with survivors of sexual trauma and current or former sex workers.
I’m passionate about relationships, parenting, attachment, and how our childhoods shape the way we interact with the world around us. I believe our physical bodies hold the key to much of our mental and spiritual experiences, and learning to hold valuable space for all the parts of us—even the scary ones—is the work I hold dearest. I focus on building a safe and respectful connection with my clients. In our work together I will pull from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that often utilizes CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques.
I am also a trained sexual assault advocate and have experience working with survivors of sexual trauma and current or former sex workers.
I’m passionate about relationships, parenting, attachment, and how our childhoods shape the way we interact with the world around us. I believe our physical bodies hold the key to much of our mental and spiritual experiences, and learning to hold valuable space for all the parts of us—even the scary ones—is the work I hold dearest. I focus on building a safe and respectful connection with my clients. In our work together I will pull from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that often utilizes CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) techniques.
![Photo of Erin R. Hunter, MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dfed0d3f-df65-4b03-b088-bdb9ddd7f464/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin R. Hunter
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55117 (Online Only)
Erin specializes in Diversity and inclusivity, racial trauma, adoption, addiction, sexual abuse, sexuality, first responder trauma, criminal court matters, and child protection matters.
Erin has a passion for working with all humans; inclusivity and diversity are important cornerstones of her work. She welcomes the opportunity to create connections and offer ways of working through whatever challenges are presented. Understanding each of her client’s unique stories and allowing a safe space for individual/familial reflection and growth is at the core of her work. Encouraging clients to find and cultivate their strengths and understand their emotional connections and relationships under a systemic lens is an important part of the therapeutic journey, in which Erin is committed to provide.
Erin specializes in Diversity and inclusivity, racial trauma, adoption, addiction, sexual abuse, sexuality, first responder trauma, criminal court matters, and child protection matters.
Erin has a passion for working with all humans; inclusivity and diversity are important cornerstones of her work. She welcomes the opportunity to create connections and offer ways of working through whatever challenges are presented. Understanding each of her client’s unique stories and allowing a safe space for individual/familial reflection and growth is at the core of her work. Encouraging clients to find and cultivate their strengths and understand their emotional connections and relationships under a systemic lens is an important part of the therapeutic journey, in which Erin is committed to provide.
![Photo of Maricia A Olsen, CARC 1, Carc 2](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81c4b115-f2da-4f2c-b015-433baa98ef6c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Individuals, Couples, Family or Groups that are Trauma survivors, or if you Have suffered Childhood Abuse, Sexual Assault, Abandonment, Role distortion, Substance Abuse. Anyone who wants to Heal. Anyone who is interested in self Identification and acceptance. Im here to help guide you out of that dark tunnel and into the light. I will use Encouragement, Motivation, Self Discovery, Acceptance and Validation to show you how you can take your power back!
Individuals, Couples, Family or Groups that are Trauma survivors, or if you Have suffered Childhood Abuse, Sexual Assault, Abandonment, Role distortion, Substance Abuse. Anyone who wants to Heal. Anyone who is interested in self Identification and acceptance. Im here to help guide you out of that dark tunnel and into the light. I will use Encouragement, Motivation, Self Discovery, Acceptance and Validation to show you how you can take your power back!
![Photo of Sharri Rogers, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/420f7b9e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sharri Rogers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis Park, MN 55426 (Online Only)
I have over twenty years experience providing counseling to adolescents, couples, families and individuals. I have extensive experience working with victims of sexual abuse and trauma. I have helped numerous individuals overcome sexual behavior problems including pornography addictions. I am an empathetic mediator for issues including familial conflict, divorce, custody disputes, and parent/child Alienation is one area of expertise. I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, past trauma and current crisis. Client's describe me as a therapist who genuinely cares, listens and validates their experience while helping them move past the thoughts, behaviors and feelings that are negatively impacting their lives.
I have over twenty years experience providing counseling to adolescents, couples, families and individuals. I have extensive experience working with victims of sexual abuse and trauma. I have helped numerous individuals overcome sexual behavior problems including pornography addictions. I am an empathetic mediator for issues including familial conflict, divorce, custody disputes, and parent/child Alienation is one area of expertise. I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, past trauma and current crisis. Client's describe me as a therapist who genuinely cares, listens and validates their experience while helping them move past the thoughts, behaviors and feelings that are negatively impacting their lives.
![Photo of Carol L Hornbeck, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f33b986-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol L Hornbeck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Waitlist for new clients
I work with couples, individuals, families and children online, via teletherapy, as well as in person. I support my clients across the life span to heal from losses and improve their relationships. I have extensive experience with LGBTQ issues, child development, adoption, sexual abuse, parenting challenges, divorce, suicide, and life transitions. My specialized training includes play therapy, couples therapy, and experience in infant and pregnancy loss, complicated or unplanned pregnancies, and infant/toddler mental health.
I work with couples, individuals, families and children online, via teletherapy, as well as in person. I support my clients across the life span to heal from losses and improve their relationships. I have extensive experience with LGBTQ issues, child development, adoption, sexual abuse, parenting challenges, divorce, suicide, and life transitions. My specialized training includes play therapy, couples therapy, and experience in infant and pregnancy loss, complicated or unplanned pregnancies, and infant/toddler mental health.
![Photo of Lori Voss - Love the Journey Counseling Center, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/534c886e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Love the Journey Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Mora, MN 55051
Located in Hinckley and Mora. We help with anxiety, behavioral concerns, communication skills, depression, parenting issues, physical abuse, sexual abuse, stress management, transitions, trauma and more. What to expect: We start with gathering background information including current concerns and history of concerns. Based on the information provided, we make a plan to help clients achieve personal and professional goals; We do so in a manner that helps clients feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. Therapy is a dual effort; it takes both of us.
Located in Hinckley and Mora. We help with anxiety, behavioral concerns, communication skills, depression, parenting issues, physical abuse, sexual abuse, stress management, transitions, trauma and more. What to expect: We start with gathering background information including current concerns and history of concerns. Based on the information provided, we make a plan to help clients achieve personal and professional goals; We do so in a manner that helps clients feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. Therapy is a dual effort; it takes both of us.
![Photo of Maylee Chang, MA, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c44fbeef-2a2f-45da-83aa-0ea7d16d939a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am Maylee Chang. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who graduated from Wheaton College Graduate School. My personal and professional experience have provided me the experience to effectively work with adolescents, adults, and families with varied needs from all ethnicities. My areas of expertise include working with trauma from physical/sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, family issues, grief, immigration, war experiences; and shifts in family structure related to divorce, remarriage, child protection involvement, foster care, adoption, life transitions, acculturation, and identity formation.
Hello, I am Maylee Chang. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who graduated from Wheaton College Graduate School. My personal and professional experience have provided me the experience to effectively work with adolescents, adults, and families with varied needs from all ethnicities. My areas of expertise include working with trauma from physical/sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, family issues, grief, immigration, war experiences; and shifts in family structure related to divorce, remarriage, child protection involvement, foster care, adoption, life transitions, acculturation, and identity formation.
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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.