Sexual Abuse Therapists in Chattanooga, TN
![Photo of Nathan Chase, LCPC-IL, LPCMHSP, CADC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92919e85-16c8-46eb-b3cc-206fc797711f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nathan Chase
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC-IL, LPCMHSP, CADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37412
Waitlist for new clients
Specializes in cross-cultural adjustment issues, trauma/PTSD, physical & sexual abuse, healing from racial discrimination, chemical dependency and sexual addictions, young adults, first responders, helping professions, compassion fatigue, at-risk youth, attachment disorders, depression/bi-polar, grief & loss, life transitions, and spiritual development.
Nathan has a pursued a career of inviting others into safety, healing, and growth through counseling, chaplaincy, and mentoring. He is licensed in both Illinois (Telehealth) and Tennessee (in-person and telehealth). Experienced in working with multiple varieties of trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.
Specializes in cross-cultural adjustment issues, trauma/PTSD, physical & sexual abuse, healing from racial discrimination, chemical dependency and sexual addictions, young adults, first responders, helping professions, compassion fatigue, at-risk youth, attachment disorders, depression/bi-polar, grief & loss, life transitions, and spiritual development.
Nathan has a pursued a career of inviting others into safety, healing, and growth through counseling, chaplaincy, and mentoring. He is licensed in both Illinois (Telehealth) and Tennessee (in-person and telehealth). Experienced in working with multiple varieties of trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions.
![Photo of Katie Woodruff, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6efdb08-77d6-421b-9a68-fda68bc95c13/3/320x400.jpeg)
I see individual clients aged 18 and up, most commonly struggling with feelings of isolation, difficulty in relationships, depression, anxiety, guilt/shame, negative view of self, difficulty with fluctuating emotions and issues related to trauma (which includes a range of experiences such as early emotional neglect, childhood or adult emotional/physical/sexual abuse, exposure to violence in the community, exposure to systemic racism or sexism, among many others.)
I see individual clients aged 18 and up, most commonly struggling with feelings of isolation, difficulty in relationships, depression, anxiety, guilt/shame, negative view of self, difficulty with fluctuating emotions and issues related to trauma (which includes a range of experiences such as early emotional neglect, childhood or adult emotional/physical/sexual abuse, exposure to violence in the community, exposure to systemic racism or sexism, among many others.)
![Photo of Sharon Ratchford, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63943ee0-5b4c-4191-b49b-e2a01535987a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Ratchford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
I especially enjoy working with those who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship stressors, work and school stress, trauma, childhood sexual abuse, or emotional and physical abuse.
Life can bring overwhelming challenges. I understand the struggle and mixed emotions. Choosing a therapist during this time can also be difficult but, together, we can work to make this time manageable as we gain understanding of daily conflicts and concerns. I begin each therapeutic relationship based on empathy, compassion and trust while providing a comfortable, safe environment to establish goals, build healthier relationships and achieve life changes. I use resources from cognitive behavior therapy along with other integrative approaches to meet individual needs and help find productive solutions to daily struggles.
I especially enjoy working with those who have experienced anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship stressors, work and school stress, trauma, childhood sexual abuse, or emotional and physical abuse.
Life can bring overwhelming challenges. I understand the struggle and mixed emotions. Choosing a therapist during this time can also be difficult but, together, we can work to make this time manageable as we gain understanding of daily conflicts and concerns. I begin each therapeutic relationship based on empathy, compassion and trust while providing a comfortable, safe environment to establish goals, build healthier relationships and achieve life changes. I use resources from cognitive behavior therapy along with other integrative approaches to meet individual needs and help find productive solutions to daily struggles.
![Photo of Sue M. Bushrow, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce967b9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sue M. Bushrow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37402 (Online Only)
Working with individuals whom have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, grief and loss, helping to process the pain, in their own time frame and begin healing.
Is life hard and your heart hurting ? Are you struggling ? Do you need relief? Has your family suffered from trauma, loss, change, or heartache? Are you a Veteran struggling? Is your marriage hard? Is your teenager struggling? Are you in professional ministry with no safe place to express the difficulties of ministry. Do you feel depressed after a major life event? I would love to help you or your family!
Working with individuals whom have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, grief and loss, helping to process the pain, in their own time frame and begin healing.
Is life hard and your heart hurting ? Are you struggling ? Do you need relief? Has your family suffered from trauma, loss, change, or heartache? Are you a Veteran struggling? Is your marriage hard? Is your teenager struggling? Are you in professional ministry with no safe place to express the difficulties of ministry. Do you feel depressed after a major life event? I would love to help you or your family!
![Photo of Catherine Lucas, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1e8c584-1484-406b-8678-dd349c231d5d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Catherine Lucas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Hey! I’m Catherine. With every client, my intention is to create an environment that promotes safety, authenticity, and honoring your needs to fully bloom into the person you were meant to be. I specialize in working with women seeking support with building and maintaining healthy relationships, intimacy, self-worth, boundaries, and trauma recovery from childhood abuse, sexual abuse/assault, domestic violence, emotional neglect, traumatic accidents, and other difficult life experiences. I also specialize in helping those with borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, and highly sensitive people (HSP).
Hey! I’m Catherine. With every client, my intention is to create an environment that promotes safety, authenticity, and honoring your needs to fully bloom into the person you were meant to be. I specialize in working with women seeking support with building and maintaining healthy relationships, intimacy, self-worth, boundaries, and trauma recovery from childhood abuse, sexual abuse/assault, domestic violence, emotional neglect, traumatic accidents, and other difficult life experiences. I also specialize in helping those with borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, and highly sensitive people (HSP).
![Photo of Tori Ballard, MA, NCC, MFT-1, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/130d4ed6-a659-44bf-bd3b-44d8f861bc18/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tori Ballard
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC, MFT-1
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Through the ups and downs of life, one thing remains a constant— you. I help my clients foster a relationship with themselves with a sense of curiosity, acceptance, and grace. Life can be tough and confusing, but you are strong and resilient. I want to walk alongside you, hear your story, and offer a safe space for expression and exploration. It is my belief that people make sense- the person who starves themselves, or isolates when sad, or can’t find relief from that nervous feeling in their stomach, all make sense. You are not alone. Let’s walk towards healing together.
Through the ups and downs of life, one thing remains a constant— you. I help my clients foster a relationship with themselves with a sense of curiosity, acceptance, and grace. Life can be tough and confusing, but you are strong and resilient. I want to walk alongside you, hear your story, and offer a safe space for expression and exploration. It is my belief that people make sense- the person who starves themselves, or isolates when sad, or can’t find relief from that nervous feeling in their stomach, all make sense. You are not alone. Let’s walk towards healing together.
![Photo of Meredith Rivera, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c904523-2cb2-4d34-9ce4-aa78193936cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith Rivera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Waitlist for new clients
Every person has a unique experience and story that is worthy to be heard. I work primarily with adolescents and adults to help them find inner congruence and healing through a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma, PTSD, sexuality and gender exploration, and trauma. I consider it an honor to be allowed into another person's story and remind them that they are not alone as they seek healing.
Every person has a unique experience and story that is worthy to be heard. I work primarily with adolescents and adults to help them find inner congruence and healing through a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma, PTSD, sexuality and gender exploration, and trauma. I consider it an honor to be allowed into another person's story and remind them that they are not alone as they seek healing.
![Photo of Victoria Elise Miller, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73a259aa-072c-42b9-acac-4e64a4d530fe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. That knowledge is what led me to become a therapist ... how effective and life-changing therapy can be. I start where you, the client, is and we make a treatment plan together to reach the goals you would like to achieve. We will develop a working hypothesis that may change over time as new information is obtained. Many mental health issues begin with an event and the mental health issue, be it anxiety, panic attacks, depression, anger, unrelated phobia, facial tic, chronic pain, avoidant behavior, dysfunctional relationship pattern, stress and/or insomnia is the resulting symptom.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. That knowledge is what led me to become a therapist ... how effective and life-changing therapy can be. I start where you, the client, is and we make a treatment plan together to reach the goals you would like to achieve. We will develop a working hypothesis that may change over time as new information is obtained. Many mental health issues begin with an event and the mental health issue, be it anxiety, panic attacks, depression, anger, unrelated phobia, facial tic, chronic pain, avoidant behavior, dysfunctional relationship pattern, stress and/or insomnia is the resulting symptom.
![Photo of Rachel Westbrooks, LPC, MHSP , Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de655c9-e335-47fe-8c05-9334f69220e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Westbrooks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Therapy can seem daunting but it’s really just finding someone without judgement to help you manage tough times in your life. Therapy allows you to become the best version of yourself and manage life’s stressors. I’m here to empower you to better your life. Therapy is there to support you toward your life goals, and I’m happy to help you through that journey.
Therapy can seem daunting but it’s really just finding someone without judgement to help you manage tough times in your life. Therapy allows you to become the best version of yourself and manage life’s stressors. I’m here to empower you to better your life. Therapy is there to support you toward your life goals, and I’m happy to help you through that journey.
![Photo of Tiffany Warner, LCSW, NBCCH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9306ea2-2489-41b7-834d-794bfffc5932/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Warner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, NBCCH
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37405 (Online Only)
HI! Thank you for checking out my profile. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment for my clients to identify and make the changes they are seeking in their lives. I work with adults on a variety of issues including anxiety, grief/loss, depression, stress, breaking unwanted habits, and trauma (including complex trauma) . I am dually licensed as a LCSW in both Tennessee and Florida, and I have over 25 years of experience in my field. I love sharing my knowledge of neuroscience to help my clients gain understanding, and to bridge the gap between what they know and what they feel.
HI! Thank you for checking out my profile. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment for my clients to identify and make the changes they are seeking in their lives. I work with adults on a variety of issues including anxiety, grief/loss, depression, stress, breaking unwanted habits, and trauma (including complex trauma) . I am dually licensed as a LCSW in both Tennessee and Florida, and I have over 25 years of experience in my field. I love sharing my knowledge of neuroscience to help my clients gain understanding, and to bridge the gap between what they know and what they feel.
![Photo of Jonathan Dwight Seay, LCSW, EMT-P, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/716bd4bb-b290-405e-ac87-5ffab6cbbd14/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan Dwight Seay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMT-P
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37401 (Online Only)
I have a passion for working with adults who have survived difficult situations or past experiences. I have experience working as a first responder and spent many years in the military. I use this knowledge and experience to mold the treatments I use to best serve anyone who has faced difficult or insurmountable situations in the past. I work with those who have concerns with traumatic history, anxiety, depression, or just looking to understand themselves better. If you are looking for someone to be a support and guide you to becoming the best version of yourself, please contact me today. I look forward to working with you.
I have a passion for working with adults who have survived difficult situations or past experiences. I have experience working as a first responder and spent many years in the military. I use this knowledge and experience to mold the treatments I use to best serve anyone who has faced difficult or insurmountable situations in the past. I work with those who have concerns with traumatic history, anxiety, depression, or just looking to understand themselves better. If you are looking for someone to be a support and guide you to becoming the best version of yourself, please contact me today. I look forward to working with you.
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![Photo of Deborah Adams, MAPC, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/79fedf6f-f467-4448-bf31-43289cb10b06/3/320x400.jpeg)
You were ransomed with purpose, but do the trials of life seem to hold you back from finding that purpose or living it out? Challenging situations, relationships, illnesses shape and guide emotions, choices, & outlook. Someone to listen to your heart and help you understand the bigger picture of your situation can ease that burden. I use the framework of God's word and evidence-based methods as needed to help you confront and overcome the roots of your challenges. My goal is to assist positive growth to enable healthier relationships with God, with self, & others and get you back on a path of living in all you were purposed to be.
You were ransomed with purpose, but do the trials of life seem to hold you back from finding that purpose or living it out? Challenging situations, relationships, illnesses shape and guide emotions, choices, & outlook. Someone to listen to your heart and help you understand the bigger picture of your situation can ease that burden. I use the framework of God's word and evidence-based methods as needed to help you confront and overcome the roots of your challenges. My goal is to assist positive growth to enable healthier relationships with God, with self, & others and get you back on a path of living in all you were purposed to be.
![Photo of Dr. Ashley Salter, PsyD, HSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c04f1063-640e-4dfd-9086-fe7a26659a45/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer expert and comprehensive Psychological Evaluation Services for children and adults. Diagnosis and defining the problem accurately are the first steps to effective intervention and why assessment is so important to your treatment journey. A comprehensive evaluation and an evidence-based intervention plan can increase understanding of your mental health and learning difficulties as well as provide the proper direction and accommodations needed to succeed not only in treatment, but in academics, work, and everyday life.
I offer expert and comprehensive Psychological Evaluation Services for children and adults. Diagnosis and defining the problem accurately are the first steps to effective intervention and why assessment is so important to your treatment journey. A comprehensive evaluation and an evidence-based intervention plan can increase understanding of your mental health and learning difficulties as well as provide the proper direction and accommodations needed to succeed not only in treatment, but in academics, work, and everyday life.
![Photo of Linden Turner, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c14ac49-98f1-4457-ac62-d1a3abfad696/1/320x400.jpeg)
Linden Turner
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37408
Waitlist for new clients
Life's challenges can lead us to a place where recognizing the person in the mirror becomes foreign. The fights with your partner, the fear of the future, or desiring a sense of direction and meaningful connection can leave us feeling frozen, overwhelmed, and distanced from where we’d like to be. Your unique experience matters - which is why I work to foster empathy, openness, authenticity, safety, and caring challenges within therapy - to meet you where you are and journey beside you as you seek to find yourself and your relationships again.
Life's challenges can lead us to a place where recognizing the person in the mirror becomes foreign. The fights with your partner, the fear of the future, or desiring a sense of direction and meaningful connection can leave us feeling frozen, overwhelmed, and distanced from where we’d like to be. Your unique experience matters - which is why I work to foster empathy, openness, authenticity, safety, and caring challenges within therapy - to meet you where you are and journey beside you as you seek to find yourself and your relationships again.
![Photo of Emu Aragon, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53cf338a-128b-4146-af97-dfb5723f9c4a/4/320x400.jpeg)
Emu Aragon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403 (Online Only)
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
![Photo of Dr. Corinne Webster, PhD, LPC-S, MHSP, CSC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/153c3375-010b-4817-af70-7c0d29220ec9/5/320x400.png)
Dr. Corinne Webster
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, MHSP, CSC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403 (Online Only)
I view counseling as a journey of awareness, growth, and self-compassion. As your travel companion, I aim to provide insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge to help you reach your destination. I work with individuals, groups, and families of all ages and backgrounds and have specialized experience helping clients with issues of anxiety, grief, trauma, spirituality, self-harm, and gender identity. When appropriate, I offer dreamwork, sandtray therapy, and psychotherapeutic Reiki interventions. My approach is collaborative and respectful, primarily drawing from an integration of humanistic, cognitive, and narrative frameworks.
I view counseling as a journey of awareness, growth, and self-compassion. As your travel companion, I aim to provide insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge to help you reach your destination. I work with individuals, groups, and families of all ages and backgrounds and have specialized experience helping clients with issues of anxiety, grief, trauma, spirituality, self-harm, and gender identity. When appropriate, I offer dreamwork, sandtray therapy, and psychotherapeutic Reiki interventions. My approach is collaborative and respectful, primarily drawing from an integration of humanistic, cognitive, and narrative frameworks.
![Photo of Jeffrey S Eckert, PsyD, LCSW, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40832069-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Over the past 28 years, I have enjoyed working with individuals, couples and families from a relational perspective. I particularly enjoy working with men who struggle with issues of communication and intimacy. My counseling takes a dynamic, interpersonal approach to seeking healing, because I believe that we grow in the context of intentional community with one another. While I am a Christian, I welcome those into my office from all world views and perspectives.
Over the past 28 years, I have enjoyed working with individuals, couples and families from a relational perspective. I particularly enjoy working with men who struggle with issues of communication and intimacy. My counseling takes a dynamic, interpersonal approach to seeking healing, because I believe that we grow in the context of intentional community with one another. While I am a Christian, I welcome those into my office from all world views and perspectives.
![Photo of Heather Monson-James, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f094a56-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Monson-James
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37408
Waitlist for new clients
For over twenty years, I've been practicing psychotherapy in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I began my career working with complex psychiatric cases. I have since evolved my practice to include a focus on wellness and prevention. I work with individuals, couples, and families, utilizing evidence-based treatment techniques that are tailored to each person's unique needs.
For over twenty years, I've been practicing psychotherapy in both outpatient and inpatient settings. I began my career working with complex psychiatric cases. I have since evolved my practice to include a focus on wellness and prevention. I work with individuals, couples, and families, utilizing evidence-based treatment techniques that are tailored to each person's unique needs.
![Photo of Elizabeth Parker, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/682f6ae3-aa47-4063-9e6d-5c748f6698cd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Parker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419
Life is hard. Maybe you're in a difficult season right now or maybe it feels more like it's been a difficult few years. Maybe you're carrying pain from an abusive childhood, traumatic experience, or gut-wrenching loss. Maybe your relationship status changed. Maybe life doesn't look like what you thought it would by now. Maybe you're not even sure what exactly you're hoping to find, but you don't think life is supposed to feel this way. For whatever reason you find yourself on my page today, it would be an honor to listen and hold a safe space for your hard things. Life will be hard, but seasons change. Hope and healing is possible.
Life is hard. Maybe you're in a difficult season right now or maybe it feels more like it's been a difficult few years. Maybe you're carrying pain from an abusive childhood, traumatic experience, or gut-wrenching loss. Maybe your relationship status changed. Maybe life doesn't look like what you thought it would by now. Maybe you're not even sure what exactly you're hoping to find, but you don't think life is supposed to feel this way. For whatever reason you find yourself on my page today, it would be an honor to listen and hold a safe space for your hard things. Life will be hard, but seasons change. Hope and healing is possible.
![Photo of Erin Rayburn, LMFT, LPC-MHS, NCC, EAGALA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dad2206f-19ea-4df5-ae34-ac76177be5c9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Rayburn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC-MHS, NCC, EAGALA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Stressed? Tired? Can’t seem to get ahead? Don't like yourself? Finding that sense of security and strength in the midst of changes, challenges, and relationships is difficult, and some feel that taking time to stop and reflect is impossible; yet often it is one of the most important steps in moving forward or getting unstuck. Stopping and working with a trained therapist can help facilitate change in meaningful and impactful ways. It can also help avoid a complete life derailment. I believe that the work I do with my clients is sacred, which is why I employee some of the most up to date and clinically validated treatment techniques.
Stressed? Tired? Can’t seem to get ahead? Don't like yourself? Finding that sense of security and strength in the midst of changes, challenges, and relationships is difficult, and some feel that taking time to stop and reflect is impossible; yet often it is one of the most important steps in moving forward or getting unstuck. Stopping and working with a trained therapist can help facilitate change in meaningful and impactful ways. It can also help avoid a complete life derailment. I believe that the work I do with my clients is sacred, which is why I employee some of the most up to date and clinically validated treatment techniques.
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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.