Sexual Abuse Therapists in Franklin, TN

Photo of Kristine Stanfield, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristine Stanfield
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37067
I have 8+ years experience specializing in grief/loss, anxiety, trauma, domestic and sexual abuse, relationship issues, and infertility/postpartum issues.
Do you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or numb? What about broken, trapped, or lost? We have times in life that can be exhausting and scary; where there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Many times these experiences feel completely outside of our control. Maybe you’ve been experiencing this for a long time or just recently. You don't have to struggle alone! I’m passionate about working with people who are experiencing a difficult journey in life. I will walk with you, side by side, through the fire to help you get to the other side. Let me help you discover the phoenix within the ashes so you can feel whole again!
I have 8+ years experience specializing in grief/loss, anxiety, trauma, domestic and sexual abuse, relationship issues, and infertility/postpartum issues.
Do you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or numb? What about broken, trapped, or lost? We have times in life that can be exhausting and scary; where there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Many times these experiences feel completely outside of our control. Maybe you’ve been experiencing this for a long time or just recently. You don't have to struggle alone! I’m passionate about working with people who are experiencing a difficult journey in life. I will walk with you, side by side, through the fire to help you get to the other side. Let me help you discover the phoenix within the ashes so you can feel whole again!
(615) 442-3486 View (615) 442-3486
Photo of Courtnee T Guynn, EdS, LPC, MHSP(t), Pre-Licensed Professional
Courtnee T Guynn
Pre-Licensed Professional, EdS, LPC, MHSP(t)
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37064
As a counselor specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault, my mission is to provide compassionate, empowering, and trauma-informed support. Through empathetic listening and guided exploration, we will work to uncover the root causes of your difficulties and equip you with effective tools to address them.
As a counselor specializing in domestic violence and sexual assault, my mission is to provide compassionate, empowering, and trauma-informed support. Through empathetic listening and guided exploration, we will work to uncover the root causes of your difficulties and equip you with effective tools to address them.
(615) 265-6219 View (615) 265-6219
Photo of Ginger Poag, MSW, LCSW, CEMDR, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ginger Poag
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CEMDR, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37069
Tired of years of therapy and no true, lasting healing? I work with individuals that have tried many forms of therapy, but still feel the deep pain of feeling alone, stuck, in a toxic relationship again, frequently being triggered, and haunted by their past. I specialize in working with adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and trauma. Childhood trauma doesn't have to continue to have its grip on you, and take away your happiness! True healing is possible with EMDR. Over the 30 years that I have been in this field, I have seen hundreds of clients get their life, joy and happiness back.
Tired of years of therapy and no true, lasting healing? I work with individuals that have tried many forms of therapy, but still feel the deep pain of feeling alone, stuck, in a toxic relationship again, frequently being triggered, and haunted by their past. I specialize in working with adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and trauma. Childhood trauma doesn't have to continue to have its grip on you, and take away your happiness! True healing is possible with EMDR. Over the 30 years that I have been in this field, I have seen hundreds of clients get their life, joy and happiness back.
(615) 982-5710 x1 View (615) 982-5710 x1
Photo of Julie A Krager, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie A Krager
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
I also have experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and substance abuse.
Providing strength-based attachment approaches to trauma symptoms is a specialty. It is a privilege and passion to be a resource and safe-space for those brave souls who are willing to put hard work into finding relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dissociative symptoms. Whether it's personal growth, relationship hopes, recovery work, grief processing, complex trauma, or life-stages/transitions--I am committed to providing tools and strategies to help you feel empowered and supported in these pursuits.
I also have experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and substance abuse.
Providing strength-based attachment approaches to trauma symptoms is a specialty. It is a privilege and passion to be a resource and safe-space for those brave souls who are willing to put hard work into finding relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dissociative symptoms. Whether it's personal growth, relationship hopes, recovery work, grief processing, complex trauma, or life-stages/transitions--I am committed to providing tools and strategies to help you feel empowered and supported in these pursuits.
(615) 471-6135 View (615) 471-6135
Photo of Shaina Morton, LCSW, RPTs, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shaina Morton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPTs
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37067
Parenting is hard and full of unexpected challenges. If you are planning for a new addition to your family, experiencing strained relationships, dealing with behavioral problems, or are journeying with your child through trauma: I am here to help. I focused my career on working with parents, children, and adolescents who have experienced attachment challenges, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and who have been the victims of violent crime. I also have a six-session {pre}parenting counseling designed to address your story of attachment as a way to prepare you to become the parent you want to be.
Parenting is hard and full of unexpected challenges. If you are planning for a new addition to your family, experiencing strained relationships, dealing with behavioral problems, or are journeying with your child through trauma: I am here to help. I focused my career on working with parents, children, and adolescents who have experienced attachment challenges, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and who have been the victims of violent crime. I also have a six-session {pre}parenting counseling designed to address your story of attachment as a way to prepare you to become the parent you want to be.
(931) 563-0771 View (931) 563-0771
Photo of Amy Alexander - The Refuge Center for Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist
The Refuge Center for Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37064
We can help with the following: Addiction, Anxiety, Attachment, Behavioral issues, Body image / eating disorder issues, Child abuse, Depression, Divorce adjustment, Domestic violence, Family therapy, Grief and loss, Marital crisis, Parenting, Pre-marital counseling, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, and more.
The Refuge Center exists to offer excellent, accessible, and affordable mental and emotional healthcare services in support of a transformational impact on communities. With over 70 Staff Therapists, Contract Therapists, and Interns, we can provide a wide variety of services and specialized techniques including, EMDR, Music Therapy, and Neurofeedback.
We can help with the following: Addiction, Anxiety, Attachment, Behavioral issues, Body image / eating disorder issues, Child abuse, Depression, Divorce adjustment, Domestic violence, Family therapy, Grief and loss, Marital crisis, Parenting, Pre-marital counseling, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Relationship issues, Sexual abuse, and more.
The Refuge Center exists to offer excellent, accessible, and affordable mental and emotional healthcare services in support of a transformational impact on communities. With over 70 Staff Therapists, Contract Therapists, and Interns, we can provide a wide variety of services and specialized techniques including, EMDR, Music Therapy, and Neurofeedback.
(615) 632-6102 View (615) 632-6102
Photo of Brenda Anderson Menzies, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brenda Anderson Menzies
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37067
I specialize in the treatment of Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Abuse; Pre-Marital, with certificate, and Marital Counseling.
Counseling individuals and couples who are looking to improve their relationships, increase self awareness, and move towards greater levels of success and happiness in their personal and professional lives is my greatest source of fulfillment as a therapist. Modern life presents all of us with many challenges including anxiety, depression, and issues with core beliefs. Having an experienced, compassionate therapist to help navigate the journey of personal growth can make all the difference.
I specialize in the treatment of Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Abuse; Pre-Marital, with certificate, and Marital Counseling.
Counseling individuals and couples who are looking to improve their relationships, increase self awareness, and move towards greater levels of success and happiness in their personal and professional lives is my greatest source of fulfillment as a therapist. Modern life presents all of us with many challenges including anxiety, depression, and issues with core beliefs. Having an experienced, compassionate therapist to help navigate the journey of personal growth can make all the difference.
(615) 205-7558 View (615) 205-7558
Photo of Jessica Davidson, MA, MS, LPC, MHSP-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Davidson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC, MHSP-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37069
I have also been specially trained to work with children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, behavioral issues and problems controlling anger.
Are you worried about your child? Does your child not seem like themselves? Your child may be irritable, aggressive and defiant. Your child may seem angry or withdrawn. Adolescents often refuse to talk to you, participate in enjoyable activities, experience thoughts of suicide or do things to harm themselves. Your child may have experienced a traumatic event or is having difficulty navigating a life change such as divorce, death of a family member or adoption. You may feel hopeless and not sure how to help your child. If this sounds familiar, I can help. I have experience working with children with these same issues.
I have also been specially trained to work with children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse, behavioral issues and problems controlling anger.
Are you worried about your child? Does your child not seem like themselves? Your child may be irritable, aggressive and defiant. Your child may seem angry or withdrawn. Adolescents often refuse to talk to you, participate in enjoyable activities, experience thoughts of suicide or do things to harm themselves. Your child may have experienced a traumatic event or is having difficulty navigating a life change such as divorce, death of a family member or adoption. You may feel hopeless and not sure how to help your child. If this sounds familiar, I can help. I have experience working with children with these same issues.
(615) 434-4227 View (615) 434-4227
Photo of Beth Tucker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Beth Tucker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064
My passion is working with those that are looking for a safe place to explore the challenges that life brings. My focus is to create an environment for my clients to embrace hope and reach their goals. I have worked with victims of domestic abuse, trafficking, and sexual abuse since 2016. I also work with clients that are struggling with anxiety and depression. I believe that my client is the expert in their life and that together we can get them back to leading their lives effectively.
My passion is working with those that are looking for a safe place to explore the challenges that life brings. My focus is to create an environment for my clients to embrace hope and reach their goals. I have worked with victims of domestic abuse, trafficking, and sexual abuse since 2016. I also work with clients that are struggling with anxiety and depression. I believe that my client is the expert in their life and that together we can get them back to leading their lives effectively.
(615) 206-4102 View (615) 206-4102
Photo of Diane Gammon -Living With Hope Counseling, LPCMHSP, CMHIMP, ASDCS, NCC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diane Gammon -Living With Hope Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, CMHIMP, ASDCS, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37068
Welcome, I am glad you are here! I specialize in Crisis, Depression, Trauma, Autism Testing & Therapy, Couples/Marriage, Pre-marital Counseling, Family Reunification, Abandonment, Anxiety/Panic, PTSD, Neurodiverse/Neurotypical Relationships, Holistic Self-Care, Self-Harm, Grief/Loss, RAD, Miscarriage/Infant Loss, ADHD, Personality Disorders, Drug/Alcohol/Other Addictions, Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth, Eating Disorders, Body Image, Communication Skills/ Relationships, Sexual Assault, Rape/Domestic Violence, Behavior Issues, Corrections, Foster Care, Adoption Transition, Postpartum, Illness & more.
Welcome, I am glad you are here! I specialize in Crisis, Depression, Trauma, Autism Testing & Therapy, Couples/Marriage, Pre-marital Counseling, Family Reunification, Abandonment, Anxiety/Panic, PTSD, Neurodiverse/Neurotypical Relationships, Holistic Self-Care, Self-Harm, Grief/Loss, RAD, Miscarriage/Infant Loss, ADHD, Personality Disorders, Drug/Alcohol/Other Addictions, Low Self-Esteem/Self-Worth, Eating Disorders, Body Image, Communication Skills/ Relationships, Sexual Assault, Rape/Domestic Violence, Behavior Issues, Corrections, Foster Care, Adoption Transition, Postpartum, Illness & more.
(615) 654-6252 View (615) 654-6252
Photo of Mary Beth Heaney-Gárate, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Beth Heaney-Gárate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064
Welcome New Clients! I believe in the resilience of people who are doing the best they can and want better. I've helped clients navigate challenges in their relationships, families, school & workplace. Together, we've addressed: anxiety & depression; substance use; grief, stress, & burnout; abandonment & neglect, shame & self-confidence; and trauma including rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. My mission is to ensure you feel heard, supported, & empowered to achieve your goals and experience your best life.
Welcome New Clients! I believe in the resilience of people who are doing the best they can and want better. I've helped clients navigate challenges in their relationships, families, school & workplace. Together, we've addressed: anxiety & depression; substance use; grief, stress, & burnout; abandonment & neglect, shame & self-confidence; and trauma including rape, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. My mission is to ensure you feel heard, supported, & empowered to achieve your goals and experience your best life.
(615) 576-3480 View (615) 576-3480
Photo of Philip Zimmerman - Philip Zimmerman, LMFT, LMFT, NCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Philip Zimmerman, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37067
Knowing that the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, hope, and care, I create an environment in which people can be themselves. My approach is holistic, acknowledging the interaction of mind, body and spirit in the healing process. I invite people to look at both how they have been hurt and what they have done with their pain. At core, I view counseling as a healing relationship that helps people grow in their capacity to love others and to love themselves.
Knowing that the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, hope, and care, I create an environment in which people can be themselves. My approach is holistic, acknowledging the interaction of mind, body and spirit in the healing process. I invite people to look at both how they have been hurt and what they have done with their pain. At core, I view counseling as a healing relationship that helps people grow in their capacity to love others and to love themselves.
(615) 656-7187 View (615) 656-7187
Photo of Kimberly Nave, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kimberly Nave
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
You seem to have it all together. You’ve got great relationships with family and friends. You have an amazing job. You serve at church. But somewhere deep inside you feel like a fraud. The smile on the outside hides the fact that you feel stuck. The harder your try, the worse you seem to feel. You feel exhausted, hopeless, broken. You’re tired of being afraid that something will happen, and you will just snap. It doesn’t have to be like this. There is hope.
You seem to have it all together. You’ve got great relationships with family and friends. You have an amazing job. You serve at church. But somewhere deep inside you feel like a fraud. The smile on the outside hides the fact that you feel stuck. The harder your try, the worse you seem to feel. You feel exhausted, hopeless, broken. You’re tired of being afraid that something will happen, and you will just snap. It doesn’t have to be like this. There is hope.
(423) 523-8607 View (423) 523-8607
Photo of Dr. David S Thornton, MA, DMin, LCPT, Pastoral Counselor
Dr. David S Thornton
Pastoral Counselor, MA, DMin, LCPT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064
As a clinical pastoral therapist, I am listening for themes and patterns - psychodynamic and spiritual - in your struggle. I sit with gifted individuals and couples to help them experience relief from the loneliness and destructive behaviors that arise from trauma and addiction. I work with survivors of many forms of abuse, moving with them when there seems no way out, to find a way through. We can discover freedom from anxiety, fear, anger, and self-hatred and release into grounded ways of living. I help people stop running from their pain and shame and start walking in peace to make consistent and conscious positive choices.
As a clinical pastoral therapist, I am listening for themes and patterns - psychodynamic and spiritual - in your struggle. I sit with gifted individuals and couples to help them experience relief from the loneliness and destructive behaviors that arise from trauma and addiction. I work with survivors of many forms of abuse, moving with them when there seems no way out, to find a way through. We can discover freedom from anxiety, fear, anger, and self-hatred and release into grounded ways of living. I help people stop running from their pain and shame and start walking in peace to make consistent and conscious positive choices.
(615) 239-0611 View (615) 239-0611
Photo of Patricia McCormack, SrPE, Counselor
Patricia McCormack
Counselor, SrPE
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37064
For over thirty years, I have done therapy with individuals experiencing life stress and/or chemical imbalances. I have successfully treated clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For the past ten years, I have concentrated primarily on clients who have experienced emotional abuse from having been involved with a person who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Such relationships leave others feeling as thought the life has been sucked out of them. I have helped many clients go from feeling weak and depleted to strong and self confident; they regain self esteem and peace of mind.
For over thirty years, I have done therapy with individuals experiencing life stress and/or chemical imbalances. I have successfully treated clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For the past ten years, I have concentrated primarily on clients who have experienced emotional abuse from having been involved with a person who has Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Such relationships leave others feeling as thought the life has been sucked out of them. I have helped many clients go from feeling weak and depleted to strong and self confident; they regain self esteem and peace of mind.
(615) 649-5361 View (615) 649-5361
Photo of LuCinda Pincince - LuCinda Pincince, SPE, LLC, MA, SLPE
LuCinda Pincince, SPE, LLC
MA, SLPE
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064
Do you feel haunted by things in your past that keep interfering with you here in the present? Are there issues that you have emotional reactions to that don't make sense? Bad relationships and traumatic events are difficult to process and resolve. They can linger and affect your abilities in many ways. Depression, anxiety, low self esteem, poor relationships, poor communication, and other coping problems can be a result.
Do you feel haunted by things in your past that keep interfering with you here in the present? Are there issues that you have emotional reactions to that don't make sense? Bad relationships and traumatic events are difficult to process and resolve. They can linger and affect your abilities in many ways. Depression, anxiety, low self esteem, poor relationships, poor communication, and other coping problems can be a result.
(615) 338-8457 View (615) 338-8457
Photo of Taylor Rose-Allen, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Taylor Rose-Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Do you feel stuck? Are you struggling with knowing what to do, but having a hard time getting there? Maybe you don't know where to begin! When working with clients I come from a holistic approach. We are all created with a mind, body and soul; therapy with me will tend to all parts of you. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS and EFT- all evidenced based practices proven to be effective for treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other issues. Through talking and engaging in more structured interventions during therapy, you can begin to heal and create a value driven, purposeful life filled with joy and contentment.
Do you feel stuck? Are you struggling with knowing what to do, but having a hard time getting there? Maybe you don't know where to begin! When working with clients I come from a holistic approach. We are all created with a mind, body and soul; therapy with me will tend to all parts of you. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS and EFT- all evidenced based practices proven to be effective for treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other issues. Through talking and engaging in more structured interventions during therapy, you can begin to heal and create a value driven, purposeful life filled with joy and contentment.
(615) 219-2664 View (615) 219-2664
Photo of Christi Sidwell, LCSW, SEP, CPATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christi Sidwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, CPATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37069
I believe that we all deserve support and at the core of personal transformation is a duality of self-compassion and desire for change. As humans we are intrinsically wired for connection, resiliency and healing. However, sometimes there are things from the past or other life stressors that cause us to feel stuck and that healing is out of our reach. I am deeply interested in the mind-body connection and believe reconnecting to our bodies can be incredibly transformational. I work with folks in adolescence and adulthood who are desiring to address trauma, optimal performance, depression, anxiety and life transitions.
I believe that we all deserve support and at the core of personal transformation is a duality of self-compassion and desire for change. As humans we are intrinsically wired for connection, resiliency and healing. However, sometimes there are things from the past or other life stressors that cause us to feel stuck and that healing is out of our reach. I am deeply interested in the mind-body connection and believe reconnecting to our bodies can be incredibly transformational. I work with folks in adolescence and adulthood who are desiring to address trauma, optimal performance, depression, anxiety and life transitions.
(615) 637-3637 View (615) 637-3637
Photo of Marci S Burroughs, PhD, CST, Psychologist
Marci S Burroughs
Psychologist, PhD, CST
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in helping couples/intimate partners with communication and intimacy issues including conflict management, decrease in intimacy, mismatched libidos, the impact of societal and religious messages on sex and sexuality and the impacts of trauma on the individual and the couple. I also work with couples and individuals that are struggling with sexual dysfunctions such as ED, PE, DE and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. I provide a non-judgmental environment for people who identify as LGBTQ+, poly, nonmonogamous and kink to explore their concerns within the context of their lifestyle.
I specialize in helping couples/intimate partners with communication and intimacy issues including conflict management, decrease in intimacy, mismatched libidos, the impact of societal and religious messages on sex and sexuality and the impacts of trauma on the individual and the couple. I also work with couples and individuals that are struggling with sexual dysfunctions such as ED, PE, DE and genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder. I provide a non-judgmental environment for people who identify as LGBTQ+, poly, nonmonogamous and kink to explore their concerns within the context of their lifestyle.
(865) 213-7517 View (865) 213-7517
Photo of Chris Hancock - Therapy Outside The Box, LCSW, ACMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Therapy Outside The Box
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37069
Waitlist for new clients
Do you see the world differently? Do you know to the very depths of your soul you're a spiritual being with a body? Are you 'awakening' and need knowledgeable support? Prepping for or integrating a psychedelic experience? Seeking unconventional healing approaches that reflect your uniqueness and spiritual worldview? For 25 yrs I've been helping people understand the past, heal and integrate wounded parts, discover an authentic spirituality, & embody Larger Self. My approach is relaxed, informal, creative, intuitive (claircognizant/clairsentient), psycho-spiritual, relational; real. I love learning, love people, and love this work.
Do you see the world differently? Do you know to the very depths of your soul you're a spiritual being with a body? Are you 'awakening' and need knowledgeable support? Prepping for or integrating a psychedelic experience? Seeking unconventional healing approaches that reflect your uniqueness and spiritual worldview? For 25 yrs I've been helping people understand the past, heal and integrate wounded parts, discover an authentic spirituality, & embody Larger Self. My approach is relaxed, informal, creative, intuitive (claircognizant/clairsentient), psycho-spiritual, relational; real. I love learning, love people, and love this work.
(615) 430-2778 View (615) 430-2778
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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.