Sexual Abuse Therapists in Hermitage, TN

Photo of Dr. Mitchell Waters, PhD, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Dr. Mitchell Waters
Counselor, PhD, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
I specialize in providing therapeutic services to individuals with a range of concerns including trauma and adversity, anxiety and panic, depression, spirituality, life transitions, and grief. I utilize a relational approach to meet you where you are and employ different methods including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and EMDR. Whatever you are facing, it is my privilege to offer an empathetic, warm, and nonjudgmental presence for you to find healing and meet your life goals. I am currently taking appointments on Mondays.
I specialize in providing therapeutic services to individuals with a range of concerns including trauma and adversity, anxiety and panic, depression, spirituality, life transitions, and grief. I utilize a relational approach to meet you where you are and employ different methods including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and EMDR. Whatever you are facing, it is my privilege to offer an empathetic, warm, and nonjudgmental presence for you to find healing and meet your life goals. I am currently taking appointments on Mondays.
(629) 302-1413 View (629) 302-1413
Photo of Jaden Tabb, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jaden Tabb
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
My role is to provide unconditional positive support for you during your therapy journey. I believe therapy works best when you are active in the session and we work together to develop your goals. I will bring genuineness, compassion, and sometimes humor to my sessions.
My role is to provide unconditional positive support for you during your therapy journey. I believe therapy works best when you are active in the session and we work together to develop your goals. I will bring genuineness, compassion, and sometimes humor to my sessions.
(629) 295-8517 View (629) 295-8517
Photo of Festus Imasuen - Panacea Mind-Body Center, LLC, PhD, MA, MEd, LPC/NPT, EMDR, Counselor
Panacea Mind-Body Center, LLC
Counselor, PhD, MA, MEd, LPC/NPT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Hermitage, TN 37076
As a psychotherapist for more than 30 years, I believe that therapeutic alliance between a therapist and client is most essential for successful treatment outcomes. It establishes trust, encourages collaboration, and reinforces realistic expectations that enable clients to achieve their unique abilities, strength, positive traits, talent, gifts and skills and should not be defined by their circumstances or diagnosis. While I cannot change the past, we can at least work together to figure out ways to promote values, unconditional self-acceptance, set goals that would lead to growth and development and overall wellbeing.
As a psychotherapist for more than 30 years, I believe that therapeutic alliance between a therapist and client is most essential for successful treatment outcomes. It establishes trust, encourages collaboration, and reinforces realistic expectations that enable clients to achieve their unique abilities, strength, positive traits, talent, gifts and skills and should not be defined by their circumstances or diagnosis. While I cannot change the past, we can at least work together to figure out ways to promote values, unconditional self-acceptance, set goals that would lead to growth and development and overall wellbeing.
(615) 208-6460 View (615) 208-6460
Photo of Brooke Foxworthy, PhD, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brooke Foxworthy
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
My vision for counseling is to foster an environment that promotes the client's exploration of resolution to life's problems. I understand that therapy can be a difficult, yet rewarding process. I believe that the real work of therapy must be done by the client, and I work collaboratively with clients to identify therapy goals and the 'roadmap' to the achievement of these goals.
My vision for counseling is to foster an environment that promotes the client's exploration of resolution to life's problems. I understand that therapy can be a difficult, yet rewarding process. I believe that the real work of therapy must be done by the client, and I work collaboratively with clients to identify therapy goals and the 'roadmap' to the achievement of these goals.
(615) 219-1098 View (615) 219-1098
Photo of E Alyce Zellmer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
E Alyce Zellmer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hermitage, TN 37076
I love helping clients make sense of their hidden stories and experiences. Often, these create chaos, make us unsure, and throw us off balance. I believe that everyone needs a comfortable place to rediscover balance and wholeness through unraveling their stories. While I see a variety of clients, I love pre-marital therapy, married couples struggling with intimacy, as well as singles and women who have experienced sexual trauma. I also have experience with Homeschool culture and the struggles and wins of the music industry. I offer flexible office hours including Saturdays.
I love helping clients make sense of their hidden stories and experiences. Often, these create chaos, make us unsure, and throw us off balance. I believe that everyone needs a comfortable place to rediscover balance and wholeness through unraveling their stories. While I see a variety of clients, I love pre-marital therapy, married couples struggling with intimacy, as well as singles and women who have experienced sexual trauma. I also have experience with Homeschool culture and the struggles and wins of the music industry. I offer flexible office hours including Saturdays.
(615) 492-3324 View (615) 492-3324
Photo of Christina Culpepper - Christina Culpepper, LMFT, LMFT, MMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Culpepper, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MMFT
Verified Verified
Hermitage, TN 37076
We are all works in progress, constantly changing and hopefully moving towards growth, and to be the best version of ourselves. Through therapy we can achieve healing and a greater understanding of ourselves and others. I offer a safe, encouraging, and holistic approach to therapy. My desire is to help support you in reaching your goals and move you towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. My therapy approach is personally tailored to each of my clients needs to help them attain the goals they desire.
We are all works in progress, constantly changing and hopefully moving towards growth, and to be the best version of ourselves. Through therapy we can achieve healing and a greater understanding of ourselves and others. I offer a safe, encouraging, and holistic approach to therapy. My desire is to help support you in reaching your goals and move you towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. My therapy approach is personally tailored to each of my clients needs to help them attain the goals they desire.
(615) 656-3625 View (615) 656-3625
Photo of Brooke Ann Lamb, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brooke Ann Lamb
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
You’re exhausted from the unending racing thoughts and constantly feeling on-edge due to anxiety and PTSD. The guilt and shame of negative beliefs about yourself from depression feel overwhelming. You can feel peaceful, confident, grounded, and happy again. I can help you get there through my experiential, trauma-focused therapy. My ideal clients are open to deep exploration of their stories, identities, wounds, and desires and are motivated to make real change. I consider it a great privilege to witness the deeply human work of healing of all of my clients.
You’re exhausted from the unending racing thoughts and constantly feeling on-edge due to anxiety and PTSD. The guilt and shame of negative beliefs about yourself from depression feel overwhelming. You can feel peaceful, confident, grounded, and happy again. I can help you get there through my experiential, trauma-focused therapy. My ideal clients are open to deep exploration of their stories, identities, wounds, and desires and are motivated to make real change. I consider it a great privilege to witness the deeply human work of healing of all of my clients.
(615) 237-7150 View (615) 237-7150
Photo of Lindsey Stevens, LMFT, (temp), Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Lindsey Stevens
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT, (temp)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
I believe we can all use a little help sometimes. We all experience situations where we need some help figuring out how to move forward in life. It can feel like we've hit a wall and the ways we once faced our problems are no longer working for us. Or we've come up against something we never expected and we're not quite sure how to handle it. I think from the time we are little and through our different experiences we learn how to handle our problems and there can come a time when the way we've learned to handle things does not serve us well. Ultimately I believe this can lead to incredible growth and an opportunity to re-evaluate.
I believe we can all use a little help sometimes. We all experience situations where we need some help figuring out how to move forward in life. It can feel like we've hit a wall and the ways we once faced our problems are no longer working for us. Or we've come up against something we never expected and we're not quite sure how to handle it. I think from the time we are little and through our different experiences we learn how to handle our problems and there can come a time when the way we've learned to handle things does not serve us well. Ultimately I believe this can lead to incredible growth and an opportunity to re-evaluate.
(615) 805-6573 View (615) 805-6573
Photo of Ginger Pilarski, LPC, EMDR-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ginger Pilarski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
Waitlist for new clients
Have you done everything you can think of to figure things out on your own, but no matter how hard you have tried, things aren’t getting better? You need real skills and strategies to work through your struggles and get to the other side. I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, people-pleasing, self esteem and perfectionism. Together we will explore the roadblocks that are holding you back, and develop a plan that allows you to move forward into a life that you actually want to live.
Have you done everything you can think of to figure things out on your own, but no matter how hard you have tried, things aren’t getting better? You need real skills and strategies to work through your struggles and get to the other side. I specialize in treating trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, people-pleasing, self esteem and perfectionism. Together we will explore the roadblocks that are holding you back, and develop a plan that allows you to move forward into a life that you actually want to live.
(615) 909-4699 View (615) 909-4699
Photo of Bridgette True, MMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Bridgette True
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MMFT
Verified Verified
Hermitage, TN 37076
The energy I bring into the room is best summed up into three words: positive, nurturing, and well-rounded. This energy helps me provide the best experience possible to help impact individuals' lives. I believe that my strengths and skills will offer a safe holding environment for my clients. These strengths include being empathetic, friendly, authentic, empowering, providing validation, and boundary setting. My goal is to provide a safe and empathic environment to help overcome conflict, misalignments, and trauma. I believe that communication will help develop a more cohesive family unit, therefore decreasing the amount of stress.
The energy I bring into the room is best summed up into three words: positive, nurturing, and well-rounded. This energy helps me provide the best experience possible to help impact individuals' lives. I believe that my strengths and skills will offer a safe holding environment for my clients. These strengths include being empathetic, friendly, authentic, empowering, providing validation, and boundary setting. My goal is to provide a safe and empathic environment to help overcome conflict, misalignments, and trauma. I believe that communication will help develop a more cohesive family unit, therefore decreasing the amount of stress.
(615) 991-8520 View (615) 991-8520
Photo of Connie Haxby, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Connie Haxby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
Not accepting new clients
Practice currently full. Congratulations on taking your first step to a healthier and happier you! Hi, I'm Connie Haxby and I have over 15 years experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about the career I have chosen and truly enjoy assisting clients in their journey to make peace with the past and delve into a happier future. If life's stressors have gotten to be too much lately, please allow me to guide you to reaching your full potential.
Practice currently full. Congratulations on taking your first step to a healthier and happier you! Hi, I'm Connie Haxby and I have over 15 years experience in the mental health field. I am passionate about the career I have chosen and truly enjoy assisting clients in their journey to make peace with the past and delve into a happier future. If life's stressors have gotten to be too much lately, please allow me to guide you to reaching your full potential.
(615) 583-8109 View (615) 583-8109
Photo of Kelly G Causey, CTC, MA, Pastoral Counselor
Kelly G Causey
Pastoral Counselor, CTC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076
In order to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety I counsel individuals, couples and families, offering tools in our sessions to assist with conflict resolution, anger management, effective communication, self care, and grief recovery. Encouraging each person to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually in order to live up to their fullest potential. Whether it's a new obstacle or something lingering from the past, a crisis, or a stronghold, biblically based counseling will rebuild restore and renew hope comfort and freedom from grief despair and anxiety. With Board Certification in Marriage and Family NCCA
In order to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety I counsel individuals, couples and families, offering tools in our sessions to assist with conflict resolution, anger management, effective communication, self care, and grief recovery. Encouraging each person to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually in order to live up to their fullest potential. Whether it's a new obstacle or something lingering from the past, a crisis, or a stronghold, biblically based counseling will rebuild restore and renew hope comfort and freedom from grief despair and anxiety. With Board Certification in Marriage and Family NCCA
(615) 240-2683 View (615) 240-2683
Photo of Lauren Kelly, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Counselor
Lauren Kelly
Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
Hermitage, TN 37076
By creating a safe, inclusive and judgment free environment, I strive to provide a space that fosters connection and understanding. I am passionate about working with individuals who struggle with complex trauma, eating disorders/disordered eating, weight and body image concerns, and anxiety. I am committed to guiding my clients towards profound healing and personal empowerment.
By creating a safe, inclusive and judgment free environment, I strive to provide a space that fosters connection and understanding. I am passionate about working with individuals who struggle with complex trauma, eating disorders/disordered eating, weight and body image concerns, and anxiety. I am committed to guiding my clients towards profound healing and personal empowerment.
(615) 905-1442 View (615) 905-1442

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Allison Dowsley, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison Dowsley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
Hazel House practitioners treat a variety of concerns, especially focusing on trauma / PTSD (sexual assault / rape, military (veterans), and all forms of child abuse / neglect), family / relational attachment problems, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance abuse.
Hazel House, PLLC is a holistic, integrative center that uses multiple modalities to treat people affected by trauma, addiction, mental health concerns, and stress. Our mission is to facilitate the natural healing process in each individual who seeks our care, by offering compassionate connection alongside skilled interventions targeting body, mind, and spirit. Services include: Counseling / Therapy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Health Coaching / Functional Nutrition, Holistic Bodywork, Neurofeedback, and other natural treatments.
Hazel House practitioners treat a variety of concerns, especially focusing on trauma / PTSD (sexual assault / rape, military (veterans), and all forms of child abuse / neglect), family / relational attachment problems, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance abuse.
Hazel House, PLLC is a holistic, integrative center that uses multiple modalities to treat people affected by trauma, addiction, mental health concerns, and stress. Our mission is to facilitate the natural healing process in each individual who seeks our care, by offering compassionate connection alongside skilled interventions targeting body, mind, and spirit. Services include: Counseling / Therapy, Yoga, Acupuncture, Health Coaching / Functional Nutrition, Holistic Bodywork, Neurofeedback, and other natural treatments.
(615) 603-3468 View (615) 603-3468
Photo of Lindsay E Vaughn - Hazel House, PLLC / Lindsay E. Vaughn, PsyD, Psychologist
Hazel House, PLLC / Lindsay E. Vaughn
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075
We treat a variety of concerns, especially trauma / PTSD (sexual assault / rape, military (veterans), and all forms of child abuse / neglect), family / relational attachment issues, depression, anxiety, chronic pain / illness, & substance use.
Many clients come to us after feeling stuck in talk therapy. Talking about your problems is helpful, but sometimes you need more! If you are ready to take your healing to the next level, please reach out! We integrate somatic and experiential therapies, such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, IFS, psychodrama, nature therapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, Neurofeedback, holistic health coaching, and more, to go deeper, so you can truly heal from past experiences. There are no quick fixes - there is only the journey to truly know, love, and care for yourself, and our team of expert therapists is ready to take the journey with you.
We treat a variety of concerns, especially trauma / PTSD (sexual assault / rape, military (veterans), and all forms of child abuse / neglect), family / relational attachment issues, depression, anxiety, chronic pain / illness, & substance use.
Many clients come to us after feeling stuck in talk therapy. Talking about your problems is helpful, but sometimes you need more! If you are ready to take your healing to the next level, please reach out! We integrate somatic and experiential therapies, such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy, IFS, psychodrama, nature therapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, Neurofeedback, holistic health coaching, and more, to go deeper, so you can truly heal from past experiences. There are no quick fixes - there is only the journey to truly know, love, and care for yourself, and our team of expert therapists is ready to take the journey with you.
(615) 751-8303 View (615) 751-8303
Photo of Lisa Corbin, LPC, MHSP, LADAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Corbin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, LADAC
Verified Verified
Old Hickory, TN 37138  (Online Only)
I'm trained in EMDR trauma therapy and have experience with survivors of combat trauma, and sexual assault.
What an honor it is to share space with folks who want to enjoy their lives to the fullest! I'm here to help you improve relationships, regulate emotions, overcome past hurts, and plan for living your best life. I'll work with you to move past barriers so that you can achieve your goals. I am passionate about empowering you to be the greatest version of yourself. If you measure yourself as a "human doing" instead of a "human being”, if you have difficulty setting boundaries with friends and family, if you find yourself repeating the same patterns that are no longer serving you, I'd love to talk with you.
I'm trained in EMDR trauma therapy and have experience with survivors of combat trauma, and sexual assault.
What an honor it is to share space with folks who want to enjoy their lives to the fullest! I'm here to help you improve relationships, regulate emotions, overcome past hurts, and plan for living your best life. I'll work with you to move past barriers so that you can achieve your goals. I am passionate about empowering you to be the greatest version of yourself. If you measure yourself as a "human doing" instead of a "human being”, if you have difficulty setting boundaries with friends and family, if you find yourself repeating the same patterns that are no longer serving you, I'd love to talk with you.
(615) 703-8239 View (615) 703-8239
Photo of Shantell Johnson-Jones, LPC, MHSP, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shantell Johnson-Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MEd
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
I specialize in sexual assault/abuse, trauma from alcoholic/dysfunctional childhoods, LGBTQ identity, and pre-parental counseling.
I specialize in working with the emotional internalizers of the world. Do you self-isolate? Not return text messages or calls when life gets hard? Stuffing down your feelings and wants? Avoiding conflict? Self-sabotaging? Maybe intimacy is hard for you, especially if you're a survivor of sexual trauma. You want desperately to change but aren’t sure how. Trauma (especially from dysfunctional childhoods) convinces us that we’re an anomaly, not worth loving. It feels like everyone has it “together” except you. I get it, I’ve been there. The truth is, you’re not alone. Let's help YOU get what YOU what from life, relationships, and work.
I specialize in sexual assault/abuse, trauma from alcoholic/dysfunctional childhoods, LGBTQ identity, and pre-parental counseling.
I specialize in working with the emotional internalizers of the world. Do you self-isolate? Not return text messages or calls when life gets hard? Stuffing down your feelings and wants? Avoiding conflict? Self-sabotaging? Maybe intimacy is hard for you, especially if you're a survivor of sexual trauma. You want desperately to change but aren’t sure how. Trauma (especially from dysfunctional childhoods) convinces us that we’re an anomaly, not worth loving. It feels like everyone has it “together” except you. I get it, I’ve been there. The truth is, you’re not alone. Let's help YOU get what YOU what from life, relationships, and work.
(615) 205-4736 View (615) 205-4736
Photo of Christine Wolf, MMFT, MedFT, CKAP
Christine Wolf
MMFT, MedFT, CKAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Juliet, TN 37122
I have worked with a diverse population infant-older adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, substance use, sexual abuse, and trauma.
As a Temp-Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist I meet people where they are, find their own intention for therapy, & guide them through their interpersonal relationships, thoughts, and feelings. I work from an evidence-based Collaborative/Narrative Strength Based Approach to understand the patient’s perspective and help empower them to understand their mental health through neurophysiological psychoeducation, assessments, and build coping skills for everyday life stressors. I see patients with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, Trauma (PTSD, Complex), relationship distress/conflict. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
I have worked with a diverse population infant-older adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, substance use, sexual abuse, and trauma.
As a Temp-Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist I meet people where they are, find their own intention for therapy, & guide them through their interpersonal relationships, thoughts, and feelings. I work from an evidence-based Collaborative/Narrative Strength Based Approach to understand the patient’s perspective and help empower them to understand their mental health through neurophysiological psychoeducation, assessments, and build coping skills for everyday life stressors. I see patients with chronic illness, depression, anxiety, Trauma (PTSD, Complex), relationship distress/conflict. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
(615) 845-5951 View (615) 845-5951
Photo of Sara Baldwin - Hope Clinic for Women, Licensed Professional Counselor
Hope Clinic for Women
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37206
Located in Nashville, TN our licensed counselors see Individuals, Couples, and Families. We offer counseling for: Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage, Infant Death, Stillbirth, Failed IVF, Abortion), Adoption-Related Loss, Support for Infertility and Reproductive Health Concerns, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), STD Diagnoses, Grief, Loss, Relationship issues, Sexual Abuse and Assault, Boundaries, Assertiveness and Communication, Self Esteem, and Pornography/Sexual Addiction. We are a faith-based, safe, and confidential place, providing professional counseling regardless of age, race, or religion.
Located in Nashville, TN our licensed counselors see Individuals, Couples, and Families. We offer counseling for: Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage, Infant Death, Stillbirth, Failed IVF, Abortion), Adoption-Related Loss, Support for Infertility and Reproductive Health Concerns, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), STD Diagnoses, Grief, Loss, Relationship issues, Sexual Abuse and Assault, Boundaries, Assertiveness and Communication, Self Esteem, and Pornography/Sexual Addiction. We are a faith-based, safe, and confidential place, providing professional counseling regardless of age, race, or religion.
(615) 551-3311 View (615) 551-3311
Photo of Sandi Anders - Sandi Anders, MDiv, E-RYT, CSC, ACS, Counselor
Sandi Anders
Counselor, MDiv, E-RYT, CSC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206  (Online Only)
I frequently use the principles of trauma-sensitive yoga in combination with sexuality counseling for survivors of childhood sexual abuse or sexual trauma.
As an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor working with individuals and couples, I combine evidence-based best practices with experience as a Tantric Sexuality Educator and practitioner, offering a supportive environment for thorough and constructive exploration of sexual matters. Questions and concerns may be talked about openly without fear of embarrassment or criticism. As a Mind-Body Psychotherapist, I help clients talk through issues and learn to utilize emotions as embodied resources for healing and growth, encouraging awareness of connection between body, mind, and spirit. My background as a pastoral psychotherapist and experience with body therapies such as yoga, breath-work, and meditation inform my work.
I frequently use the principles of trauma-sensitive yoga in combination with sexuality counseling for survivors of childhood sexual abuse or sexual trauma.
As an AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor working with individuals and couples, I combine evidence-based best practices with experience as a Tantric Sexuality Educator and practitioner, offering a supportive environment for thorough and constructive exploration of sexual matters. Questions and concerns may be talked about openly without fear of embarrassment or criticism. As a Mind-Body Psychotherapist, I help clients talk through issues and learn to utilize emotions as embodied resources for healing and growth, encouraging awareness of connection between body, mind, and spirit. My background as a pastoral psychotherapist and experience with body therapies such as yoga, breath-work, and meditation inform my work.
(615) 800-7826 View (615) 800-7826
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.