Sexual Abuse Therapists in Minneapolis, MN
Christina Buscko
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55430
Not accepting new clients
My specialties focus on healing from the effects of trauma, specifically domestic violence and sexual assault.
***Not accepting new clients at this time. Feel free to reach out with questions*** I am passionate about helping you find your happiness in life. So often we are stuck in the past, haunted by trauma and weighed down by shame and guilt. We are not our pasts and do not have to be defined by them. I want to help you move forward by incorporating your strengths and resilience into the healing journey you have in front of you. I will provide a space for you to bring your concerns that is safe, confidential, and free from judgment.
My specialties focus on healing from the effects of trauma, specifically domestic violence and sexual assault.
***Not accepting new clients at this time. Feel free to reach out with questions*** I am passionate about helping you find your happiness in life. So often we are stuck in the past, haunted by trauma and weighed down by shame and guilt. We are not our pasts and do not have to be defined by them. I want to help you move forward by incorporating your strengths and resilience into the healing journey you have in front of you. I will provide a space for you to bring your concerns that is safe, confidential, and free from judgment.
Liz Gamble Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Not accepting new clients
Some areas of focus include: Anxiety; Life Transition & Change; Depression; PTSD; Emotional & Behavior Problems; Trauma, including Sexual Abuse & Rape; School Related Issues, including Bullying & Social Skills Acquisition; Grief & Loss.
Currently I am not taking any new clients. I provide psychotherapy to adolescents and adults seeking to address a variety of concerns. I have a strong commitment to collaboration and empowerment so that individuals can utilize their strengths to help shape the healing process. I value maintaining strong working relationships as well as offering a mind - body approach. I help clients identify existing patterns that work as well as patterns that may have worked in the past but are not working now. We work together to find healthy patterns that fit each client's needs, and meet their goals.
Some areas of focus include: Anxiety; Life Transition & Change; Depression; PTSD; Emotional & Behavior Problems; Trauma, including Sexual Abuse & Rape; School Related Issues, including Bullying & Social Skills Acquisition; Grief & Loss.
Currently I am not taking any new clients. I provide psychotherapy to adolescents and adults seeking to address a variety of concerns. I have a strong commitment to collaboration and empowerment so that individuals can utilize their strengths to help shape the healing process. I value maintaining strong working relationships as well as offering a mind - body approach. I help clients identify existing patterns that work as well as patterns that may have worked in the past but are not working now. We work together to find healthy patterns that fit each client's needs, and meet their goals.
Pain and hurt seem to find each of us, myself included. I am passionate about helping people find healing, which is what has led me to specialize in trauma, grief and loss. This covers a very broad range of topics, such as sexual abuse, death of a loved one, divorce, healing from break-up, and much more. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, or just a broken heart, I would love to help you move forward toward finding joy in your life again.
Pain and hurt seem to find each of us, myself included. I am passionate about helping people find healing, which is what has led me to specialize in trauma, grief and loss. This covers a very broad range of topics, such as sexual abuse, death of a loved one, divorce, healing from break-up, and much more. Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety, or just a broken heart, I would love to help you move forward toward finding joy in your life again.
Eden Broberg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Not accepting new clients
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.
As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a NARM-Informed Professional, I treat developmental trauma from adverse childhood experiences, including feelings of loneliness, neglect, physical and/or sexual abuse.
For over forty years I've helped people heal their emotional wounds. If you grew up in a dysfunctional family, the traumatic effects of that environment, such as anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship problems, are with you to this day. To have the fully functioning life you want, it is essential to recover from the neglect, abuse, and lack of parental attunement from which you may have suffered in your early years. I'll collaborate with you to help you understand how your past affects your present, and how you can make the changes you need to improve your life and relationships.
As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a NARM-Informed Professional, I treat developmental trauma from adverse childhood experiences, including feelings of loneliness, neglect, physical and/or sexual abuse.
For over forty years I've helped people heal their emotional wounds. If you grew up in a dysfunctional family, the traumatic effects of that environment, such as anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship problems, are with you to this day. To have the fully functioning life you want, it is essential to recover from the neglect, abuse, and lack of parental attunement from which you may have suffered in your early years. I'll collaborate with you to help you understand how your past affects your present, and how you can make the changes you need to improve your life and relationships.
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.
Michael Kinzer
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Not accepting new clients
I work with adults and adolescents, individuals, couples, and families, helping them overcome anxiety, depression, chemical dependency and other addictions, PTSD and trauma (physical and sexual abuse, rape and domestic violence), family and relationship issues, including adoption, divorce, infidelity, anger, parenting, and issues related to the legal system.
My therapy style is engaged and proactive. Clients repeatedly tell me they feel safe and accepted in therapy to explore their issues, whatever they happen to be. I ask questions and make frequent observations to help clients (1) increase self-awareness and become more comfortable with themselves and their feelings, (2) to make better choices, (3) toward greater satisfaction in their lives and relationships. My unique history helps me understand and relate to the many struggles clients face, without judgment. For more information about me and my style of therapy, please visit my website: www.jupitercenter.com.
I work with adults and adolescents, individuals, couples, and families, helping them overcome anxiety, depression, chemical dependency and other addictions, PTSD and trauma (physical and sexual abuse, rape and domestic violence), family and relationship issues, including adoption, divorce, infidelity, anger, parenting, and issues related to the legal system.
My therapy style is engaged and proactive. Clients repeatedly tell me they feel safe and accepted in therapy to explore their issues, whatever they happen to be. I ask questions and make frequent observations to help clients (1) increase self-awareness and become more comfortable with themselves and their feelings, (2) to make better choices, (3) toward greater satisfaction in their lives and relationships. My unique history helps me understand and relate to the many struggles clients face, without judgment. For more information about me and my style of therapy, please visit my website: www.jupitercenter.com.
Jac Stringer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403 (Online Only)
I am a trans-genderqueer femme, disabled radical activist & social worker. I practice trauma-focused feminist therapy exclusively for trans youth & young adults ages 13-30. I provide healthcare letters for all ages, youth and adults, in one 30 min session. My specialties surround gender & sexuality, & trauma survivors experiencing depression, bipolar, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, disability, chronic pain, body image, systems/alters, dissociation, sexual assault, & histories with abuse & violence. I am body, sex, & kink positive, poly-inclusive, value accountability, & recognize the intersectional impact of systematic oppression.
I am a trans-genderqueer femme, disabled radical activist & social worker. I practice trauma-focused feminist therapy exclusively for trans youth & young adults ages 13-30. I provide healthcare letters for all ages, youth and adults, in one 30 min session. My specialties surround gender & sexuality, & trauma survivors experiencing depression, bipolar, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, disability, chronic pain, body image, systems/alters, dissociation, sexual assault, & histories with abuse & violence. I am body, sex, & kink positive, poly-inclusive, value accountability, & recognize the intersectional impact of systematic oppression.
Reviving Roots Therapy and Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55403
I am certified in Sexual Assault Advocacy, Applied Suicide Intervention and Motivational Interviewing.
Life is full of ongoing changes. I am Azania (she/her), an LGSW that uses Black-Centered care to support clients in therapy. I specialize in working with BIPOC, queer & trans/non-binary individuals who are adults (18+) that are navigating intergenerational/historical traumas, sexual violence, are first-generation, artists, entrepreneurship, and career development. I integrate my professional training and therapeutic skills with my lived experience as a pansexual-identified person with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and who is mixed race Black/Singaporean Eurasian person.
I am certified in Sexual Assault Advocacy, Applied Suicide Intervention and Motivational Interviewing.
Life is full of ongoing changes. I am Azania (she/her), an LGSW that uses Black-Centered care to support clients in therapy. I specialize in working with BIPOC, queer & trans/non-binary individuals who are adults (18+) that are navigating intergenerational/historical traumas, sexual violence, are first-generation, artists, entrepreneurship, and career development. I integrate my professional training and therapeutic skills with my lived experience as a pansexual-identified person with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and who is mixed race Black/Singaporean Eurasian person.
Susan Ann Gustafson
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Not accepting new clients
I treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, eating disorders, ASD, ADHD, PTSD, gender identity disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain, grief, sexual abuse and other trauma.
My commitment is to help you make positive life changes. There are times when we are faced with obstacles and difficulties that interfere with growth and development, preventing us from achieving goals and aspirations, and diminishing our happiness and wellbeing. Psychotherapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental setting to discover solutions to challenges. With the powerful tools of communication and insight, I will help you identify counterproductive patterns and habits preventing you from living an optimal life. Together we will recognize and build upon your strengths and skills, develop new resources and strategies, and discover beneficial, healing ways of approaching your life.
I treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, eating disorders, ASD, ADHD, PTSD, gender identity disorder, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain, grief, sexual abuse and other trauma.
My commitment is to help you make positive life changes. There are times when we are faced with obstacles and difficulties that interfere with growth and development, preventing us from achieving goals and aspirations, and diminishing our happiness and wellbeing. Psychotherapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental setting to discover solutions to challenges. With the powerful tools of communication and insight, I will help you identify counterproductive patterns and habits preventing you from living an optimal life. Together we will recognize and build upon your strengths and skills, develop new resources and strategies, and discover beneficial, healing ways of approaching your life.
Social trauma (weightism, sexism and gender bias, sexual assault, and racism) contribute to experiences such as negative body image, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD and depression.
I am a white, ciswoman, eager to work with adults interested in integrating Somatic Experiencing work into psychotherapy, a body based trauma therapy. If you recognize that your personal struggles are connected to the pervasive impact of the social, political, structural and power dynamics in which we live, working on that connection can be powerful. Embodied psychotherapy can be helful if you are feeling stuck and flat, or anxious and feel like you can't turn off, or if you flip back and forth between anxious and despairing. I hope to support your natural resilience so you can move through the stressors of life with more ease.
Social trauma (weightism, sexism and gender bias, sexual assault, and racism) contribute to experiences such as negative body image, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD and depression.
I am a white, ciswoman, eager to work with adults interested in integrating Somatic Experiencing work into psychotherapy, a body based trauma therapy. If you recognize that your personal struggles are connected to the pervasive impact of the social, political, structural and power dynamics in which we live, working on that connection can be powerful. Embodied psychotherapy can be helful if you are feeling stuck and flat, or anxious and feel like you can't turn off, or if you flip back and forth between anxious and despairing. I hope to support your natural resilience so you can move through the stressors of life with more ease.
15 Second Videos
George Lough
Molly L Nicholson
Chelsea Wagner Psychoanalysis
Dara Denton
Tessa Anttila
Eiko Mizushima
City of Lakes Counseling LLC
Tom Glaser
Asel Kulmeshkenova
Phoenix Mental Health, PLC
Authentic Roots Therapy PLLC
Neko J Vanevenhoven
Kelly Pertzsch
Elena Louise Shaffer
Cathy Johnston
Colleen Bethel
Raye McPhillips Eyrich
Dwan Milam-Reed
Lyndsie Standerwick
Allison July
Stacy Saindon
Hannah Bunney
Kelly Fern
Joe Molinari
Julie E. Schmit
Kimberly Brady
Ben Snyder
Cori M. Hildebrandt
Jamie Vander Velden
Jesika Austad
Stephanie Mankowski
Natasha Walter-Fisk
Traci H Regis
Britni Kelley: Adults, EMDR, First Responders
Mary E. Woodward
Relationship Therapy Center
Mitchel Paulson
Eli Coleman
Jason Michael Walter
Rosaire P. Daigle
Enlightened Path Behavioral Health & Wellness, LLC
Austin Jacobsen
Jason Hinkemeyer
Camille Carlson
Jennifer Reddig
Daniel James Lindenfeld
Angela Hoch
Katie Anderson
Brianna M Pezon
Aspen Counseling
Jennie C Yngsdahl @ Center For Counseling And Wellness
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Waitlist for new clients
This includes emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
I offer my clients a compassionate, creative, and collaborative approach in their healing work. I use psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and integrative therapies encouraging my clients to find meaning in their life's journey and struggles as well as find new ways to care for the self. Although I am a generalist when it comes to working with a variety of diverse clients and issues, I also believe strongly in the mind/body connection and help my clients find ways to reconnect and find balance in their lives. This is especially helpful when dealing with grief, relationship issues, life transitions, or trauma.
This includes emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
I offer my clients a compassionate, creative, and collaborative approach in their healing work. I use psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and integrative therapies encouraging my clients to find meaning in their life's journey and struggles as well as find new ways to care for the self. Although I am a generalist when it comes to working with a variety of diverse clients and issues, I also believe strongly in the mind/body connection and help my clients find ways to reconnect and find balance in their lives. This is especially helpful when dealing with grief, relationship issues, life transitions, or trauma.
Maureen E Laufenberg
Counselor, MA, LPCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients focusing on life transitions, career issues, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, trauma & assault, interpersonal relationships, body shame & sexual complications.
I am a down-to-earth, solution-focused and collaborative counselor serving clients in the St. Paul area. If you are a person that seeks enriched understanding, enjoys reflection and desires an enhanced set of skills to manage distress, then we're probably a good fit. My only agenda is to support you in your goals and to make sure that your time in session feels helpful to you. I am a HAES-aware provider, an LGBTQIA affirming space, and an advocate of anti-racism. I strive to make my office space as safe as possible for all bodies and identities.
I work with clients focusing on life transitions, career issues, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, trauma & assault, interpersonal relationships, body shame & sexual complications.
I am a down-to-earth, solution-focused and collaborative counselor serving clients in the St. Paul area. If you are a person that seeks enriched understanding, enjoys reflection and desires an enhanced set of skills to manage distress, then we're probably a good fit. My only agenda is to support you in your goals and to make sure that your time in session feels helpful to you. I am a HAES-aware provider, an LGBTQIA affirming space, and an advocate of anti-racism. I strive to make my office space as safe as possible for all bodies and identities.
I work with anyone who has experienced emotional, physical, sexual abuse or victimization who may experience feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
Are you having relationship difficulties? Do you feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed? Do you often find yourself uncertain of where these emotions are coming from? Perhaps you looking for someone you can go to for support? I can help. I aspire to create a therapy space that feels safe. It can be difficult to feel comfortable when opening up to someone and telling your story. I use humor and shared interests to create a therapeutic relationship. Call for a consultation and together we can add power and control back into your life.
I work with anyone who has experienced emotional, physical, sexual abuse or victimization who may experience feelings of hopelessness or helplessness.
Are you having relationship difficulties? Do you feel sad, anxious, overwhelmed? Do you often find yourself uncertain of where these emotions are coming from? Perhaps you looking for someone you can go to for support? I can help. I aspire to create a therapy space that feels safe. It can be difficult to feel comfortable when opening up to someone and telling your story. I use humor and shared interests to create a therapeutic relationship. Call for a consultation and together we can add power and control back into your life.
Depression, Anxiety (worry, panic, phobias), Trauma/Sexual abuse, Relationships, Substance Abuse, Grief and loss, Clinical hypnosis, Occupational stress management, Health related issues (i.
I work with adolescents and adults as a collaborative, supportive partner to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. My therapeutic approaches integrate cognitive, behavioral, and insight-focused strategies. This warm and personal style helps clients work through ingrained and unhealthy patterns that keep them stuck in emotional distress and unfulfilling relationships. I have a mindful and holistic perspective, and emphasize integrating mind, body, and spirit in healing. I address many presenting issues in addition to welcoming concerns about physical and mental health. I am trained in clinical hypnosis, and enjoy working creatively to find effective solutions to inspire lasting change.
Depression, Anxiety (worry, panic, phobias), Trauma/Sexual abuse, Relationships, Substance Abuse, Grief and loss, Clinical hypnosis, Occupational stress management, Health related issues (i.
I work with adolescents and adults as a collaborative, supportive partner to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. My therapeutic approaches integrate cognitive, behavioral, and insight-focused strategies. This warm and personal style helps clients work through ingrained and unhealthy patterns that keep them stuck in emotional distress and unfulfilling relationships. I have a mindful and holistic perspective, and emphasize integrating mind, body, and spirit in healing. I address many presenting issues in addition to welcoming concerns about physical and mental health. I am trained in clinical hypnosis, and enjoy working creatively to find effective solutions to inspire lasting change.
Eric E Strom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, BCD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
I am focused on helping clients who are at a point in their life where they want and need a change. We will work together to help you identify what the underlying issues are, and how to best address them so that you can continue with life in the best way possible. I have experience working with clients who have suffered a life changing traumatic event such as combat, sexual abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault, and other traumatic events. Together, we can help you heal from these events in your life. They are a part of you, but do not need to define you.
I am focused on helping clients who are at a point in their life where they want and need a change. We will work together to help you identify what the underlying issues are, and how to best address them so that you can continue with life in the best way possible. I have experience working with clients who have suffered a life changing traumatic event such as combat, sexual abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault, and other traumatic events. Together, we can help you heal from these events in your life. They are a part of you, but do not need to define you.
Amber has experience working with trauma, anxiety, anger, communication, depression, domestic violence, sexual abuse, low self-esteem, and is LGBT allied.
Currently not accepting any new client............The hardest journey is the journey inwards. Amber has a passion for supporting individuals and families who have experienced trauma. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space where her clients can share openly and make progress.
Amber has experience working with trauma, anxiety, anger, communication, depression, domestic violence, sexual abuse, low self-esteem, and is LGBT allied.
Currently not accepting any new client............The hardest journey is the journey inwards. Amber has a passion for supporting individuals and families who have experienced trauma. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space where her clients can share openly and make progress.
Tara Kline
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Hello! I am Tara. I work from a feminist and social justice framework to hold clients up as the expert in their own experience and to acknowledge the relevance of social, environmental, and generational context. I work with girls and women effected by trauma, domestic violence, emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual abuse as well as body image and disordered eating. I am a culturally/racially sensitive therapist, LGBTQIA friendly, and I practice from a non-judgmental, authentic and open-minded perspective.
Hello! I am Tara. I work from a feminist and social justice framework to hold clients up as the expert in their own experience and to acknowledge the relevance of social, environmental, and generational context. I work with girls and women effected by trauma, domestic violence, emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual abuse as well as body image and disordered eating. I am a culturally/racially sensitive therapist, LGBTQIA friendly, and I practice from a non-judgmental, authentic and open-minded perspective.
Hilary Taylor Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Not accepting new clients
I work with adults 18 years and older. My specialty is in trauma, specifically PTSD and dissociative disorders including dissociative identity disorder. I also work with major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and chemical dependencies. I primarily work with clients who have experienced traumatic events or clients who have experienced something that they are having a difficult time moving past.
I work with adults 18 years and older. My specialty is in trauma, specifically PTSD and dissociative disorders including dissociative identity disorder. I also work with major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and chemical dependencies. I primarily work with clients who have experienced traumatic events or clients who have experienced something that they are having a difficult time moving past.
Kelsey Stender
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Therapy is a place to work through our own “stuff”, ranging from life transitions to more severe mental health struggles. Everyone benefits from having a safe space to process. As a therapist, I will walk side-by-side with you during sessions. I use a person centered approach, allowing space for empathy, as well as challenging when appropriate. I am also a direct therapist and take on an active role in therapy to help support change. I appreciate using humor when appropriate in appointments, since laughter is needed at times! My specialities within the therapy setting include depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
Therapy is a place to work through our own “stuff”, ranging from life transitions to more severe mental health struggles. Everyone benefits from having a safe space to process. As a therapist, I will walk side-by-side with you during sessions. I use a person centered approach, allowing space for empathy, as well as challenging when appropriate. I am also a direct therapist and take on an active role in therapy to help support change. I appreciate using humor when appropriate in appointments, since laughter is needed at times! My specialities within the therapy setting include depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.
See more therapy options for Minneapolis
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Minneapolis
- Brooklyn Center
- Columbia Heights
- Edina
- Fridley
- Golden Valley
- Hopkins
- Minnetonka
- New Hope
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Robbinsdale
- Saint Louis Park
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.