Sexual Abuse or Assault

Sexual abuse is a term uses to describe any type of non-consensual sexual violence, including sexual assault or rape, child sexual abuse, and intimate partner sexual violence. Sexual violence can have lasting psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor. Survivors will commonly feel a range of emotions, including shame, fear and guilt and may develop symptoms of depression, PTSD, addiction or anxiety. If you have experienced sexual abuse or assault of any kind, there is help available. You do not have to handle your issues alone. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s experts specializing in addressing the trauma of sexual abuse or assault.

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I evaluate individuals accused (true or false allegations) of sexual abuse or assault, including child sexual abuse. I prepare comprehensive, detailed reports for defense attorneys, court officials, probation and parole officers, etc. I am especially passionate about turning around false sexual abuse allegations. When the allegations are correct, I look for mitigating circumstances, and I conduct risk assessments to help determine if the accused is a good candidate for probation or parole. I also provide treatment for actual sex offenders. I prepare very detailed, comprehensive evaluations in these cases and I am prepared to testify in court to back up my findings and recommendations.

— Stephen Finstein, Therapist in Dallas, TX

For most of my career I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual/physical assault. I've also facilitated groups for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse/assault. In my practice, I also support people in understanding other factors that influence experiences of sexual abuse/assault, such as other marginalized or stigmatized identities that might magnify feelings of powerlessness. Approaching my work through an intersectional lens allows a more integrated understanding of the impact of abuse/assault and allows for growth/change to be a more integrated process as well.

— Jeff Levy, Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL
 

I am a certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR can look very different from traditional talk therapy. I work to integrate talk therapy processing and EMDR together. It is considered the “gold standard” treatment for traumatic episodes and PTSD. Evidence shows it is also effective in the treatment of: phobias, philias, addiction, grief and loss, attachment disorders, depression, anxiety, etc. My niche' is sexual trauma combining my two specialties.

— Regan Rowell, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Based in Seattle, providing care across, WA

#metoo. I believe you. I'm here to offer you a safe space to cry, grieve, scream, question, rage, mourn, and go through all the waves of emotions that arise after a sexual assault. If you’ve been feeling alone in life lately, feeling like no one truly understands the depths of the pain you are in, or feeling like you’ve lost parts of yourself and the person you used to be, let's get in touch. I am here to listen, hold empathetic space, and we will take the therapy journey at your own pace.

— Janelle Stepper, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Roseville, CA
 

While therapy for trauma/sexual abuse/assault is inherently a challenging process, it is a vital, necessary, empowering labor, and it is typically effective in meaningfully reducing symptoms and negative impacts. I am continually amazed by my clients strength, resilience, and ability to heal and to flourish. I always feel honored when invited to assist clients in their journeys to overcome and to triumph over their traumas. I sincerely hope that you will invite me to become a part of yours.

— Dr. B. J. Ferraccio (Dr. F. / Brian), Clinical Psychologist in Pittsburgh, PA

I have found great fulfillment in my work with people who have engaged in risky or abusive sexual behaviors. I am passionate about preventing sexual abuse in our society and have found my professional niche in working with those who have engaged in such behaviors or who find themselves trying to managing concerning desires and attractions. I pride myself in my compassionate and nonjudgmental approach to my work. I see people, not behaviors and look forward to supporting you in your journey.

— Brian Finnerty, Licensed Professional Counselor in Collingswood, NJ
 

Sexual abuse and assault (whether in childhood or adulthood) often creates a deep sense of shame for people and is surrounded by secrecy. In my office I will hold non-judgmental space to process your experiences and create the space to grieve.

— Rae Cuffe, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Miami, FL

After surviving sexual assault, you may feel numb and disconnected from the world or you might feel overwhelmed by emotion. I use EMDR (rapid eye movement) therapy and other techniques to help you reprocess traumatic memories to reduce debilitating trauma symptoms like “flashbacks,” panic attacks, and feeling on edge. When you no longer have that gut-wrenching feeling of fear when you’re reminded of your trauma, you’re able to make clearer decisions, feel calmer, and connect with others safely.

— Alicia Dlugos, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Philadelphia, PA
 

I specialize in working with male survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and dating/domestic violence using a trauma-informed approach. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in education doing sexual assault advocacy work, including developing resources for male survivors.

— Tim Fredrickson, Mental Health Counselor in Madison, WI

#metoo. I believe you. I'm here to offer you a safe space to cry, grieve, scream, question, rage, mourn, and go through all the waves of emotions that arise after a sexual assault. I am here to listen, hold empathetic space, ae will take the healing journey at your own pace. If you’ve been feeling alone in life lately, feeling like no one truly understands the depths of the pain you are in, or feeling like you’ve lost parts of yourself and the person you used to be, let's get in touch.

— Janelle Stepper, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Roseville, CA
 

I have worked with sexual abuse and assault since I was a therapist in 2011 and even before that as a mental health case manager.

— Samantha Bryant, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , TX

I was trained in a trauma therapy called Rapid Resolution therapy that is very helpful in treatment for those who have experienced sexual abuse/ assault.

— Heidi Beckenbach McGann, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
 

Trauma is an emotional response to any circumstance where you felt hopeless and overwhelmed. Many times the trauma is in the form of sexual abuse or assault. These experiences exceed your capacity to shape your beliefs, identity, spirituality, and coping. Trauma impacts the way you see yourself, others and the world around you.

— Ashley Dunn, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in RALEIGH, NC

Any sexual assault, harassment, or even unwanted advances from another person is a big deal. I hear all the time, “it’s fine,” nothing really happened,” I’m just overreacting,” or “I am making a big deal out of nothing.” I want every person to know that those statements are ideas and beliefs that the brain creates as a way to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense, a way to cope with the feeling of helplessness, and a way to make something feel okay even though it’s not okay. Accepting

— Sydney Phillips, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chandler, AZ