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 specifically work with survivors of sexual trauma. As a survivor myself, I intimately know and understand the challenging process of recovery. I hold safe and validating space for survivors, and offer feminist justice-based interventions to repair trauma, rebuild a life worth living, and reconnect to community.

— Kelsey Harper, Clinical Psychologist in Santa Monica, CA

Sexual abuse ravages the capacity for joy, the ability to love freely, to rest, and to live in the present, and feel comfortable in your own body, and for many with their sexuality. This is compounded by the complicit silence of our society. Though 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have suffered sexual trauma by age 18. Survivors find few are willing to walk with them in their suffering. Many want you to "get over it," yet the effects last a lifetime. I seek to offer a space of kindness where your

— Cresaya E. Kingsbury @ Wild Foxgloves Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Bainbridge Island, WA
 

You may have a disdain of being touched and find it hard to trust people. You may unconsciously silence your needs and desires while prioritizing the desires of others. Feelings of self-blame & self-doubt seem ubiquitous & constant. However, that there is another side that is absolutely attainable and liberating. I consider it a privilege to work with fellow sexual trauma survivors to curate a life of peace & empowerment in which you can thrive.

— Genevieve Marcel, Associate Professional Counselor

I have taken a particular interest in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how people respond to trauma - particularly when the trauma is inflicted by those the client thought they would be able to trust. Betrayal isn't easy. There is a before and after, but surviving, even thriving is possible. Grinding one's teeth, waking with headaches, insomnia, hypervigilance, and flashbacks can all occur after such incidents, but there is hope - coping mechanisms and even recovery are possible.

— Bronwen Jesswein, Clinical Social Worker in Grand Ledge, MI
 

I have worked with hundreds of clients who have experienced sexual abuse/assault. I have seen countless clients experience complete healing from these violations.

— Dr. Alissa Beuerlein, Counselor in Nashville, TN

Over the last ten years I have sought additional training in trauma, with particular focus on working with survivors of sexual assault. I previously worked in a rape crisis center and volunteered with RAINN for several years. My goal in addressing your sexual trauma is to help you move toward empowerment in your body, relationships, and in the world.

— Laurel Roberts-Meese, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in SAN FRANCISCO, CA
 

I have worked extensively with people who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. I utilize DBT skills training, EMDR and Somatic Experiencing in order to assist people with healing through these past experiences.

— Crystal Nesfield, Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, AZ

As a survivor myself, I understand the painful road to healing sexual violence causes. In order to approach healing, clients must go at their own pace in a safe environment where they feel the freedom to do so. This is what I work hard to provide by applying my knowledge on trauma in the body, the depression and major anxiety sexual violence can cause, and how to begin to rebuild ourselves through processing and skill-building together.

— Cheyenne Bellarosa, Clinical Social Worker in Aurora, CO
 

I have worked with survivors of sexual assault both as a counselor and as a volunteer on a rapid response team, meeting with survivors in the hospital to offer resources and support. I have 7 years of experience working as an advocate and counselor for those who have been sexually assaulted. I am also a certified trauma professional and have treated survivors of sexual abuse for the past five years.

— Jenna Whitefoot, Licensed Professional Counselor in , MI

Sexual trauma can really shake us to our core. Living in a sexist world after a trauma can be overwhelming as a woman. Toxic masculinity is prevalent in both work and home life – creating complex triggers in unlikely places. As our awareness of these intersections between trauma and sexism increase, we may feel up in arms, ready to start a revolution! But we need to take exquisite care of ourselves first or else we are left feeling overwhelmed, drained and hopeless. After a sexual trauma we often wonder – can we ever feel beautiful, sexual, and/or feminine again and still feel safe? Can we trust others – or even ourselves – again? The answer is a resounding yes. Through a multi-modal approach that infuses relational, experiential and body-oriented approaches I help clients overcome trauma, create healthy boundaries, increase resilience, reclaim their sense of self and create the lives they wish to lead.

— Natalia Amari, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Austin, TX
 

I have years of experience working with trauma and related disorders I am trained in EMDR, EFT, DBT, ACT and Clinical Hypnosis my intervention program is designed to address relationships, life stages and life changes from an integrative perspective affirmation guided imaginary meditation anger management psychoeducation on communication skills and coping skills The program is directed to individuals presenting PTSD, sexual trauma, and eating disorders

— Maria Puentes, Psychotherapist in Altamonte Spring, FL

I worked at a crisis center attached to a shelter where many of my clients were survivors of family/intimate partner violence. I utilize a trauma-informed approach, depending on where the client is in their recovery coupled with patience and understanding.

— Jocelyn Robinson, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Hurst, TX
 

I am a Certified Trauma Specialist (CCTS-I) with expertise in supporting survivors of sexual abuse and assault. I use trauma-focused approaches like EMDR, CBT, and DBT to help clients process their experiences, rebuild self-trust, and heal. My compassionate care fosters resilience and lasting recovery.

— Stephanie Lee, Mental Health Counselor in Chicago, IL

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
 

In 2020, I started an online support group for sexual assault survivors, holding weekly group meetings and creating content on social media to help survivors feel less alone. This was one of my main inspirations for getting my Masters and becoming a therapist. I have helped many clients work through and process past trauma using a combination of somatic experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and nervous system regulation techniques.

— Shelly Crossland, Associate Professional Counselor in Austin, TX

As a dedicated professional in the field of trauma and abuse recovery, I have cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding sexual abuse and its profound impact on individuals. My expertise lies in creating a safe, empathetic environment where survivors can begin to heal and reclaim their narratives. With a focus on trauma-informed care, I employ various therapeutic approaches, including Sandtray Therapy, to facilitate healing and self-expression.

— Adria Booth Tyler, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in West Des Moines, IA
 

Many prefer to think childhood sexual abuse and trauma is rare and occurs only in other countries, but the heartbreaking truth is a minimum of 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have suffered sexual trauma by the age 18. Adult survivors find that few are willing to walk with them in their story and suffering, and many want them to be "over it" though the effects last a lifetime. Your story is not too much for Wild Foxgloves, we will be a witness to your suffering, and help you reclaim what was stolen.

— Cresaya E. Kingsbury @ Wild Foxgloves Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Bainbridge Island, WA

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD, providing trauma-informed care in a supportive and healing environment. I often integrate a variety of mental health modalities, art therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) that focuses on restoring a sense of safety, fostering resilience, and empowering individuals on their path toward healing.

— Corbly Brockman, Counselor in Chicago, IL
 

Whether the abuse happened long ago, recently, once, or was ongoing, please know that it is possible to heal and reclaim your power. With comprehensive experience helping survivors of sexual abuse and assault, I am here to help you navigate and manage the painful emotions, overpowering memories and thoughts, and persistent experience of being on edge. My experience includes supporting children, teens, and adults process and cope with sexual abuse, as well as helping family members respond.

— Krystal Ying, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Sebastopol, CA