Sexual Abuse Therapists in Victoria, BC
I specialize in trauma recovery, including childhood/attachment trauma, sexual assault and abuse, and more.
Currently accepting daytime clients - Struggling with intrusive memories, worry, or feeling disconnected from your body and emotions? Carrying pain from the past that impacts your confidence and the space you take up? Perhaps you're feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in relationships? My focus is helping adult survivors of trauma—particularly sexual trauma and childhood experiences—heal from the past to reclaim their lives and create genuine safety in their bodies and relationships. I work with clients who are ready to process difficult memories without being overwhelmed, and who want to move beyond survival and thrive.
I specialize in trauma recovery, including childhood/attachment trauma, sexual assault and abuse, and more.
Currently accepting daytime clients - Struggling with intrusive memories, worry, or feeling disconnected from your body and emotions? Carrying pain from the past that impacts your confidence and the space you take up? Perhaps you're feeling anxious, depressed, or struggling in relationships? My focus is helping adult survivors of trauma—particularly sexual trauma and childhood experiences—heal from the past to reclaim their lives and create genuine safety in their bodies and relationships. I work with clients who are ready to process difficult memories without being overwhelmed, and who want to move beyond survival and thrive.
I specialize in working with navigating relationships, sex/sexuality, childhood sexual abuse, trauma, complex PTSD, chronic health issues, emotional regulation, childhood trauma, & relationship with self.
Before working with clients I always offer a free connection call that you can book with me through my website.
I offer an integrative & holistic approach that is collaborative with you. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you to be truly felt, seen, heard, & supported. I work with a wide variety of folks and take a very opened minded approach that blends holistic & clinical practices. I like to bring a raw & real approach to my clients, and to create a space for you to be truly human.
I specialize in working with navigating relationships, sex/sexuality, childhood sexual abuse, trauma, complex PTSD, chronic health issues, emotional regulation, childhood trauma, & relationship with self.
Before working with clients I always offer a free connection call that you can book with me through my website.
I offer an integrative & holistic approach that is collaborative with you. My intention as a therapist is to create a space for you to be truly felt, seen, heard, & supported. I work with a wide variety of folks and take a very opened minded approach that blends holistic & clinical practices. I like to bring a raw & real approach to my clients, and to create a space for you to be truly human.
You may be struggling to move forward in some key area of your life, yet unsure of your next steps. Maybe you feel like you've tried everything, but nothing has helped, and you haven't gotten to the root of the problem, You know there is something deeper going on and you're tired of being held back by old patterns, beliefs, relationship challenges, and ways of being. I can help support you with whatever you may have experienced in the past, or continue to deal with in the present. You are not meant to take this healing journey alone. I can help guide you towards health, well-being, and wholeness.
You may be struggling to move forward in some key area of your life, yet unsure of your next steps. Maybe you feel like you've tried everything, but nothing has helped, and you haven't gotten to the root of the problem, You know there is something deeper going on and you're tired of being held back by old patterns, beliefs, relationship challenges, and ways of being. I can help support you with whatever you may have experienced in the past, or continue to deal with in the present. You are not meant to take this healing journey alone. I can help guide you towards health, well-being, and wholeness.
When we embrace both our intellect and our body wisdom, we have a vital, rich resource of knowledge, awareness and understanding. My practice focuses on accessing, honouring and nurturing what our bodies know, what our voices wish to say, and what sense our minds can make of the human experience.
When we embrace both our intellect and our body wisdom, we have a vital, rich resource of knowledge, awareness and understanding. My practice focuses on accessing, honouring and nurturing what our bodies know, what our voices wish to say, and what sense our minds can make of the human experience.
I am a Registered Social Worker with 11 years of experience. I specialize in working with intimate partner violence, trauma, and addictions. I work with adult individuals and youth (14+). In our sessions, you can expect a safe space to unpack your story and work together to rebuild a more supportive and helpful narrative that gives you your power back. Therapy is a partnership, where we work together to uncover your strengths, explore challenges, and create positive change at your own pace. I work from many different proven theoretical perspectives and bring parts of all of these theories to create an individualized treatment.
I am a Registered Social Worker with 11 years of experience. I specialize in working with intimate partner violence, trauma, and addictions. I work with adult individuals and youth (14+). In our sessions, you can expect a safe space to unpack your story and work together to rebuild a more supportive and helpful narrative that gives you your power back. Therapy is a partnership, where we work together to uncover your strengths, explore challenges, and create positive change at your own pace. I work from many different proven theoretical perspectives and bring parts of all of these theories to create an individualized treatment.
Shay Manerikar - Cedar Moon Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8R
If you're healing from sexual assault or abuse - I can help you understand your brain and body's response to trauma, find your voice, and reclaim pleasure.
You can expect me to show up with curiosity, compassion, mindfulness, humour, and a deep love for this work. In our sessions, I strive to be trauma-informed, client-centred, relationship-focused, flexible, and collaborative. I blend aspects of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, neuroscience, and somatics in my practice.
If you're healing from sexual assault or abuse - I can help you understand your brain and body's response to trauma, find your voice, and reclaim pleasure.
You can expect me to show up with curiosity, compassion, mindfulness, humour, and a deep love for this work. In our sessions, I strive to be trauma-informed, client-centred, relationship-focused, flexible, and collaborative. I blend aspects of narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, neuroscience, and somatics in my practice.
My favourite clients to work with are those who are exploring their gender identity, understanding their queerness, exploring pleasure after experiencing sexual assault, and those wanting to better understand their needs and desires in the context of non-monogamy.
My practice is trauma-informed and centres anti-oppressive and decolonial frameworks, keeping an eye turned towards the harms of systemic socialization. My hope is to create a space where you feel truly seen, supported, and understood. I’m honoured to work with teens (16+) and adults, opening portals together into growth and possibility.
My favourite clients to work with are those who are exploring their gender identity, understanding their queerness, exploring pleasure after experiencing sexual assault, and those wanting to better understand their needs and desires in the context of non-monogamy.
My practice is trauma-informed and centres anti-oppressive and decolonial frameworks, keeping an eye turned towards the harms of systemic socialization. My hope is to create a space where you feel truly seen, supported, and understood. I’m honoured to work with teens (16+) and adults, opening portals together into growth and possibility.
My counselling practice, which includes Associate Counsellors who
offer sliding scales, focuses on helping individuals and couples heal
from relationship issues, PTSD, childhood trauma, sexualized
violence, intimate relationship abuse and family-of-origin issues. We
support people who are exploring sexuality, sexual orientation,
gender diversity, self-esteem, boundaries, eating issues, perinatal
support and parenting. We offer EMDR, somatic attachment
psychotherapy, CBT and other modalities. I also provide clinical
supervision to professional counsellors and individual and couples counselling to First Responders.
My counselling practice, which includes Associate Counsellors who
offer sliding scales, focuses on helping individuals and couples heal
from relationship issues, PTSD, childhood trauma, sexualized
violence, intimate relationship abuse and family-of-origin issues. We
support people who are exploring sexuality, sexual orientation,
gender diversity, self-esteem, boundaries, eating issues, perinatal
support and parenting. We offer EMDR, somatic attachment
psychotherapy, CBT and other modalities. I also provide clinical
supervision to professional counsellors and individual and couples counselling to First Responders.
At Allura, we know and understand that sexuality is one of the most fun but complicated parts of humanity, while also one of the hardest to find a safe and non-judgmental space to speak openly about. Do you feel overwhelmed when you think about your sexuality, sex life, or relationship? Do you wish for more connection and excitement with your partner? Do you sometimes feel stress or anxiety fill your life? We can help with that. Our clients are professionals, parents, sometimes monogamous and sometimes polyamorous, LGBTQ+ - but they all share one thing in common: they are struggling with their sexuality in some way.
At Allura, we know and understand that sexuality is one of the most fun but complicated parts of humanity, while also one of the hardest to find a safe and non-judgmental space to speak openly about. Do you feel overwhelmed when you think about your sexuality, sex life, or relationship? Do you wish for more connection and excitement with your partner? Do you sometimes feel stress or anxiety fill your life? We can help with that. Our clients are professionals, parents, sometimes monogamous and sometimes polyamorous, LGBTQ+ - but they all share one thing in common: they are struggling with their sexuality in some way.
Feeling overwhelmed? Reaching out for therapy takes courage, and I’m glad you’re here. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, or a major life change, and wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you don’t have to carry it all alone, while also giving you practical tools you can use in daily life. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and the lasting changes you’re hoping for.
Feeling overwhelmed? Reaching out for therapy takes courage, and I’m glad you’re here. You might be struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, or a major life change, and wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you don’t have to carry it all alone, while also giving you practical tools you can use in daily life. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and the lasting changes you’re hoping for.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious or experiencing the same-old challenges in your life and relationships? Somatic Therapy can safely get to the root of the issues and support your system to release these old patterns. I love working with all types of people, new to therapy, seasoned clients and everyone in between. My areas of passion and focus are childhood trauma, chronic pain, sexualized and domestic violence and personal and professional growth and development. I have a lot of experience working with highly sensitive people and trauma, both shock and childhood trauma. www.resiliencesomatics.ca
Are you feeling stuck, anxious or experiencing the same-old challenges in your life and relationships? Somatic Therapy can safely get to the root of the issues and support your system to release these old patterns. I love working with all types of people, new to therapy, seasoned clients and everyone in between. My areas of passion and focus are childhood trauma, chronic pain, sexualized and domestic violence and personal and professional growth and development. I have a lot of experience working with highly sensitive people and trauma, both shock and childhood trauma. www.resiliencesomatics.ca
I often work with thoughtful, self-aware people who understand their patterns and still find life and/or relationships tricky to navigate. They might overthink their responses or struggle with shame, self-criticism, people-pleasing, shutting down, or losing self- connection. Many are queer, trans, neurodivergent, or feel out of place in normative spaces. Together, we co-create right relationship and feel our way towards steadiness, deeper connection, and greater self-trust.
I often work with thoughtful, self-aware people who understand their patterns and still find life and/or relationships tricky to navigate. They might overthink their responses or struggle with shame, self-criticism, people-pleasing, shutting down, or losing self- connection. Many are queer, trans, neurodivergent, or feel out of place in normative spaces. Together, we co-create right relationship and feel our way towards steadiness, deeper connection, and greater self-trust.
Waitlist open now.
As counsellors and sex therapists, we embrace a holistic and intersectional approach to addressing concerns. Our therapeutic philosophy is grounded in person-centred care, promoting inclusivity and challenging oppressive systems. We aim to help create a safe and non-judgmental spaces where cultural humility is practiced, acknowledging that you are the ultimate authority on your life and goals.
Waitlist open now.
As counsellors and sex therapists, we embrace a holistic and intersectional approach to addressing concerns. Our therapeutic philosophy is grounded in person-centred care, promoting inclusivity and challenging oppressive systems. We aim to help create a safe and non-judgmental spaces where cultural humility is practiced, acknowledging that you are the ultimate authority on your life and goals.
Strained relationships; overwhelming anxiety; existential loneliness; chronic shame; feeling inherently broken and unlovable; burnout: if you are neurodivergent, these experiences may be familiar to you. The good news? You don’t have to feel that way forever. You can have a life where you feel connected to the world around you, nurture happy and healthy relationships, and communicate through overwhelm and activation. I provide counselling for individuals and couples struggling with trauma and related conflict/communication issues, attachment/relational wounds, burnout, and grief. I also work with queer and non-monogamous couples.
Strained relationships; overwhelming anxiety; existential loneliness; chronic shame; feeling inherently broken and unlovable; burnout: if you are neurodivergent, these experiences may be familiar to you. The good news? You don’t have to feel that way forever. You can have a life where you feel connected to the world around you, nurture happy and healthy relationships, and communicate through overwhelm and activation. I provide counselling for individuals and couples struggling with trauma and related conflict/communication issues, attachment/relational wounds, burnout, and grief. I also work with queer and non-monogamous couples.
“Healing Begins With a Single Step Towards Self-Discovery.” Have you felt hopeless, sad, empty, with many problems and no-solutions? It is ok to ask for help.
“Healing Begins With a Single Step Towards Self-Discovery.” Have you felt hopeless, sad, empty, with many problems and no-solutions? It is ok to ask for help.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Life’s journey can be beautiful—but also incredibly hard, filled with moments that leave us questioning our worth, our direction, or our capacity to keep going. If you’re here, it means you’re ready for something to shift.
Whether you’re navigating the echoes of trauma, the weight of anxiety or depression, or the complexities of relationships, you don’t have to face it on your own. You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported—where you can explore your story at your own pace and begin to move toward healing.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Life’s journey can be beautiful—but also incredibly hard, filled with moments that leave us questioning our worth, our direction, or our capacity to keep going. If you’re here, it means you’re ready for something to shift.
Whether you’re navigating the echoes of trauma, the weight of anxiety or depression, or the complexities of relationships, you don’t have to face it on your own. You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported—where you can explore your story at your own pace and begin to move toward healing.
Insight is not the same as change.
You can explain your patterns — the anxiety, the pulling away, the self-doubt that persists despite your accomplishments. Maybe you've done therapy before; it gave you understanding, not transformation. The problem isn't you: explaining a pattern and unlearning it are different processes, and most therapy only does the first. My clients are people who demand a lot of themselves — professionals, athletes, creatives, therapists — and are done managing the pattern instead of resolving it.
Insight is not the same as change.
You can explain your patterns — the anxiety, the pulling away, the self-doubt that persists despite your accomplishments. Maybe you've done therapy before; it gave you understanding, not transformation. The problem isn't you: explaining a pattern and unlearning it are different processes, and most therapy only does the first. My clients are people who demand a lot of themselves — professionals, athletes, creatives, therapists — and are done managing the pattern instead of resolving it.
My ideal clients are adolescents, adults, and couples who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, often after long periods of stress, responsibility, or adversity. Many are first responders, military members, men, or professionals who are used to coping on their own, but now find trauma, anxiety, burnout, depression, or relationship strain affecting their school, work, health, or relationships. They are seeking more than short-term relief, they want clarity, stability, and meaningful, sustainable change that helps them feel more grounded, connected, and capable in their lives.
My ideal clients are adolescents, adults, and couples who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, often after long periods of stress, responsibility, or adversity. Many are first responders, military members, men, or professionals who are used to coping on their own, but now find trauma, anxiety, burnout, depression, or relationship strain affecting their school, work, health, or relationships. They are seeking more than short-term relief, they want clarity, stability, and meaningful, sustainable change that helps them feel more grounded, connected, and capable in their lives.
I am an IFS therapist, certified via the IFS Institute. I use Internal Family Systems therapy combined with Polyvagal theory (working with our nervous system). We will work towards helping parts of you that may be stuck in fight, flight, freeze, fawn, or collapse. I am especially skilled at attuning, and providing company in places that you may have previously felt alone. Creating a strong and non-dogmatic container together is the cornerstone of my practice. Many (but not all!) of my clients are people in their 20s and 30s exploring the transitions and challenges of adulthood while reckoning with Family of Origin trauma.
I am an IFS therapist, certified via the IFS Institute. I use Internal Family Systems therapy combined with Polyvagal theory (working with our nervous system). We will work towards helping parts of you that may be stuck in fight, flight, freeze, fawn, or collapse. I am especially skilled at attuning, and providing company in places that you may have previously felt alone. Creating a strong and non-dogmatic container together is the cornerstone of my practice. Many (but not all!) of my clients are people in their 20s and 30s exploring the transitions and challenges of adulthood while reckoning with Family of Origin trauma.
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT). My counselling approach is built on something called unconditional positive regard. I am a non-judgemental listener who likes to use kindness, support and sometimes even humour to build relationships with my clients. We can use a wide range of counselling practices depending on your personal or professional needs. Any person or group wrestling with an aspect of your personal or professional life is welcome to work with me. I have many years of experience in education and professional practice and have helped individuals, families, and businesses solve challenges they are facing.
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist (RCT). My counselling approach is built on something called unconditional positive regard. I am a non-judgemental listener who likes to use kindness, support and sometimes even humour to build relationships with my clients. We can use a wide range of counselling practices depending on your personal or professional needs. Any person or group wrestling with an aspect of your personal or professional life is welcome to work with me. I have many years of experience in education and professional practice and have helped individuals, families, and businesses solve challenges they are facing.
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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.