Therapists in N1K
Delaney DeFrancisco
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, BA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N1K
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, unable to access a version of you that feels trapped within? You are not alone. Specializing in facilitating growth in adolescents and adults, I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety or depression stemming from self-worth concerns, past hurtful experiences, or obsessive thoughts and behaviours. Wounds from hurtful experiences can significantly impact how we perceive ourselves, the world, and others. These wounds may prevent you from living a life aligned with your true wants and values.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, unable to access a version of you that feels trapped within? You are not alone. Specializing in facilitating growth in adolescents and adults, I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety or depression stemming from self-worth concerns, past hurtful experiences, or obsessive thoughts and behaviours. Wounds from hurtful experiences can significantly impact how we perceive ourselves, the world, and others. These wounds may prevent you from living a life aligned with your true wants and values.
Sexual Abuse Counsellors
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.