Sexual Abuse Support Groups in Des Moines, IA

This 20–22 week virtual group offers a safe, supportive space for female and female-identifying individuals healing from childhood sexual abuse, assault, and trauma. Using The Courage to Heal materials by Laura Davis, we’ll explore guided exercises, reflection, and connection to foster empowerment, self-compassion, and lasting recovery.
Photo of Adria Booth-Tyler, Counselor, LMHC, LCPC, CCTP, CSTIP
Hosted by Adria Booth-Tyler
Counselor, LMHC, LCPC, CCTP, CSTIP
Group meets in Des Moines, IA 50309
This 20–22 week virtual group offers a safe, supportive space for female and female-identifying individuals healing from childhood sexual abuse, assault, and trauma. Using The Courage to Heal materials by Laura Davis, we’ll explore guided exercises, reflection, and connection to foster empowerment, self-compassion, and lasting recovery.
(515) 298-5942 View (515) 298-5942
This bi-weekly online support group is designed for female survivors of adult sexual assault and trauma. Using The Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook and Guided Journal, the group integrates writing and somatic practices to support your healing journey. Together, we’ll create a safe and supportive space to process experiences, rebuild a sense of safety, strengthen boundaries, and cultivate resilience as you move toward greater wholeness and empowerment.
Photo of Adria Booth-Tyler, Counselor, LMHC, LCPC, CCTP, CSTIP
Hosted by Adria Booth-Tyler
Counselor, LMHC, LCPC, CCTP, CSTIP
Group meets in Des Moines, IA 50309
This bi-weekly online support group is designed for female survivors of adult sexual assault and trauma. Using The Healing Sexual Trauma Workbook and Guided Journal, the group integrates writing and somatic practices to support your healing journey. Together, we’ll create a safe and supportive space to process experiences, rebuild a sense of safety, strengthen boundaries, and cultivate resilience as you move toward greater wholeness and empowerment.
(515) 298-5942 View (515) 298-5942

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Sexual Abuse Support Groups

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.