This program is an intensive recovery program designed to heal 5 domains that are typically affected by sexual abuse: Psychological, Cognitive, Emotional, Sexual and Spiritual. The program uses structured treatment exercises completed outside of group and then shared with group. The program requires attendance at a weekly group and individual counseling. Our agency can provide individual counseling or we will collaborate with your current individual counselor. Visit our website for more information about this program.
Hosted by AZ Center for Change
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Phoenix, AZ 85013
Hello and welcome to our practice. We provide a variety of specialty counseling services including Sexual Abuse Recovery, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, LGBTQ services, Anger Management and EMDR. Some, not all of our therapists on staff, take insurance so when you contact us, we will do a short phone screening to assess your needs and financial resources We strive to provide quality counseling while maintaining affordable fees. We have a team of therapists on staff to assist you with your needs.
The incidence of sexual abuse and assault is unfortunately all too common. There are numerous significant effects resulting from this that may continue to negatively affect our daily lives and experiences, often leading to the use of maladaptive and/or unhealthy coping skills. These effects may be lifelong for some, but with treatment may be alleviated. Julie Karnes, MSW, LCSW offers two separate (male/female) processing, support and treatment groups for adult survivors of sexual abuse. Through processing, increasing awareness and skill building, the goals of this group are to move towards managing triggers and emotions related to the abuse, moving toward healing.
Hosted by Julie Karnes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Phoenix, AZ 85018
I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and completed my undergraduate work at Arizona State University. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Family Resources and Human Development and a minor in Psychology. I then moved to Washington, where I practiced social work with at-risk preschoolers, teens and families for approximately three years prior to pursuing my Master's degree. I obtained my Master's in Social Work from Arizona State University with a specialization in Child Welfare and have been serving children and families since 1999. I am currently licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in Arizona.
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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.