New group starting October 2nd. Specialized support from other women who understand because they have been there too. This 10-week process and support group is for women who've experience sexual abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or other adverse sexual experiences. Facilitated by licensed therapists, you will create goals to support your healing process, be seen and heard, and connect with other local women.
Hosted by Virago Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in South Portland, ME 04106
Virago Wellness is a women's counseling center in South Portland Maine (use of the word women is inclusive of gender diversity, we serve all individuals is gender-affirming ways) Our counselors build real connections with you and provide education, information, and targeted support to empower you to make the changes you need to go from feeling alone and overwhelmed to empowered and loving life.
The primary goal of Sexual Abuse Family Education (S.A.F.E.) group is to provide psychoeducation to increase knowledge of sexual abuse issues for parents, caregivers, and supervisors of children with sexual offenders in their life. Topics covered meet the federal guidelines for individuals supervising visitation. These topics include normal child sexual development, signs/symptoms of sexual abuse, effects of sexual abuse, appropriate suspicion, how children talk about sexual abuse, how to talk to a child about sexual abuse, facts about sexual offenders, why/how of offending, grooming, treatment, thinking errors, healthy relationships, Maine State Law, discovery, and consent.
Hosted by Brooklin Jones-Banahan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Bangor, ME 04401
All feelings are valid feelings, how we deal with those feelings is what matters. Throughout the therapeutic process, we will focus and build upon on your strengths, experiences, relationships, and habits to create a meaningful life, beneficial habits, and discover your true self. My vision statement for my practice is to create a trust-based relationship, where the client feels heard, accepted, and validated. While there are few guarantees in therapy, I can guarantee my clients I will be present in their sessions, provide competent services, individualize treatment, and provide transparency.
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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.