The goal of this group is to better understand why juveniles offend, build resilience and self- worth, and to dispel myths about sex offenders.
Hosted by Jesse Smith Heaton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LMHP
Verified Verified
Group meets in Lincoln, NE 68501
I've spent most of the last decade working with children of all ages and their parents tackling concerns and frustrations related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, ADHD, depression and anxiety symptoms. I enjoy helping families better understand each other through increased communication, clear agreements, and understanding each other's love languages and learning styles.
The focus of the group is to help participants develop coping skills and provide a platform for self-expression through various formats. The group also aims to educate participants on trauma and its effects on the mind and body. Participants will learn hands-on coping skills and develop a better sense of self through experiential therapies. This is a person-centered processing group. Each group session will include an activity. Each group will also have a psychoeducational component. One does not have to be good at art to participate. This is a safe and encouraging environment to learn and grow.
I use a client-centered, holistic approach and believe that the client already has the answers to challenges and problems. My job as the therapist is to support the client in discovering those answers. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field working with anxiety and depression. I have ten years working with co-occurring disorders (substance abuse and mental health disorders), conducting evaluations and providing treatment. I have two and a half years of experience working with Employee Assistance and I am a DOT Qualified Substance Abuse Provider.
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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.