If you identify as an adult survivor of childhood sexual assault/abuse/trauma, you might find it beneficial to join a therapy group, in which you can process your experiences in a judgment-free and safe space. This therapy group will help you regain control, learn coping skills, and feel empowered as you go through your healing journey. Please note that this is a virtual group that is currently accepting clients from all over Virginia.
Hosted by Jennifer Semaan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, EdS
Verified Verified
Group meets in Fairfax, VA 22030
Our mental health is so vital, but we often put it on the back burner to take care of "more important things". I am so glad you're here, which tells me that you are starting to consider prioritizing your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes, we try to "keep it all together" in order to focus on other things in our life, such as work, school, family, and relationships, without really realizing that our symptoms bleed into every single area of our life. When that happens, it can feel like our sadness, anxiety, anger, flashbacks, or whatever else, is affecting our ability to function normally and live a fulfilling life.
This is a group for people who have been sexually assaulted. It is a safe environment to explore trauma triggers and lean adaptive coping skills to manage the symptoms of PTSD. Initial screening is required. Please contact Dr. Chirby
I provide individual and couples psychotherapy to adults and adolescents. I use an integration of various treatment modalities within a psychodynamic framework, providing my clients with the flexibility of treatment specific techniques while maintaining a focus on the therapeutic relationship and treatment alliance. Having healthy, positive relationships is integral to all aspects of our lives. I treat clients with mild to severe disorders and work in collaborative relationships with psychiatrists when medications are needed.
See more therapy options for Fairfax County
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.