Sexual Abuse Psychiatrists in 94563

Photo of Jerry H. Gelbart, Psychiatrist in 94563, CA
Jerry H. Gelbart
Psychiatrist, MD, QME, FAPA
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
My name is Jerry Gelbart. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, went to college in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I attended medical school at Ohio State University, and trained in Psychiatry at UCLA. I’ve been in private practice for 30+ years. I have helped many people suffering from psychological symptoms with medication and firmly advocate biologic methods of treatment. I’ve had an even greater passion, however, for teaching people how to understand their emotions, and how to put that information to use to reduce problematic symptoms and find greater fulfillment in life.
My name is Jerry Gelbart. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, went to college in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I attended medical school at Ohio State University, and trained in Psychiatry at UCLA. I’ve been in private practice for 30+ years. I have helped many people suffering from psychological symptoms with medication and firmly advocate biologic methods of treatment. I’ve had an even greater passion, however, for teaching people how to understand their emotions, and how to put that information to use to reduce problematic symptoms and find greater fulfillment in life.
(510) 904-3092 x3 View (510) 904-3092 x3
Photo of Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy, Psychiatrist in 94563, CA
Dr Mark Chofla | Empathy Therapy
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Orinda, CA 94563  (Online Only)
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Mark Chofla is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician who completed his specialty residency training at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California at Davis, Dr. Chofla earned his medical degree from Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
(925) 406-3759 View (925) 406-3759
Sexual Abuse Psychiatrists

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.