Sexual Abuse Therapists in San Francisco, CA
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Carolyn H. Bray, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
In my 30+ years practicing psychotherapy, I have had extensive experience working with adults who are trying to adjust to the problems that life presents to us---a difficult childhood, trauma, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, stress, working with a child who has a difficult mental illness,
sexual abuse
,couples' relationship struggles (heterosexual, gay, and lesbian), and grief from the loss of someone treasured. Always my treatment goal is to facilitate the improvement in the quality of life for each individual and to look for the creative aspect within the destruction. Healing is a natural process, but sometimes it is difficult to remember that fact.
Bianca Aarons Integrative Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Bianca Aarons is a San Francisco based Couples Therapist and Individual Therapist who works in an integrative way, incorporating a psychoanalytic, relational, and somatic styles of working. Bianca treats couples who struggle with communication, survivors of
sexual abuse
, and others to help people find their voice, to feel empowered, and to access healthy anger and boundaries. Bianca also works with people who struggle within relationships because of anxiety and past family issues which may have let to lower self esteem and perfectionism. She works in a direct and honest way while also being very compassionate and empathetic.
Not accepting new clients
Emelia Haiken
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I'll be on a leave from December to April. I will be accepting new patient in April 2023. When emotional pain feels too much, it can also feel hopeless. Sometimes we hide that pain—turn into work & other distractions—or other times no matter the effort to hide it, it comes seeping out where we least desire it. I believe we can address your struggles & pain, as well as explore your past experiences to help heal the parts of you that have been hurt, abused or mistreated. Amongst my specialties on the right, I focus on working with survivors of
sexual abuse
to provide a safe space to explore troubling experiences.
Dr. Jayn Rajandran PsyD / Jayn.Org
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, IO, Psych, CGE
Verified
Verified
Concierge therapy offered in Palo Alto, Rockridge & SF locations. You decide on the day, time, location, in-person or online. This modality is for busy professionals/students who want to graduate psychotherapy fast. Sessions are fun and focused. Most clients can graduate from therapy within 3-6 months for life transition problems. For severe trauma and mental health cases, it can a little longer. Specializing in teens, couples and individuals struggling with trauma,
sexual abuse
, substances abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, suicide, trust, abandonment, severe mental health and anger.
Anna Teresa Mejia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Hi! I'm Anna Mejia , a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the greater Los Angeles Area practicing for 8 years. I use Cognitive based and Holistic Approaches in therapy while also applying Psycho Education throughout. I have worked with a wide range of needs. My experience ranges from Severe Mental Illness to people experiencing every day stressors such as Parental Stress and Organizational Skills. I am passionate and very comfortable working with Couples, Parents, Teenagers, Individuals with Relationship Stress,
Sexual Abuse
Trauma, Cultural Trauma, Work Stress, Depression and Anxiety and Attachments Issues/Impairments.
Kim Gengler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Do you often feel “unworthy,” “not enough” or “unloveable?” Are you stuck in shame spirals? You know, those intense self-loathing narratives and overwhelming emotions that erode your ability to live potentially. If this sounds familiar, I’m here to help. I support people who want to live bigger and brighter, but have struggled with self-esteem, consent violations and sexual
assault
, sexual and gender identity formation, sexual enjoyment and body-image issues. By showing you how to bring compassion to these issues, and the shame spirals they cause, I can help you learn to love yourself, others, and the world around you.
Aileen B. Cho
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, RDT/BCT, CEDS, LMFT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
My clinical experiences include: domestic violence and sexual
assault
shelters; the VA; community mental health; high school and middle school settings; inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive, and outpatient treatment programs for eating disorders.
In my practice, I offer support and guidance with responsiveness, empathy, creativity, and psychological insight as you face life's difficulties and transitions. I work with both trauma-related and pervasive mental illnesses to ordinary life events and challenges. As your therapist, my job is to help you tap into the limitless storehouse of resilience inside of you and your innate ability to heal, move towards health and wholeness, and not just survive, but thrive in this world. Together, we can transform the poison in your life into the medicine of wisdom and compassion.
H. Ameeta Singh - Online Video Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have supported clients to create healing & change in their lives around
sexual abuse
; incarceration trauma; substance use; unhealthy relationships; depression; anxiety & other challenges.
I work with clients to cultivate deeper insight & understanding about the ways in which our life experiences & ways of being in the world impact our choices & behaviors. In working this way I have found that clients feel empowered to make changes to unhealthy behaviors & create proactive coping strategies for managing situations they may not, as yet, be able to change. I draw upon clients' strengths, culture, spirituality & community as a means of facilitating healing, empowerment & change. My therapeutic approach is grounded in anti-racist and social justice principles.
Sarah Hammill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Have you survived a trauma but can't shake the effects of it? Do you want help reclaiming your thoughts, feelings and relationships? I specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual
assault
, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce. I work with my clients to treat common trauma symptoms such as depression, anxiety, issues with sexuality, and chronic pain. Because trauma affects the body, I combine traditional psychotherapy with a somatic focus to bring relief to the whole self. Ultimately, we work together to alleviate distress and create a life you love.
Christina Arguello
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CHT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with survivors of sexual
assault
and childhood
sexual abuse
.
*Currently full* Are you struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or a lack of well-being and can't stop thinking about past hurtful events? I provide compassionate mindfulness-based trauma-informed therapy to individuals & couples struggling with family and relationship conflict, complex grief & loss, the impact of trauma, and stress reduction. I believe that you deserve to be in a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and collaborative. We all deserve this :)
Haven Trauma Recovery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We specialize in treating people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual
assault
, sudden loss, childhood abuse or divorce.
When something terrible has happened and you feel unable to cope, life can become overwhelming. At Haven, we offer compassionate mental health counseling to help you get your life back. With thoughtful attention, we address common symptoms of trauma such as panic attacks, nightmares, substance abuse, co-occurring depression and anxiety, and relationship problems. Our goal is to help alleviate distress so you can start living a life you love.
Reika D Faust
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
My years of experience working with sexual
assault
survivors has helped me develop a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to therapy.
Are you struggling with relationships? Do you find yourself longing to fully understand who you are and why you may make the choices that you make? Learning to love and accept yourself -and your choices- can seem like a challenge, but it is possible. I can help you on that journey.
Krystal Ying
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Krystal specializes in and is dedicated to helping trauma survivors, particularly of
sexual abuse
or
assault
.
It is within your reach to live a life that is calmer, more grounded and satisfying - where you're not overwhelmed by emotions and sensations - no matter how you are feeling right now or what happened before. You feel on guard, emotionally and physically flooded, disempowered, alone, or hijacked by triggers. Maybe you feel like you cannot trust yourself or others, and your self-confidence is suffering. Whether you're here because of a traumatic event or you have experienced multiple hardships in life, it is possible to get through this, reclaim your spirit and self, and help your body learn to regulate in the present moment.
Judith D Schiller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified
Verified
In addition to a general psychotherapy practice with individuals and couples, treating anxiety, depression, work and relationship problems, I have specialized in or worked intensively with
sexual abuse
, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, and personality disorders.
Practicing and learning new ways of thinking, reacting, and understanding are possible within the safety of a therapy relationship in which old beliefs are challenged and new ones are tested. Practicing new behaviors is easier when you understand why you needed the old one and feel ready to try the new. I am interactive and respectful of each person's uniqueness. Psychotherapy can be a deeply moving experience as well as transformative, and I can help you address and transform the inner beliefs and interpersonal difficulties that sabotage your success in love, friendship, and work. Years of experience have seasoned me as a clinician.
Waitlist for new clients
Marjorie Boggs Vazquez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified
Verified
Are you exploring your sexuality or gender and need support? Are you healing from sexual
assault
or intimate partner violence and don't know how to talk about it? Are you in the kink and/or poly community and need nonjudgmental support? I get it. It can be scary to look for a therapist when your experiences are outside "the norm." I empower my clients to become more self-aware and to better understand and process their unique experiences in a collaborative, self-affirming environment.
Heather Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I recognize that seeking therapy is a difficult decision, and I am proud of you for taking the first step! You have already accomplished a big task just by getting started! Sometimes we just need a neutral person to talk to, and I am honored to be that person for you. I have over 10 years of experience working with various populations; teens, at-risk youth, adults, parents/co-parenting, and families. My areas of focus are the following, although not limited to: Depression, Anxiety,
Sexual abuse
/trauma, Struggles with Sexual Identity, Stress & Burnout, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Relationship Issues, Self-Harm, and Coping Skills.
Sage Swiatek
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified
Verified
Healing isn't something we do best in isolation. As a therapist, I work with clients to build greater connection and community to support them on their path. My clients are women and LGBTQIA+ folks seeking a therapy space where they can show up and be seen as their authentic selves. Many have a history of trauma, or have experienced interpersonal violence such as domestic abuse or sexual
assault
. Others are working to manage chronic stress and anxiety at work or at home. Whatever concerns are bringing you to my (online) office today, I'll work with you from a place of respect, curiosity, and collaboration.
Julie B Robbins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have had extensive experience in: child abuse,
sexual abuse
, domestic violence, trauma, divorce, adoption, fertility, chronic illness and pain, depression and anxiety, families with special needs, learning differences, school adjustments, career changes, sexual intimacy.
After over 30 years of clinical practice I realize that getting involved in therapy takes great strength, endurance, and commitment. I am always willing to offer clients a safe environment with my own strength and commitment to do the work that needs to be done. My work with children has helped me work more effectively with adults and my work with adults have helped me work more effectively with the children.Please note that during the virus crisis I am conducting sessions both in person(with some requirements) and on a Hippa approved video therapy network.
Not accepting new clients
Jerna Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In addition, I have specialty in working with various trauma resolution including childhood and adulthood physical and
sexual abuse
, immigration trauma, and political trauma including asylum, incarceration, and torture.
Are you looking to overcome challenging life situations? Would you like to experience relief from stressors, improve your quality of life, and achieve your therapeutic goals? I have extensive experience working with depression, anxiety, anger management, marital issues, issues related to aging, chemical abuse and dependency, gambling and other addictions, and personality issues. I have been a psychotherapist for over 14 years treating adults and older adults 18 years of age and above. Psychotherapy is individual and personal, and there are multiple approaches to treatment. I also believe that the development of communication skills and coping skills are very important in achieving wellness.
Laurel Roberts-Meese
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am trained in EMDR and have years of experience working with trauma, sexual
assault
, and LGBTQ issues.
I help driven professionals process trauma, decrease anxiety, and strengthen their relationships. You've probably got a lot going on; your relationship is strained, demands on you at work are increasing, or ways you used to cope aren't working anymore. Whatever brings you to therapy, we can figure out a way to feel better together.
See more therapy options for
Sexual Abuse Therapists
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.