Sexual Abuse Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
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Corye Goodman Pike
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
It feels as though our lives have transitioned overnight due to current events. This time can be especially challenging if you were already in the midst of a life transition. Whether you just had a new baby, recently got married or divorced, love someone struggling with addiction, or went through a traumatic event; a sexual
assault
, medical crisis or are in the grieving process, I can offer support and expertise. I'm especially seasoned in working with trauma and helping folks navigate their interpersonal relationships and relationship to self. Collaboration, awareness, and transformation are key components to my therapy practice.

Rossana Sida
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
in Marriage & Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Treatment of Sexual
Assault
Survivors via Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training from Strength United.
Are relationships supposed to be this hard? When sexual issues keep you from maintaining or obtaining a happy relationship it's time to see a sex therapist. As a sex & relationship specialist, I successfully treat people with issues surrounding sexual desire & performance, sexual trauma, problems with arousal or orgasm, differences in the amount of sex they'd like to have, & sexual pain disorders such as vaginismus. I assist clients in building intimacy by deepening their mutual understanding & compassion (for their often very opposite mate!) and help them stay accountable for taking positive action to improve relationships.

Jennifer Sleeper
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
At times, we experience painful feelings of guilt and shame, or think "I am not good enough". I specialize in helping individuals with severe
sexual abuse
& trauma. My primary approach is called EMDR, a mind and body therapy which can help you cope more effectively with painful emotions. When a person experiences mild to severe trauma such as abuse, divorce, job stress, or a life-threatening illness, the brain cannot always process the event as it should. As a result, trauma can have a lasting effect and can interfere with your relationships, job and coping with everyday life. EMDR treatment can help move toward healing.

Gretchen Mattox
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CMAT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
As a sex therapist I want my patients to feel safe in our work together; trust opens the door to healing. I have successfully treated: infidelity,
sexual abuse
, pelvic pain, sexual compulsions, and erectile struggles. As the poet Rumi said, "The wound is the place the Light enters you." Toxic stress and unfinished emotional work can make us feel stuck or lead to destructive relationship patterns, and sexual acting out. My office is a shame free zone where we can unpack together a course best suited for your individual healing. Sex is a complex as each of us are as individuals. Shame can be in your past; a new life course awaits!
Waitlist for new clients

Aimee Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in working with PTSD and C-PTSD, intimate partner violence, dissociative disorders, dissociative identity disorder DID, childhood trauma, and sexual
assault
.
Trauma has an undeniable effect on people’s lives that can shape core beliefs about self, relationships, and the safety of the world. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and IFS combined with other trauma-informed practices to provide a safe, judgment-free therapeutic environment. I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from multiple modalities to provide a holistic, individualized, and comprehensive treatment plan that identifies and addresses your therapeutic goals. I work primarily with trauma and co-occurring issues and disorders associated with traumatic events/experiences.

Cheryl B Lanktree
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I am a psychological trauma specialist who has spent over 25 years working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced child abuse, family violence, rape and
assault
, traumatic loss of loved ones, and the psychological effects of serious or severe medical problems or injuries. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy for these and other problems, including relationship issues and the problems associated with working in the entertainment industry. I work with clients who have experienced a single trauma as well as those who have experienced complex trauma. At this time, I am limiting my practice to traumatized adults.

Erin Astin
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified
Verified
I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship struggles,
sexual abuse
, and trauma.
Hello and Welcome! My main priority as your therapist is to ensure you feel heard and understood. I know firsthand the vulnerability that comes with sharing intimate struggles, and I applaud you for showing up for yourself in this way! I approach my clients holistically—not as “problems to solve” but as humans with a rich history and complexity to them. I believe wholeheartedly that you are the expert in your own life, and will work collaboratively with you to develop a plan of care that feels good for you. I have no agenda of my own other than to be your champion and ally throughout this process of growth and healing.

Darcy Manav
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CYT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Main specializations are childhood trauma,
sexual abuse
, C-PTSD, dissociation, anxiety and relational issues.
My therapeutic intention is to cultivate a collaborative space to foster personal growth, healing and self-awareness. You will feel supported each step of the way as we navigate emotional distress, negative beliefs, trauma, relationship problems, work stress or any other issues keeping you feeling lost, stuck or disconnected. We’ll explore tools to promote emotional resilience, process unresolved traumas and experience a more grounded and empowered sense of self. Because therapy is not a one size fits all experience, sessions and treatment goals are tailored to meet your specific needs and desires for positive growth and change.

Kim White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My areas of specialization are in navigating wanted and unwanted life transitions, processing grief and loss, healing after sexual
assault
and abuse, strengthening boundaries and enhancing intimacy in interpersonal relationships, and supporting mental health in pre and postpartum transitions.
I work with women who want to identify and dismantle barriers to their growth in order to learn new ways of thinking, feeling, and healing. I support women who are challenging old thought patterns, and who are working to feel more confident and self assured in their decision making. I assist women in changing the patterns of interacting with friends, colleagues, intimate partners, and family members so they can feel authentic connection and satisfaction in relationships.

David W. Schreiber
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have over 14 years of experience working in private practice and residential treatment, treating individuals suffering from severe depression, overwhelming anxiety, and trauma from
sexual abuse
, emotional abuse, and physical abuse.
With so many different kinds of therapists and therapy styles, finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting task. I believe the most important factor in finding the right therapist is what we call the "fit" - how comfortable and understood you feel when sitting with a therapist. I offer an initial consultation to see what it would be like for us to work together. If you decide to keep looking, there is no charge for this session.

Bree Cullinan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, panic attacks, eating disorders,
assault
and other trauma related symptoms.
As a strength based therapist my goal is to help you uncover your strengths, help you feel empowered, understand patterns of behaviors, and become the best version of yourself. Painful and difficult emotions often arise after life events, coming in the way of relationships with family, friends, partners or co-workers. Using a collaborative approach, we can together to improve negative thought patterns in life and to help you live life to the fullest.

Jill Howe-Vercos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
I love working with clients of all ages and have particular interest in survivors of
sexual abuse
and trauma, parenting issues and skill-building, support for new parents, healthy aging, life transitions, and relationship issues of all kinds.
Heal the past. Be present. Have a future. You are not broken -- you already have the tools you need. My goal is to help you access those tools and remove any obstacles that prevent you from feeling like yourself. Whether you're struggling with old wounds or need support for current life challenges, we'll work together to build on your strengths -- and uncover ones you may not yet know you have.

Hannah Berstein
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I specialize in helping people recover from
sexual abuse
and unhealthy relationships, helping them to once again trust their own instincts, and speak up for their true needs.
Are you struggling with anxiety and trauma and turning towards unhealthy coping mechanisms in an attempt to manage your emotions? Now is a trying time for almost everyone, and if you have a trauma background what's coming up in the current environment may be reminiscent of the stress, isolation, and fear induced by early childhood experiences. You don't have to handle this alone, and with clinically tested techniques to regulate the mind and body, it's POSSIBLE to shift from a place of disempowerment to strength.

Anna Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
If you seek help with your anxiety, depression, stress management, parenting, relational issues, life transitions, trauma--including
sexual abuse
and rape--call me so we can discuss how we can work together and resolve these issues.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with an extensive background in anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. I provide therapy for individuals and couples in a safe, judgment-free environment. I've helped many people overcome obstacles to satisfaction in life. My clients have found this work leads to transformation and empowerment. In addition to talk therapy, I have experience providing treatment in different modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic/Body awareness work.

Negar Khaefi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, LPCC
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
If you have a history of physical/emotional/
sexual abuse
or neglect, therapy is a safe place to address these wounds.
Are you living with a traumatic past, or severe anxiety? I am an experienced Anxiety and PTSD specialist. I focus on treating Career/Romantic Anxiety, Panic, OCD, Traumatic Memories, Nightmares, and Social Anxiety. My typical clients experience Panic Attacks, Trauma Flashbacks, Feelings of Unreality, Night Terrors, Feelings of Detachment, Fear of Death/Suicide, Losing Control, Fear of Going Insane, Fear of Open Spaces, Fear of Embarrassment/Rejection, Fear of Being Trapped, Elevator Phobia, Panic While Driving, Scary Intrusive Thoughts, Checking Compulsions, Constant Daily Anxiety about Work, Love Life, and Transitions.

Georgette Vojdani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Clients who experienced neglect, emotional abuse,
sexual abuse
or other sudden and traumatic events and as adults are suffering from anxiety, depression, phobia, insomnia, anger, drug addiction and relational issues are able to heal by processing these past traumatic events.
Traumatic events causes one to develop negative beliefs about oneself or the world. These experiences become fixed in the body-mind in form of negative emotions causing anger, depression, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, panic, anxiety, phobias, shame, low self-esteem which can create difficulties with your relationships at home and at work. I use EMDR to heal the deep wounds of traumatic childhood events which are the source that one may believe that he/she is not a good enough person, not loveable, does not deserve to be loved or trusted. Negative self beliefs and negative emotions effects our body and mind causing physical and emotional distress.

Monica L. Martocci, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Specializing in the treatment of Children, Adolescents, Adults, Active Duty Military/Veterans, and their Families. Focusing on Addictions, Eating Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Relationship Issues, Divorce, Sexuality Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Child/
Sexual Abuse
, Dissociative Disorders, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, and Self-Harm.

Candace Burnham
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
My areas of speciality include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, sexual
assault
/trauma and disordered eating.
Do you feel unsatisfied in your relationships or in your work life? Do you notice yourself facing the same issue time and time again? Perhaps you find yourself second-guessing every decision or just never feeling like you are “good enough.” If this sounds familiar, I can help. Through a relationship characterized by safety and trust, I will support you to uncover the unhelpful beliefs, underlying emotions, and past experiences that are keeping you stuck. In doing so, you will learn to make better choices, turn goals into realities, and find a greater sense of peace in your day-to-day life.

Julia M Gunderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified
Verified
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or
sexual abuse
and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.

Allison Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
When you experience a significant trauma or many cumulative smaller traumas it can feel like you may never heal. Big life changes and stressors can feel overwhelming and bring on high levels of Anxiety and/or Depression. Being a young adult finding your identity and your voice can make life feel impossible and you feel worthless. My expertise is trauma, particularly sexual
assault
as well as working with young adults struggling with transitions, self-esteem, and family dynamics.
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.