Sexual Abuse Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL
I assist individuals and families in overcoming emotional difficulties related to traumatic events, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse, as well as treating the generational impact of substance use and mental illness.
My specialty includes treating anxiety, depression and mood disorders, as well as interpersonal/familial difficulties. I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities, which include cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed interventions.
I assist individuals and families in overcoming emotional difficulties related to traumatic events, such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse, as well as treating the generational impact of substance use and mental illness.
My specialty includes treating anxiety, depression and mood disorders, as well as interpersonal/familial difficulties. I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities, which include cognitive-behavioral and trauma-informed interventions.
I have extensive experience working with victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse and traumatic history.
I have experience working with traumatize individuals. Working with traumatized youth is a passion of mine. I work with adults who experience depression, anxiety and life style adjustments and past sexual abuse. I provide family and couples counseling. I am EMDR trained. I provide assessments for people impacted by issues related to immigration.
I have extensive experience working with victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse and traumatic history.
I have experience working with traumatize individuals. Working with traumatized youth is a passion of mine. I work with adults who experience depression, anxiety and life style adjustments and past sexual abuse. I provide family and couples counseling. I am EMDR trained. I provide assessments for people impacted by issues related to immigration.
Natalia Gurmendi
Pre-Licensed Professional, MAATC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60601
I specialize in supporting clients with Complex Trauma/PTSD, Sexual Trauma, Substance Use, Anxiety, Depression, Family Conflict, Relationship Issues, Racial/Cultural Identity, Multicultural Relationships, Self-Esteem/Self-Worth, Life Transitions, Coping and Communication Skills, and more. I enjoy working with younger and older adults, as well as first-time therapy clients. I value a social-justice oriented, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex positive approach to counseling. I am also conversational in Spanish and Brazilian-Portuguese, and can incorporate this in my therapy sessions.
I specialize in supporting clients with Complex Trauma/PTSD, Sexual Trauma, Substance Use, Anxiety, Depression, Family Conflict, Relationship Issues, Racial/Cultural Identity, Multicultural Relationships, Self-Esteem/Self-Worth, Life Transitions, Coping and Communication Skills, and more. I enjoy working with younger and older adults, as well as first-time therapy clients. I value a social-justice oriented, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex positive approach to counseling. I am also conversational in Spanish and Brazilian-Portuguese, and can incorporate this in my therapy sessions.
Diana Castañeda
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
As a licensed clinical professional counselor with over a decade of experience providing therapy and leadership in clinical settings, I have seen first-hand that the therapy experience is as diverse as the human experience. The exploration, acceptance, and integration of all parts of ourselves is difficult and a long process for those that are ready to pursue it. The payoff is the comfort that comes with knowing that your decisions and life are your own, not the work of lingering ghosts and dynamics we cannot yet see.
As a licensed clinical professional counselor with over a decade of experience providing therapy and leadership in clinical settings, I have seen first-hand that the therapy experience is as diverse as the human experience. The exploration, acceptance, and integration of all parts of ourselves is difficult and a long process for those that are ready to pursue it. The payoff is the comfort that comes with knowing that your decisions and life are your own, not the work of lingering ghosts and dynamics we cannot yet see.
Think you are a lesser person for seeking treatment? Don’t like the “stigma” associated with therapy? Embarrassed? Don’t be! Everyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. Better Your Life!
Think you are a lesser person for seeking treatment? Don’t like the “stigma” associated with therapy? Embarrassed? Don’t be! Everyone can benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. Better Your Life!
Hi I am Amanda Wittmer, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Art Therapist based in Illinois. I provide a culturally sensitive and trauma informed approach to therapy to provide empathy, understanding and a safe space for you to process your experiences through talk therapy or art making. I love working with those who are open to working through stressful or traumatic experiences. I have worked with a variety of clients, including those that have experienced anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, relational issues and trauma including sexual, childhood and religious trauma.
Hi I am Amanda Wittmer, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Art Therapist based in Illinois. I provide a culturally sensitive and trauma informed approach to therapy to provide empathy, understanding and a safe space for you to process your experiences through talk therapy or art making. I love working with those who are open to working through stressful or traumatic experiences. I have worked with a variety of clients, including those that have experienced anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, relational issues and trauma including sexual, childhood and religious trauma.
EGS Counseling is a multicultural environment where you will feel welcome and appreciated. Having studied the cultural aspects of living abroad throughout my life I understand the difficulties of being in a different country, where our personal values may clash and bounce. Cultural understanding is weaved in our sessions as it is a part of relational conflict within the families. We have extensive expertise in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship and marital difficulties, divorce and life transitions, adolescent behavior problems, parenting issues, eating disorder, personality disorders, abuse and trauma, and adjustment difficulties.
EGS Counseling is a multicultural environment where you will feel welcome and appreciated. Having studied the cultural aspects of living abroad throughout my life I understand the difficulties of being in a different country, where our personal values may clash and bounce. Cultural understanding is weaved in our sessions as it is a part of relational conflict within the families. We have extensive expertise in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship and marital difficulties, divorce and life transitions, adolescent behavior problems, parenting issues, eating disorder, personality disorders, abuse and trauma, and adjustment difficulties.
As a licensed therapist specializing in complex trauma, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to navigate the complexities of their lives with resilience and grace. I recognize that uncovering and processing trauma can be unnerving and challenging. I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where I empower clients as they explore thoughts and feelings, develop effective coping strategies, and build a life that aligns with their values and goals.
As a licensed therapist specializing in complex trauma, I am dedicated to empowering my clients to navigate the complexities of their lives with resilience and grace. I recognize that uncovering and processing trauma can be unnerving and challenging. I am committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental space where I empower clients as they explore thoughts and feelings, develop effective coping strategies, and build a life that aligns with their values and goals.
Online EMDR with The Chicago EMDR Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Looking for premier EMDR Therapy? Most of our clients have done "talk therapy" before and are ready to take therapy to the next level and go deeper for lasting change from within. Let's transform doubt, fear, and limits... We'll reveal growth and joy! Together, we'll break through limiting beliefs, trauma, and discover what is possible. We’ll transform “bad” experiences into post-traumatic growth with EMDR. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective and specialized therapy. Give yourself the gift of experiencing EMDR with a certified therapist. Let's reveal joy and help you live your best life!
Looking for premier EMDR Therapy? Most of our clients have done "talk therapy" before and are ready to take therapy to the next level and go deeper for lasting change from within. Let's transform doubt, fear, and limits... We'll reveal growth and joy! Together, we'll break through limiting beliefs, trauma, and discover what is possible. We’ll transform “bad” experiences into post-traumatic growth with EMDR. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly effective and specialized therapy. Give yourself the gift of experiencing EMDR with a certified therapist. Let's reveal joy and help you live your best life!
Are you having a hard time? Has the world that we live in become overwhelming? Are you wanting to feel better about yourself and have better relationships with those around you? As we work together, I can help you with all of those things and more. My name is Mark. I've been a therapist for over twenty years and have worked with clients of all ages, genders. and sexual orientations. I've done this through my work in a therapeutic school, a psychiatric hospital and community mental health agency.
Are you having a hard time? Has the world that we live in become overwhelming? Are you wanting to feel better about yourself and have better relationships with those around you? As we work together, I can help you with all of those things and more. My name is Mark. I've been a therapist for over twenty years and have worked with clients of all ages, genders. and sexual orientations. I've done this through my work in a therapeutic school, a psychiatric hospital and community mental health agency.
Every person has the potential to live with more freedom, joy, ease, and love, and therapy supports us to realize this potential. Many of my clients have experienced various forms of relational trauma — including wounding that has occurred in intimate relationships or in childhood — and yearn to heal from these experiences and find healthier ways of dealing with addiction or problematic substance use, stress, anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, relationship difficulties, and other challenging emotions. My goal is to help you live with more peace, acceptance, autonomy, confidence, satisfaction, intimacy, and joy.
Every person has the potential to live with more freedom, joy, ease, and love, and therapy supports us to realize this potential. Many of my clients have experienced various forms of relational trauma — including wounding that has occurred in intimate relationships or in childhood — and yearn to heal from these experiences and find healthier ways of dealing with addiction or problematic substance use, stress, anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, relationship difficulties, and other challenging emotions. My goal is to help you live with more peace, acceptance, autonomy, confidence, satisfaction, intimacy, and joy.
Meet Our Sexual Abuse Therapists
In my 25 years of practice, I have learned some important truths: what happened to us doesn’t have to determine what happens for us; under the right conditions, the human spirit orients toward growth and wholeness; therapy can be an important addition to the healing process. People come to therapy for many reasons, often the initial phase of the work is in improving coping strategies so you can feel better sooner. Beyond symptomology, understanding you and your unique context are essential for unearthing longstanding behavior patterns. Therapy is about revising your story and making you the author of the next chapter.
In my 25 years of practice, I have learned some important truths: what happened to us doesn’t have to determine what happens for us; under the right conditions, the human spirit orients toward growth and wholeness; therapy can be an important addition to the healing process. People come to therapy for many reasons, often the initial phase of the work is in improving coping strategies so you can feel better sooner. Beyond symptomology, understanding you and your unique context are essential for unearthing longstanding behavior patterns. Therapy is about revising your story and making you the author of the next chapter.
Are you living your ideal life? Are your relationships as close or as functional as you would like? As a Couple and Family Therapist, I specialize in services for couples, families, and individuals in Illinois and Indiana. I work collaboratively, providing a safe, culturally sensitive, and encouraging virtual space to explore what is no longer working for you. Together, with an approach based on your unique situation and experiences, we can work through what is keeping you from your desired life.
Are you living your ideal life? Are your relationships as close or as functional as you would like? As a Couple and Family Therapist, I specialize in services for couples, families, and individuals in Illinois and Indiana. I work collaboratively, providing a safe, culturally sensitive, and encouraging virtual space to explore what is no longer working for you. Together, with an approach based on your unique situation and experiences, we can work through what is keeping you from your desired life.
My clients are looking to be heard in a safe space.
They are looking to create meaning from their experiences.
They are interested in exploring their strengths and community.
My clients are looking to be heard in a safe space.
They are looking to create meaning from their experiences.
They are interested in exploring their strengths and community.
Emily Sherrill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
River North, Chicago, IL 60601
I am a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 24 years of experience in the mental health field, having worked in various settings, including outpatient, inpatient, and residential environments. I specialize in trauma and complex trauma, and I bring extensive experience in addressing mood and anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders, and suicidal or parasuicidal behaviors. My commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, and ethical mental health therapy reflects my aim to empower individuals to navigate challenges with resilience and strength.
I am a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 24 years of experience in the mental health field, having worked in various settings, including outpatient, inpatient, and residential environments. I specialize in trauma and complex trauma, and I bring extensive experience in addressing mood and anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders, and suicidal or parasuicidal behaviors. My commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, and ethical mental health therapy reflects my aim to empower individuals to navigate challenges with resilience and strength.
I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.
I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.
I understand that entering therapy is not always an easy task. It takes courage to ask for help. As psychologist Viktor Frankl once said, “In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.” I work to help you find meaning. It’s important to me to provide you with a safe, nurturing environment. I am trained in EMDR, a modality used to help process traumatic memories and the cognitions associated with them.
I understand that entering therapy is not always an easy task. It takes courage to ask for help. As psychologist Viktor Frankl once said, “In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.” I work to help you find meaning. It’s important to me to provide you with a safe, nurturing environment. I am trained in EMDR, a modality used to help process traumatic memories and the cognitions associated with them.
I am a Clinical Psychologist specializing in health psychology with 16 years of experience in weight management and bariatric. Many of my clients present with co-morbidities and are living with chronic medical illnesses. Some of the areas addressed in treatment include emotional eating, binge eating, body image issues, depression, anxiety, and other mood related disorders. I offer pre-surgical bariatric psychological evaluations, brief and long-term therapy using an eclectic approach incorporating cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness, family systems and interpersonal therapy. I work closely with my client's medical providers in order to provide the most robust care.
I am a Clinical Psychologist specializing in health psychology with 16 years of experience in weight management and bariatric. Many of my clients present with co-morbidities and are living with chronic medical illnesses. Some of the areas addressed in treatment include emotional eating, binge eating, body image issues, depression, anxiety, and other mood related disorders. I offer pre-surgical bariatric psychological evaluations, brief and long-term therapy using an eclectic approach incorporating cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness, family systems and interpersonal therapy. I work closely with my client's medical providers in order to provide the most robust care.
Welcome, I'm Erika! My therapy approach focuses on providing culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and affirming therapy services to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions or race/ethnic identity exploration. I specialize in trauma and work from a lens that explores childhood experiences, relational attachments, cultural environments, and generational trauma to understand how the body is impacted by these experiences. We may explore somatic approaches such as EMDR, parts work, DBT, and mindfulness. I also integrate feminism, herbalism, and decolonized/ancestral approaches.
Welcome, I'm Erika! My therapy approach focuses on providing culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and affirming therapy services to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions or race/ethnic identity exploration. I specialize in trauma and work from a lens that explores childhood experiences, relational attachments, cultural environments, and generational trauma to understand how the body is impacted by these experiences. We may explore somatic approaches such as EMDR, parts work, DBT, and mindfulness. I also integrate feminism, herbalism, and decolonized/ancestral approaches.
You may have been raised in a challenging environment marked by violence, neglect, or abuse, leading to emotional wounds that are impacting you in every area of your life. These experiences may have contributed to feelings of low self-worth, high levels anxiety, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. You are ready to gain a sense of control and walk into your God-given power!
You may have been raised in a challenging environment marked by violence, neglect, or abuse, leading to emotional wounds that are impacting you in every area of your life. These experiences may have contributed to feelings of low self-worth, high levels anxiety, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. You are ready to gain a sense of control and walk into your God-given power!
See more therapy options for River North, Chicago
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for River North, Chicago
- Dearborn Park
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Noble Square
- Old Town Triangle
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop
Nearby Searches for River North, Chicago
- Greektown
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Old Town
- Old Town Triangle
- Printers Row
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop
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.