Sexual Abuse Therapists in Chicago, IL
The clients that I have had the most experience with are those that have experienced trauma at some point in their lives. They are coming in because they are ready to begin the healing process. It's important for clients to see and feel what it's like to have a supportive person in their life. They also need someone who believes them and will not question their story. Clients often seek help to manage their triggers, nightmares, learn better coping skills, and many other things. They would also like to eventually get to a place where they don't blame themselves for what happened. They want to live a happier life.
The clients that I have had the most experience with are those that have experienced trauma at some point in their lives. They are coming in because they are ready to begin the healing process. It's important for clients to see and feel what it's like to have a supportive person in their life. They also need someone who believes them and will not question their story. Clients often seek help to manage their triggers, nightmares, learn better coping skills, and many other things. They would also like to eventually get to a place where they don't blame themselves for what happened. They want to live a happier life.
I am particularly attuned to individuals from the LGBTQ community, persons who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence, and persons living with HIV/AIDS or other chronic or life-threatening diseases.
I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.
I am particularly attuned to individuals from the LGBTQ community, persons who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence, and persons living with HIV/AIDS or other chronic or life-threatening diseases.
I am here to work with you regarding the things in life where you feel "stuck." You may be stuck for a variety of reasons, including past or current trauma, chronic illness, relationship or work-related stressors, or caring for children or your aging parents. You might be in a heterosexual marriage and realize that you are LGBTQ, and you are scared, wondering how to move forward in a way that is sensitive to your family, and is true to your identity. I have both personal and professional experience with this issue, and I am happy to help you navigate through it.
I work with clients who have a trauma history related to sexual assault, sexual abuse, and childhood abuse.
You feel different from others and you can’t help but feel shame about it. Life feels out of control, your emotions seem too big, and you feel unfulfilled. You have tried everything you can think of to improve yourself and your life, but you still feel like you can’t make the changes necessary to feel better, calmer, and more connected. It can be really hard to ask for help, but you have tried to figure it out on your own and now it might be the time to reach out.
I work with clients who have a trauma history related to sexual assault, sexual abuse, and childhood abuse.
You feel different from others and you can’t help but feel shame about it. Life feels out of control, your emotions seem too big, and you feel unfulfilled. You have tried everything you can think of to improve yourself and your life, but you still feel like you can’t make the changes necessary to feel better, calmer, and more connected. It can be really hard to ask for help, but you have tried to figure it out on your own and now it might be the time to reach out.
With over twenty-five years of experience, I have a long history of providing successful therapy to clients suffering from mental health challenges - often driven by events in their past, such as childhood trauma, sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Clients have shared that they feel very comfortable opening-up and sharing with me things they have not felt comfortable sharing with others. As a down-to-earth, middle-child, non-judgemental therapist, I wish for my clients to reach their goals and beyond, to experience a joy filled, rewarding life. Clients have shared, “ you’re like an unbiased friend.”
With over twenty-five years of experience, I have a long history of providing successful therapy to clients suffering from mental health challenges - often driven by events in their past, such as childhood trauma, sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Clients have shared that they feel very comfortable opening-up and sharing with me things they have not felt comfortable sharing with others. As a down-to-earth, middle-child, non-judgemental therapist, I wish for my clients to reach their goals and beyond, to experience a joy filled, rewarding life. Clients have shared, “ you’re like an unbiased friend.”
SFC Searching For Change
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT-S, SE-C
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
We specialize in Addiction and Trauma, particularly Sex Addiction and Sexual Abuse.
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
We specialize in Addiction and Trauma, particularly Sex Addiction and Sexual Abuse.
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
You might be feeling trapped, confused, or disoriented. You might be looking for some way out of a place that you are unsure of how you got there. You might be thinking why is it like this or why am I like this? These questions and conditions may feel lonely and you are looking for someone to talk to who will just get it. I'm here to help.
You might be feeling trapped, confused, or disoriented. You might be looking for some way out of a place that you are unsure of how you got there. You might be thinking why is it like this or why am I like this? These questions and conditions may feel lonely and you are looking for someone to talk to who will just get it. I'm here to help.
I work with individuals and couples who feel disconnected from themselves, their partners, or the intimacy they want in their lives. Many are thoughtful, reflective people who have tried to understand the problem on their own but still feel stuck. Some come in for relationship challenges, while others are navigating sexual concerns, shame, desire differences, or the unique ways autism shapes intimacy and connection. Together, we look beneath the surface to understand patterns, strengthen communication, and create relationships and sexual experiences that feel more authentic and fulfilling.
I work with individuals and couples who feel disconnected from themselves, their partners, or the intimacy they want in their lives. Many are thoughtful, reflective people who have tried to understand the problem on their own but still feel stuck. Some come in for relationship challenges, while others are navigating sexual concerns, shame, desire differences, or the unique ways autism shapes intimacy and connection. Together, we look beneath the surface to understand patterns, strengthen communication, and create relationships and sexual experiences that feel more authentic and fulfilling.
My research and treatment has a heavy emphasis on childhood sexual abuse and trauma within the African American community.
Hello! Therapy should be a safe space in which you are able to be transparent, vulnerable and the driver to the change you would like to see in your life. As an experienced clinician, I am dedicated to collaborating with you to heal from past relationships, understand, recognize and heal from trauma and remove the barriers that may be negatively impacting your progress.
My research and treatment has a heavy emphasis on childhood sexual abuse and trauma within the African American community.
Hello! Therapy should be a safe space in which you are able to be transparent, vulnerable and the driver to the change you would like to see in your life. As an experienced clinician, I am dedicated to collaborating with you to heal from past relationships, understand, recognize and heal from trauma and remove the barriers that may be negatively impacting your progress.
I have assisted individuals with overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, identity issues, depression, sexual offenses, and complex grief.
My goal is to meet you where you are on your journey to wellness, and take you where you want to be. I create opportunities to express your narrative in a safe space, in a manner that is conducive to your well-being. I provide an inclusive judgment-free space regardless of background or identification. I help individuals gain insight into their own decisions, patterns of outcomes. I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing a life transition or difficulty adjusting to change. Current clients describe my approach as warm, validating, and intentional.
I have assisted individuals with overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, identity issues, depression, sexual offenses, and complex grief.
My goal is to meet you where you are on your journey to wellness, and take you where you want to be. I create opportunities to express your narrative in a safe space, in a manner that is conducive to your well-being. I provide an inclusive judgment-free space regardless of background or identification. I help individuals gain insight into their own decisions, patterns of outcomes. I enjoy working with individuals who are experiencing a life transition or difficulty adjusting to change. Current clients describe my approach as warm, validating, and intentional.
Welcome to Fuller Counseling Group, a group founded on the mission of providing highly relational, compassionate and meaningful psychotherapy, free of judgment. In a world that is changing quickly, with demands that seem unbearable at times, therapy is a place where we can slow things down and focus on you. We want to restore the balance in your life and foster healthy and inspiring relationships while challenging the negative patterns that have crept up in life. We want to learn about you and what has been important in creating the person you are today.
Welcome to Fuller Counseling Group, a group founded on the mission of providing highly relational, compassionate and meaningful psychotherapy, free of judgment. In a world that is changing quickly, with demands that seem unbearable at times, therapy is a place where we can slow things down and focus on you. We want to restore the balance in your life and foster healthy and inspiring relationships while challenging the negative patterns that have crept up in life. We want to learn about you and what has been important in creating the person you are today.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma. Trauma can leave a person feeling numb, disconnected as if your life has been turned upside down. I would like to assist you with your healing journey. My focus is a Holistic approach to helping people recover and heal after a traumatic event and learn new ways of coping and managing their traumatic responses. When someone does not heal from a traumatic event, they can develop Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) depression, and/or anxiety.
I specialize in working with people who have experienced trauma. Trauma can leave a person feeling numb, disconnected as if your life has been turned upside down. I would like to assist you with your healing journey. My focus is a Holistic approach to helping people recover and heal after a traumatic event and learn new ways of coping and managing their traumatic responses. When someone does not heal from a traumatic event, they can develop Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) depression, and/or anxiety.
Many of my clients are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, childhood trauma, or loss, and others are neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia) and are simply exhausted from masking or pushing through systems that weren’t built for them.
I specialize in trauma recovery (PTSD, C-PTSD), anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I'm also trained in supporting neurodivergent clients with learning differences through their trauma journey. My work draws from mindfulness and body-centered treatments.
Many of my clients are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, childhood trauma, or loss, and others are neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia) and are simply exhausted from masking or pushing through systems that weren’t built for them.
I specialize in trauma recovery (PTSD, C-PTSD), anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I'm also trained in supporting neurodivergent clients with learning differences through their trauma journey. My work draws from mindfulness and body-centered treatments.
I hold additional certifications in trauma informed therapy and Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training, as well as trainings in somatic and IFS therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by thoughts, stuck in past experiences, or constantly in fight or flight? I specialize in teen and adult trauma-focused care, with an emphasis on sexual trauma, domestic violence, and anxiety. Together, we can work on unlearning harmful thought patterns, building self-esteem, and identifying what safety, strength, and autonomy look like for you. I create a warm, inclusive environment, encouraging each individual to feel comfortable and safe with vulnerability. I utilize humor, challenge negative thinking & provide helpful tools along the way to promote a deeper understanding of thoughts and behaviors.
I hold additional certifications in trauma informed therapy and Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training, as well as trainings in somatic and IFS therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by thoughts, stuck in past experiences, or constantly in fight or flight? I specialize in teen and adult trauma-focused care, with an emphasis on sexual trauma, domestic violence, and anxiety. Together, we can work on unlearning harmful thought patterns, building self-esteem, and identifying what safety, strength, and autonomy look like for you. I create a warm, inclusive environment, encouraging each individual to feel comfortable and safe with vulnerability. I utilize humor, challenge negative thinking & provide helpful tools along the way to promote a deeper understanding of thoughts and behaviors.
I welcome clients who see themselves aligned with values in my profile, especially those who seeking a better therapy experience grounded in emotional connection, social justice, and authenticity. Therapy has the potential to be incredibly healing, but also comes from a history of harm, having othered people on the basis of age, race, gender, sexuality, spirituality, and disability. I offer a trauma-responsive relationship through which we can explore narrative healing of your authentic self, commitments to anti-oppressive and anti-racist living, anti-adultist parenting support, and supportive community and relationship building.
I welcome clients who see themselves aligned with values in my profile, especially those who seeking a better therapy experience grounded in emotional connection, social justice, and authenticity. Therapy has the potential to be incredibly healing, but also comes from a history of harm, having othered people on the basis of age, race, gender, sexuality, spirituality, and disability. I offer a trauma-responsive relationship through which we can explore narrative healing of your authentic self, commitments to anti-oppressive and anti-racist living, anti-adultist parenting support, and supportive community and relationship building.
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!
My goal as a therapist is to foster freedom and fulfillment and be an honest companion for part of your journey. I love people and their stories. Nothing is too strange, too dark, or too “insignificant.” Stigma, shame, fear, and minimizing keep people trapped in dark places. Helping you get out of those places is my goal. I enjoy working with children and adolescents, as well as adults. I am most knowledgeable in anxiety, trauma, OCD, phobias, sexual trauma, abusive dynamics, self-injury, substance use, and the rural American experience. I specialize in what others may have called "weird" and "illogical" responses to stressors.
My goal as a therapist is to foster freedom and fulfillment and be an honest companion for part of your journey. I love people and their stories. Nothing is too strange, too dark, or too “insignificant.” Stigma, shame, fear, and minimizing keep people trapped in dark places. Helping you get out of those places is my goal. I enjoy working with children and adolescents, as well as adults. I am most knowledgeable in anxiety, trauma, OCD, phobias, sexual trauma, abusive dynamics, self-injury, substance use, and the rural American experience. I specialize in what others may have called "weird" and "illogical" responses to stressors.
I am passionate about providing anti-racist counseling to survivors of sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, and complex trauma from childhood abuse and neglect.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space where clients who have been traumatized and marginalized are allowed to share their stories and feelings. My therapy office is a judgment free zone where you will receive validation, support, and practical ways to manage difficult thoughts and experiences. I have had success counseling survivors of complex trauma, girls and women of all ages, and those that have felt marginalized and invalidated by their experience in the world. I am real and love to use humor in session when appropriate!
I am passionate about providing anti-racist counseling to survivors of sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, and complex trauma from childhood abuse and neglect.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space where clients who have been traumatized and marginalized are allowed to share their stories and feelings. My therapy office is a judgment free zone where you will receive validation, support, and practical ways to manage difficult thoughts and experiences. I have had success counseling survivors of complex trauma, girls and women of all ages, and those that have felt marginalized and invalidated by their experience in the world. I am real and love to use humor in session when appropriate!
I specialize in treating men who were sexually abused as children, the treatment of sexual addictions, couples therapy, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. If you are unhappy in your relationships or career, suffering from depression or anxiety, going through a crisis, or wanting to make changes in your life, psychotherapy can help you. Please visit my website at wwwjohnpharris.com.
I specialize in treating men who were sexually abused as children, the treatment of sexual addictions, couples therapy, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. If you are unhappy in your relationships or career, suffering from depression or anxiety, going through a crisis, or wanting to make changes in your life, psychotherapy can help you. Please visit my website at wwwjohnpharris.com.
I have extensive experience in treating survivors of sexual abuse.
My doctoral dissertation focused on forgiveness. The process of forgiveness is difficult to navigate, and it is especially challenging to forgive ourselves. I help clients to develop acceptance and understanding, resolve guilt and self-blame, and improve relationships.
I have extensive experience in treating survivors of sexual abuse.
My doctoral dissertation focused on forgiveness. The process of forgiveness is difficult to navigate, and it is especially challenging to forgive ourselves. I help clients to develop acceptance and understanding, resolve guilt and self-blame, and improve relationships.
Therapy isn't just a place to heal. It is a space to get curious about who you are becoming, where every part of your identity is not just welcomed, but understood. I'm committed to creating a therapy space that feels liberating, empowering, and affirming. I’m a queer and neurodivergent therapist who works relationally and collaboratively. We build tools not to fix you, but to support you in aligning with the life you actually want.
Therapy isn't just a place to heal. It is a space to get curious about who you are becoming, where every part of your identity is not just welcomed, but understood. I'm committed to creating a therapy space that feels liberating, empowering, and affirming. I’m a queer and neurodivergent therapist who works relationally and collaboratively. We build tools not to fix you, but to support you in aligning with the life you actually want.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
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- Lakeview
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- Lincolnwood
- Norridge
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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.