Sexual Abuse Therapists in Chicago, IL
While I am a generalist and work with a variety of presenting issues, my specialties include complex trauma, sexual abuse/ assault, self-harm, pregnancy/miscarriage/abortion/postpartum care, relationship concerns, and cultural dynamics.
Therapy can be a radical process of transformation providing healing, greater sense of belonging, emotional freedom, and hope. I view therapy as a dynamic collaboration that allows for the exploration of current circumstances as well as the discovery of underlying personal and cultural patterns. In addressing your full individual self within your cultural context, we can find not only easing or resolution of symptoms but also a fuller and more meaningful life.
While I am a generalist and work with a variety of presenting issues, my specialties include complex trauma, sexual abuse/ assault, self-harm, pregnancy/miscarriage/abortion/postpartum care, relationship concerns, and cultural dynamics.
Therapy can be a radical process of transformation providing healing, greater sense of belonging, emotional freedom, and hope. I view therapy as a dynamic collaboration that allows for the exploration of current circumstances as well as the discovery of underlying personal and cultural patterns. In addressing your full individual self within your cultural context, we can find not only easing or resolution of symptoms but also a fuller and more meaningful life.
I have helped individuals and families to resolve a range of problems including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, parenting and other family issues, grief and loss, substance abuse, and the effects of sexual abuse and other traumas.
My approach to therapy is engaged and collaborative, with an emphasis on attaining your goals. Together we will explore your personal concerns, support your strengths,and help you overcome the problems which are holding you back.
I have experience with clients from a diverse range of ethnic groups, ages, religions, and sexual orientations.
I have helped individuals and families to resolve a range of problems including depression, anxiety, relationship problems, parenting and other family issues, grief and loss, substance abuse, and the effects of sexual abuse and other traumas.
My approach to therapy is engaged and collaborative, with an emphasis on attaining your goals. Together we will explore your personal concerns, support your strengths,and help you overcome the problems which are holding you back.
I have experience with clients from a diverse range of ethnic groups, ages, religions, and sexual orientations.
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 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'm drawn to working with individuals who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse, sexual abuse or domestic violence.
I will take the time to get to know you so that I can truly understand what you are going through. I work mainly from an attachment informed, psychodynamic approach, which means that we will work together to uncover how your past hurts are affecting your current relationships and the way you live your life today.
I'm drawn to working with individuals who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse, sexual abuse or domestic violence.
I will take the time to get to know you so that I can truly understand what you are going through. I work mainly from an attachment informed, psychodynamic approach, which means that we will work together to uncover how your past hurts are affecting your current relationships and the way you live your life today.
I have experience working with children, teens, and adults dealing with everything from anxiety and relationship issues to trauma and sexual abuse.
For Individuals... Maybe your anxiety is becoming too difficult, your relationships aren't working, or you feel lost, or like you just can't move beyond that one thing. We will work together to reach a place of healing, taking a deeper look at your struggles, values, and goals.
I have experience working with children, teens, and adults dealing with everything from anxiety and relationship issues to trauma and sexual abuse.
For Individuals... Maybe your anxiety is becoming too difficult, your relationships aren't working, or you feel lost, or like you just can't move beyond that one thing. We will work together to reach a place of healing, taking a deeper look at your struggles, values, and goals.
SFC Searching For Change
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT-S, SE-C
Verified Verified
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.
Stephanie R. Lee
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, CCTS-I, CSAC, NATC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I can help you with trauma and PTSD, narcissistic abuse, substance abuse, and sexual assault.
Feeling stuck in toxic patterns or weighed down by trauma? As a therapist specializing in trauma and narcissistic abuse recovery, I help individuals heal from emotional wounds, break toxic patterns, and rediscover their inner strength. I understand that healing from trauma, substance abuse, or narcissistic abuse can be a challenging and overwhelming journey. It can feel isolating, as though the world doesn’t understand your struggles, hear your concerns, or take the time to truly see you. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where shame and confrontation have no place.
I can help you with trauma and PTSD, narcissistic abuse, substance abuse, and sexual assault.
Feeling stuck in toxic patterns or weighed down by trauma? As a therapist specializing in trauma and narcissistic abuse recovery, I help individuals heal from emotional wounds, break toxic patterns, and rediscover their inner strength. I understand that healing from trauma, substance abuse, or narcissistic abuse can be a challenging and overwhelming journey. It can feel isolating, as though the world doesn’t understand your struggles, hear your concerns, or take the time to truly see you. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where shame and confrontation have no place.
I have had a lot of clients who've come to me with anxiety, depression, body image issues, Domestic violence and sexual assault.
Therapy can be scary, so I try to make it a safe place to be open and vulnerable without judgement. I'm very creative in my approach with therapy, utilizing your strengths, interests, and personality. I love doing sand tray, art and music as therapy and I have been recently trained in EMDR.
I have had a lot of clients who've come to me with anxiety, depression, body image issues, Domestic violence and sexual assault.
Therapy can be scary, so I try to make it a safe place to be open and vulnerable without judgement. I'm very creative in my approach with therapy, utilizing your strengths, interests, and personality. I love doing sand tray, art and music as therapy and I have been recently trained in EMDR.
Amanda Aguilera
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Online Only
As I work with clients who struggle with a history of sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD, it is important to me to create a safe space for you to discuss the details, thoughts, and feelings around these difficult issues.
Do you have a history of trauma? Trauma isn't just the sexual or physical abuse, or PTSD from war, it is certainly all of those things but sometimes it's having your feelings dismissed. Sometimes it's having to regulate your parents emotions, sometimes it's being gaslit or being told that you can't feel a certain way. Sometimes it's growing up with a critical parent. I am here to help you work through the complex feelings that are still affecting you and to help you recognize and understand the patterns and triggers that are consciously or unconsciously having an impact on your daily life.
As I work with clients who struggle with a history of sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD, it is important to me to create a safe space for you to discuss the details, thoughts, and feelings around these difficult issues.
Do you have a history of trauma? Trauma isn't just the sexual or physical abuse, or PTSD from war, it is certainly all of those things but sometimes it's having your feelings dismissed. Sometimes it's having to regulate your parents emotions, sometimes it's being gaslit or being told that you can't feel a certain way. Sometimes it's growing up with a critical parent. I am here to help you work through the complex feelings that are still affecting you and to help you recognize and understand the patterns and triggers that are consciously or unconsciously having an impact on your daily life.
Annie Novotny
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAATC, LCPC, ATR-BC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60643
As a trauma specialist dedicated to empowering individuals, I offer a compassionate and creative approach to therapy, particularly for survivors of sexual assault.
Integrating various therapeutic tools, I often incorporate art-making as a powerful mode of expression and problem-solving. As an EMDR-trained therapist, I also weave mindfulness, meditation techniques, somatic work, and Internal Family Systems into our sessions to support your unique healing process.
As a trauma specialist dedicated to empowering individuals, I offer a compassionate and creative approach to therapy, particularly for survivors of sexual assault.
Integrating various therapeutic tools, I often incorporate art-making as a powerful mode of expression and problem-solving. As an EMDR-trained therapist, I also weave mindfulness, meditation techniques, somatic work, and Internal Family Systems into our sessions to support your unique healing process.
Meet Our Sexual Abuse Therapists
I deeply value the opportunity to work with individuals navigating transitions in college or career, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and members of the Latinx/e community.
Whether you’re dealing with shame, relationship struggles, burnout, or past trauma, I am here to help you navigate your inner landscape with curiosity and compassion, centering your experiences while understanding the personal impacts of power, privilege, and oppression.
I deeply value the opportunity to work with individuals navigating transitions in college or career, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and members of the Latinx/e community.
Whether you’re dealing with shame, relationship struggles, burnout, or past trauma, I am here to help you navigate your inner landscape with curiosity and compassion, centering your experiences while understanding the personal impacts of power, privilege, and oppression.
I work with clients who have a trauma history related to sexual assault, sexual abuse, and childhood abuse.
You feel different from others and 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 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.
Morgan Vance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
Waitlist for new clients
My practice focus and experience includes survivors of sexual abuse and assault, domestic violence, medical trauma and other traumas, anxiety and depression, attachment and grief and loss.
The decision to begin therapy is a big one, and often filled with a range of emotions and questions. There are many paths a therapeutic process can take in moving toward healing, processing painful issues, and working toward positive, integrated change. Each person enters therapy with specific individual challenges and goals for treatment. I work from a perspective of respect for my clients and utilize an eclectic, collaborative treatment approach based on your individual needs. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment that will enable us to work collaboratively and objectively toward those goals.
My practice focus and experience includes survivors of sexual abuse and assault, domestic violence, medical trauma and other traumas, anxiety and depression, attachment and grief and loss.
The decision to begin therapy is a big one, and often filled with a range of emotions and questions. There are many paths a therapeutic process can take in moving toward healing, processing painful issues, and working toward positive, integrated change. Each person enters therapy with specific individual challenges and goals for treatment. I work from a perspective of respect for my clients and utilize an eclectic, collaborative treatment approach based on your individual needs. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment that will enable us to work collaboratively and objectively toward those goals.
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.
Elizabeth Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AM, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals who have experienced or been witness to severe trauma, including sexual abuse, childhood abuse, traumatic loss, birth trauma, loss of a parent, etc.
I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy techniques including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR), Acceptance Commitment Therapy, meditation, and body work into individual and small group sessions as well as provides clients with concrete and practical tools they can use in everyday life.
I work with individuals who have experienced or been witness to severe trauma, including sexual abuse, childhood abuse, traumatic loss, birth trauma, loss of a parent, etc.
I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy techniques including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MSBR), Acceptance Commitment Therapy, meditation, and body work into individual and small group sessions as well as provides clients with concrete and practical tools they can use in everyday life.
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!
Shawnte Jenkins-Alexander, Ed.D., LCPC, Ltd.
Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601
Others seek therapy during difficult times such as sexual abuse and grief.
I have over 15 years of experience working with individuals, families, and children struggling with trauma, stress, life transitions and mental health disorders. I specialize in child sex abuse, anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. I have extensive experience working with male and female survivors of child sexual abuse as well as sex offender specific treatment.
Others seek therapy during difficult times such as sexual abuse and grief.
I have over 15 years of experience working with individuals, families, and children struggling with trauma, stress, life transitions and mental health disorders. I specialize in child sex abuse, anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. I have extensive experience working with male and female survivors of child sexual abuse as well as sex offender specific treatment.
Perhaps a past sexual assault or other trauma is making it difficult to have the healthy relationship you crave.
If these statements sound like you, there is hope. You can learn how to be better at dealing with stress. You can develop strategies to handle anxiety and uncomfortable emotions. You can find ways to have healthier relationships. Therapy is a place where you can make the changes needed to live your most fulfilling life. I'm here to help you achieve that.
Perhaps a past sexual assault or other trauma is making it difficult to have the healthy relationship you crave.
If these statements sound like you, there is hope. You can learn how to be better at dealing with stress. You can develop strategies to handle anxiety and uncomfortable emotions. You can find ways to have healthier relationships. Therapy is a place where you can make the changes needed to live your most fulfilling life. I'm here to help you achieve that.
I mostly work with clients who are coping with the impact of complex trauma and PTSD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, childhood abuse and attachment trauma.
Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am an EMDR trained Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois. Maybe you have found yourself in the aftermath of a traumatic event or an abusive relationship. You’re struggling to make sense of what has happened. You can’t shake the constant feeling of butterflies in your stomach. Most nights, you are awakened by nightmares related to trauma or other stressful life experiences. The path to healing feels daunting, but the good news is you don’t have to go it alone.
I mostly work with clients who are coping with the impact of complex trauma and PTSD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, childhood abuse and attachment trauma.
Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am an EMDR trained Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois. Maybe you have found yourself in the aftermath of a traumatic event or an abusive relationship. You’re struggling to make sense of what has happened. You can’t shake the constant feeling of butterflies in your stomach. Most nights, you are awakened by nightmares related to trauma or other stressful life experiences. The path to healing feels daunting, but the good news is you don’t have to go it alone.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Riverside
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.