Sexual Abuse Therapists in Tipton, IN

Photo of Chasity Montalvo, MA, LCAC, LMHCA, Counselor
Chasity Montalvo
Counselor, MA, LCAC, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Tipton, IN 46072
Are you struggling in your relationship? Are you experiencing hopelessness? I specialize in getting couples back on track. I specialize in helping individuals and families. I can assist with those experiencing anger, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, relationship issues, addictions and more. We as a team can achieve goals. I have 20+ years clinical addiction work, individual, and family sessions. I am a Bilingual speaking therapist-English and Spanish. I am here to help you experience deeper connection and communication.
Are you struggling in your relationship? Are you experiencing hopelessness? I specialize in getting couples back on track. I specialize in helping individuals and families. I can assist with those experiencing anger, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, relationship issues, addictions and more. We as a team can achieve goals. I have 20+ years clinical addiction work, individual, and family sessions. I am a Bilingual speaking therapist-English and Spanish. I am here to help you experience deeper connection and communication.
(765) 540-9835 View (765) 540-9835
Photo of Teena Morrow - Friends Counseling Center, Inc, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Friends Counseling Center, Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Tipton, IN 46072
Teena enjoys working with individuals regardless of where they are in their journeys, she has a passion for helping children and adolescents as well as empowering individuals and families as they navigate life’s complexities. Alongside Teena, Haleah Heater, MSW, and Linzy Underwood MA offer clinician services, in which they are passionate about meeting people where they are and allowing God to work through them so that individuals can find healing and wholeness in their lives.
Teena enjoys working with individuals regardless of where they are in their journeys, she has a passion for helping children and adolescents as well as empowering individuals and families as they navigate life’s complexities. Alongside Teena, Haleah Heater, MSW, and Linzy Underwood MA offer clinician services, in which they are passionate about meeting people where they are and allowing God to work through them so that individuals can find healing and wholeness in their lives.
(765) 204-0839 View (765) 204-0839
Photo of Jeannette Murphy - Jeannette Murphy's Virtual Counseling Center, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeannette Murphy's Virtual Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tipton, IN 46072  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Let me introduce myself. I am Jeannette Murphy. I bring to you more than thirty years of counseling experience with the treatment of Individuals, Couples,Children and Families, both individually and in groups. My counseling is designed to help you with a wide variety of personal, marital and family issues. I specialize using Brief Solution-Based Treatment. This treatment method is effective whether you come alone or with other family members.
Let me introduce myself. I am Jeannette Murphy. I bring to you more than thirty years of counseling experience with the treatment of Individuals, Couples,Children and Families, both individually and in groups. My counseling is designed to help you with a wide variety of personal, marital and family issues. I specialize using Brief Solution-Based Treatment. This treatment method is effective whether you come alone or with other family members.
(765) 792-3108 View (765) 792-3108
Photo of Laura L Kirchhofer - LK Child & Family Therapy Center LLC, LMHC, LMFT, LCAC, RPTS, Marriage & Family Therapist
LK Child & Family Therapy Center LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMHC, LMFT, LCAC, RPTS
Verified Verified
Tipton, IN 46072
Not accepting new clients
LK Child & Family Therapy Center provides counseling services to children, adolescents and adults in Kokomo and the surrounding areas. It is my goal that each individual and family find a safe environment as you walk along your counseling journey. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of therapy. I earned my Masters in Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor. I am also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and provide individual and group supervision.
LK Child & Family Therapy Center provides counseling services to children, adolescents and adults in Kokomo and the surrounding areas. It is my goal that each individual and family find a safe environment as you walk along your counseling journey. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of therapy. I earned my Masters in Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor. I am also a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and provide individual and group supervision.
(765) 878-6253 View (765) 878-6253

Online Therapists

Photo of Deb Pardue, MS Ed, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deb Pardue
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS Ed, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47401  (Online Only)
From birth to death, life is a constant transition. I work with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, and families, who are experiencing a wide range of symptoms including infidelity, breakdowns in communication, high functioning Autism, trauma, sexual abuse issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and grief. I have extensively researched issues and stressors that today's LGBTQ+ clients and families may be experiencing, and work with transgender clients to gain the appropriate gender affirming care.
From birth to death, life is a constant transition. I work with individuals (adolescents and adults), couples, and families, who are experiencing a wide range of symptoms including infidelity, breakdowns in communication, high functioning Autism, trauma, sexual abuse issues, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and grief. I have extensively researched issues and stressors that today's LGBTQ+ clients and families may be experiencing, and work with transgender clients to gain the appropriate gender affirming care.
(812) 272-2782 View (812) 272-2782
Photo of Erin Cullen, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin Cullen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Indianapolis, IN 46204
I have specialized training in working with individuals (children and adults) who have experienced any type of trauma; including, mental, physical and sexual abuse.
My focus is designed to help individuals, couples and families realize their strengths and potential. Working individually, as a couple, or a family, my clients can, with minimal assistance, effectively address and resolve issues that hinder their well-being. My understanding nature, paired with my strong desire to see people thrive, allows my clients to grow in a safe environment conducive to the achievement of optimum life potential. What sets my practice apart from others, is that I offer my services in an office setting, as well as in the privacy and comfort of your home.
I have specialized training in working with individuals (children and adults) who have experienced any type of trauma; including, mental, physical and sexual abuse.
My focus is designed to help individuals, couples and families realize their strengths and potential. Working individually, as a couple, or a family, my clients can, with minimal assistance, effectively address and resolve issues that hinder their well-being. My understanding nature, paired with my strong desire to see people thrive, allows my clients to grow in a safe environment conducive to the achievement of optimum life potential. What sets my practice apart from others, is that I offer my services in an office setting, as well as in the privacy and comfort of your home.
(317) 854-4758 View (317) 854-4758
Photo of Amanda l Trenta, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda l Trenta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Plainfield, IN 46168  (Online Only)
I have a wealth of experience in working with PTSD, Sexual Assault victims, Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Relational Problems and many other emotional and behavioral difficulties with Children, Adolescents, Teens, and Adults.
I am a retired US Army Social Worker. I am compassionate, flexible, accessible, and genuinely concerned for the health and welfare of those I serve. I enjoy working with adults and children alike and appreciate the courage and strength it takes to seek assistance for those difficult times in your life and strive to make that decision both easy and worthwhile. I will work with you to determine what is most important to you and define your goals. I look forward to learning your strengths and challenges, and to developing a plan that will be custom-tailored to you and you alone.
I have a wealth of experience in working with PTSD, Sexual Assault victims, Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Relational Problems and many other emotional and behavioral difficulties with Children, Adolescents, Teens, and Adults.
I am a retired US Army Social Worker. I am compassionate, flexible, accessible, and genuinely concerned for the health and welfare of those I serve. I enjoy working with adults and children alike and appreciate the courage and strength it takes to seek assistance for those difficult times in your life and strive to make that decision both easy and worthwhile. I will work with you to determine what is most important to you and define your goals. I look forward to learning your strengths and challenges, and to developing a plan that will be custom-tailored to you and you alone.
(317) 707-4708 View (317) 707-4708
Photo of Sandy Uhland Borth, LMHC, Counselor
Sandy Uhland Borth
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Zionsville, IN 46077  (Online Only)
I offer a compassionate, respectful environment to help my clients resolve problems, discover strengths, and enhance behavior and relationships. I have experience working with adolescents, individuals, couples and families helping to deal with life's stressors and transitions. My approach is flexible and customized to each person and I believe behavioral adjustments are strong in influencing positive change as to our thoughts and feelings. I have interests in helping people with anxiety and depression, relational issues and trauma, such as sexual abuse, infertility and post-traumatic stress syndrome.
I offer a compassionate, respectful environment to help my clients resolve problems, discover strengths, and enhance behavior and relationships. I have experience working with adolescents, individuals, couples and families helping to deal with life's stressors and transitions. My approach is flexible and customized to each person and I believe behavioral adjustments are strong in influencing positive change as to our thoughts and feelings. I have interests in helping people with anxiety and depression, relational issues and trauma, such as sexual abuse, infertility and post-traumatic stress syndrome.
(317) 214-8174 View (317) 214-8174
Photo of Laura Symon, MSW, LCSW, CSAT, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Symon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAT, SEP
Verified Verified
Carmel, IN 46032
Welcome to my practice! My name is Laura, and I'm pleased to meet you. I specialize in several areas of human sexuality including medical disorders such as female inorgasmia, betrayal trauma, affair recovery, childhood sexual abuse, healthy sexuality, and consulting with churches and corporations on safe child policies. I will work with you in an understanding and compassionate manner to help transform you into a stronger individual that has survived adversity and triumphed over hurt as well as help you improve your sex life. I also offer several day intensives to shorten the duration of treatment and expedite the healing process.
Welcome to my practice! My name is Laura, and I'm pleased to meet you. I specialize in several areas of human sexuality including medical disorders such as female inorgasmia, betrayal trauma, affair recovery, childhood sexual abuse, healthy sexuality, and consulting with churches and corporations on safe child policies. I will work with you in an understanding and compassionate manner to help transform you into a stronger individual that has survived adversity and triumphed over hurt as well as help you improve your sex life. I also offer several day intensives to shorten the duration of treatment and expedite the healing process.
(812) 203-5438 View (812) 203-5438
Photo of Janet Bazzell, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Janet Bazzell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carmel, IN 46032
I have also engaged in advocacy on-behalf of, and worked specifically with, individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence, and sexual abuse/violence.
Hello! I work with older adolescents, college aged students, and adults in addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational/marital conflicts, and general life transitions/stressors. In my practice, I center the individual story, and believe that each person’s journey is unique and deserving of respect and attention. I utilize tenants of trauma-informed care, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to healing. By integrating mindfulness and coping strategies, we will work to enhance feelings of empowerment and self-confidence.
I have also engaged in advocacy on-behalf of, and worked specifically with, individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence, and sexual abuse/violence.
Hello! I work with older adolescents, college aged students, and adults in addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational/marital conflicts, and general life transitions/stressors. In my practice, I center the individual story, and believe that each person’s journey is unique and deserving of respect and attention. I utilize tenants of trauma-informed care, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to provide a comprehensive and individualized approach to healing. By integrating mindfulness and coping strategies, we will work to enhance feelings of empowerment and self-confidence.
(765) 300-4462 View (765) 300-4462
Photo of Cindy Ooley, LCSW, , EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cindy Ooley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Bloomington, IN 47401
"I am currently accepting new clients" Experiencing distress as a result of depression, anxiety, strained relationships, PTSD, women's issues, child sexual abuse, behavioral concerns or issues related to military service? I invite you to contact me to schedule an initial assessment. With more than 10 years experience in mental health services I have worked with many individuals & families to decrease their symptoms, improve their functioning and strengthen their relationships. I would like to help you too. I am a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and licensed in the state of Indiana.
"I am currently accepting new clients" Experiencing distress as a result of depression, anxiety, strained relationships, PTSD, women's issues, child sexual abuse, behavioral concerns or issues related to military service? I invite you to contact me to schedule an initial assessment. With more than 10 years experience in mental health services I have worked with many individuals & families to decrease their symptoms, improve their functioning and strengthen their relationships. I would like to help you too. I am a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and licensed in the state of Indiana.
(812) 362-5731 View (812) 362-5731
Photo of Tracy R. McDaniel, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tracy R. McDaniel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, IN 46074
I specialize in complex trauma, Commercial Child Sexual Exploitation, sexual assault, shame resiliency, healthy relationships, PTSD & C-PTSD as well as anxiety, depression, couples, life transitions, boundaries & spirituality.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been serving and advocating for children, adolescents, & women for over 10 years. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degree from Indiana University. I am a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF). I facilitate BOLD™, a courage building curriculum specifically designed for mature adolescents and young adults based on the research and books of Brené Brown. I utilize the work of Brené Brown in Daring Way™ & Rising Strong™ designed to help individuals explore areas related to their own relationship to vulnerability, shame, and wholeheartedness.
I specialize in complex trauma, Commercial Child Sexual Exploitation, sexual assault, shame resiliency, healthy relationships, PTSD & C-PTSD as well as anxiety, depression, couples, life transitions, boundaries & spirituality.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been serving and advocating for children, adolescents, & women for over 10 years. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degree from Indiana University. I am a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF). I facilitate BOLD™, a courage building curriculum specifically designed for mature adolescents and young adults based on the research and books of Brené Brown. I utilize the work of Brené Brown in Daring Way™ & Rising Strong™ designed to help individuals explore areas related to their own relationship to vulnerability, shame, and wholeheartedness.
(463) 444-7538 View (463) 444-7538
Photo of Lindsey Southwick, LCSW, CSAYC, CPT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lindsey Southwick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAYC, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenwood, IN 46142
Are you struggling with past trauma that has happened to you? Do you feel like you are just going through the motions in life? Do you want more happiness in life and less depression and anxiety symptoms? I am here to help you! I am an experienced therapist that's willing and here to listen and validate you. My goal is to have everyone feel welcomed and heard. I am an adolescent and adult certified professional trauma and CSAYC therapist working with trauma victims from war, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and individuals fleeing countries of all ages.
Are you struggling with past trauma that has happened to you? Do you feel like you are just going through the motions in life? Do you want more happiness in life and less depression and anxiety symptoms? I am here to help you! I am an experienced therapist that's willing and here to listen and validate you. My goal is to have everyone feel welcomed and heard. I am an adolescent and adult certified professional trauma and CSAYC therapist working with trauma victims from war, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and individuals fleeing countries of all ages.
(317) 593-2879 View (317) 593-2879
Photo of Claire Greco, MSW, LCSW, CSAYC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Claire Greco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CSAYC
Verified Verified
Greenwood, IN 46143
Your story matters. Are you feeling stuck, unsure how to reach your goals, or life’s daily stressors seem overwhelming? Claire utilizes a collaborative approach to help her clients overcome issues with an individualized treatment plan to meet their needs. Claire specializes in helping individuals address trauma. She also is a CSAYC and can work with youth specifically who have sexually maladaptive behaviors, or those of all ages who have experienced sexual abuse.
Your story matters. Are you feeling stuck, unsure how to reach your goals, or life’s daily stressors seem overwhelming? Claire utilizes a collaborative approach to help her clients overcome issues with an individualized treatment plan to meet their needs. Claire specializes in helping individuals address trauma. She also is a CSAYC and can work with youth specifically who have sexually maladaptive behaviors, or those of all ages who have experienced sexual abuse.
(317) 751-2115 View (317) 751-2115
Photo of Maria Papachrysanthou Hanzlik, PsyD, HSPP, Psychologist
Maria Papachrysanthou Hanzlik
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Some issues I frequently treat include sexual dissatisfaction, low desire, trouble with arousal and desire, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginal pain, couples conflict, and sexual abuse.
Whether I'm working with children, adolescents, or adults, my goal is to create a safe and accepting therapeutic space. It is within the context of interpersonal safety that the healing process can freely occur. Although I work with a variety of concerns and individuals of all ages, I specialize in trauma treatment, couples therapy, perinatal mood disorders, & sex therapy, serving the Indianapolis area. I provide psychological testing to clarify diagnoses (ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, autism, & learning disorders). I also provide bilingual (Spanish) evaluations, immigration/extreme hardship evaluations, & FAA airman evaluations.
Some issues I frequently treat include sexual dissatisfaction, low desire, trouble with arousal and desire, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginal pain, couples conflict, and sexual abuse.
Whether I'm working with children, adolescents, or adults, my goal is to create a safe and accepting therapeutic space. It is within the context of interpersonal safety that the healing process can freely occur. Although I work with a variety of concerns and individuals of all ages, I specialize in trauma treatment, couples therapy, perinatal mood disorders, & sex therapy, serving the Indianapolis area. I provide psychological testing to clarify diagnoses (ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, autism, & learning disorders). I also provide bilingual (Spanish) evaluations, immigration/extreme hardship evaluations, & FAA airman evaluations.
(317) 550-3221 View (317) 550-3221
Photo of Shawnece Teague, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Shawnece Teague
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Indianapolis, IN 46278  (Online Only)
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I offer not only "textbook teachings," but I also empathize with those who have experienced hardships.
The road to self discovery and growth can get overwhelming when tackling it alone. Finding faults in others tends to be easy, but what happens when we look at our own lives? How do we change something that we don't quite understand? What if our actions are tied to childhood traumas or unresolved issues from the past? How can we break free from the mental bondage that has been tainting how we engage in relationships?
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I offer not only "textbook teachings," but I also empathize with those who have experienced hardships.
The road to self discovery and growth can get overwhelming when tackling it alone. Finding faults in others tends to be easy, but what happens when we look at our own lives? How do we change something that we don't quite understand? What if our actions are tied to childhood traumas or unresolved issues from the past? How can we break free from the mental bondage that has been tainting how we engage in relationships?
View
Photo of Heather N. Henley, PhD, LMHC, CSAYC, RBC, Counselor
Heather N. Henley
Counselor, PhD, LMHC, CSAYC, RBC
Verified Verified
Indianapolis, IN 46241
I am a licensed clinician in the state of Indiana and South Carolina with over 22 years of experience working as a , Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician and Registered Crisis Behavior Clinician stablizing the most difficult clients.
I am a licensed clinician in the state of Indiana and South Carolina with over 22 years of experience working as a , Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician and Registered Crisis Behavior Clinician stablizing the most difficult clients.
(317) 342-5383 View (317) 342-5383
Photo of Katie Ayres, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katie Ayres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Indianapolis, IN 46204  (Online Only)
I am certified in TF-CBT (see below) and specialize in sexual abuse.
Hello! My name is Katie Ayres and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Indiana and have been in practice for the past 20 years. I have been told the following through client feedback, and I hope the same for you! "Thank you, Katie... I felt very connected ..and "heard" today... So grateful for you and your way of counseling..it is so kind...You have helped me so much..and continue to do that for me."
I am certified in TF-CBT (see below) and specialize in sexual abuse.
Hello! My name is Katie Ayres and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Indiana and have been in practice for the past 20 years. I have been told the following through client feedback, and I hope the same for you! "Thank you, Katie... I felt very connected ..and "heard" today... So grateful for you and your way of counseling..it is so kind...You have helped me so much..and continue to do that for me."
(463) 263-4631 View (463) 263-4631
Photo of Alexandra Swackhamer, LMHC, Counselor
Alexandra Swackhamer
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Lafayette, IN 47906  (Online Only)
I have extensive training and experience in working with PTSD, cPTSD, aspects of dissociation, and those recovering from domestic violence and sexual assault victimization.
Hello! My name is Alexandra Swackhamer. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing for nearly 15 years. I work with a wide variety of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, adjustment to life changes, and grief/loss. I am client centered, open and affirming, meeting clients wherever they are at in their journey. I utilize Motivation Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR to help clients meet their unique therapy goals.
I have extensive training and experience in working with PTSD, cPTSD, aspects of dissociation, and those recovering from domestic violence and sexual assault victimization.
Hello! My name is Alexandra Swackhamer. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing for nearly 15 years. I work with a wide variety of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, adjustment to life changes, and grief/loss. I am client centered, open and affirming, meeting clients wherever they are at in their journey. I utilize Motivation Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR to help clients meet their unique therapy goals.
(765) 436-1283 View (765) 436-1283
Photo of Mandy Friedman - Clermont Mental Health, LPCC-S, CCDVC, CCTP-II
Clermont Mental Health
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S, CCDVC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Zionsville, IN 46077  (Online Only)
Our practice provides telehealth mental health care and recovery coaching to clients in Kentucky and Indiana. We are down-to-earth, nonjudgmental professionals who specialize helping clients who are recovering. Our slogan is "Survivors Thrive Here" because our clients have endured and survived life's most difficult circumstances. We address childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, spiritual abuse, chemical dependency, narcissistic abuse, medical trauma, intimate partner abuse and racial trauma. We offer recovery coaching, and the SNAP Educational Recovery program (Survivors of Narcissistic & Abusive Personalities).
Our practice provides telehealth mental health care and recovery coaching to clients in Kentucky and Indiana. We are down-to-earth, nonjudgmental professionals who specialize helping clients who are recovering. Our slogan is "Survivors Thrive Here" because our clients have endured and survived life's most difficult circumstances. We address childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, spiritual abuse, chemical dependency, narcissistic abuse, medical trauma, intimate partner abuse and racial trauma. We offer recovery coaching, and the SNAP Educational Recovery program (Survivors of Narcissistic & Abusive Personalities).
(502) 747-9010 View (502) 747-9010

See more therapy options for Tipton

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.