Sexual Abuse Therapists in Louisiana

Photo of Bethany LeBlanc, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bethany LeBlanc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70115
Hi there, I’m Bethany! My passion lies at the intersection of reproductive and mental health. Clients come to me with experiences of pregnancy loss, infertility, sexual assault, birth trauma, postpartum depression, reproductive health disorders, and more. Many feel dismissed by their doctors and are seeking a space to be heard, validated, and supported. I proudly welcome folks traditionally left out of birth conversations, especially members of the LGBTQIA+, poly, kink, BIPOC, disability, and health at every size communities.
Hi there, I’m Bethany! My passion lies at the intersection of reproductive and mental health. Clients come to me with experiences of pregnancy loss, infertility, sexual assault, birth trauma, postpartum depression, reproductive health disorders, and more. Many feel dismissed by their doctors and are seeking a space to be heard, validated, and supported. I proudly welcome folks traditionally left out of birth conversations, especially members of the LGBTQIA+, poly, kink, BIPOC, disability, and health at every size communities.
(504) 946-1280 View (504) 946-1280
Photo of Andrea Toups, MEd, LPC-S, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Andrea Toups
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hammond, LA 70401
Specialty areas include mood disorders, personality, relationship and spiritual issues and difficulties related to sexual abuse.
I want you to know that whatever your challenges may be, there is hope". Counseling provides an opportunity for you to process through your struggles in a safe environment with an objective, highly trained professional who can provide support and help guide you and facilitate growth and healing. "It is a privilege to be in a position where you would invite me to walk along side you through some of your most difficult, painful times. As it is such a privilege, I am committed to provide professional, faith-sensitive counseling to individuals, couples and families on their journey toward freedom".
Specialty areas include mood disorders, personality, relationship and spiritual issues and difficulties related to sexual abuse.
I want you to know that whatever your challenges may be, there is hope". Counseling provides an opportunity for you to process through your struggles in a safe environment with an objective, highly trained professional who can provide support and help guide you and facilitate growth and healing. "It is a privilege to be in a position where you would invite me to walk along side you through some of your most difficult, painful times. As it is such a privilege, I am committed to provide professional, faith-sensitive counseling to individuals, couples and families on their journey toward freedom".
(985) 377-9969 View (985) 377-9969
Photo of Naomi Dugar - New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling, MA, LPC, NCC, Counselor
New Orleans Multicultural Institute of Counseling
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gretna, LA 70053
We work with children, adolescents, teens & adults who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse, neglect, human trafficking, PTSD, stalking, depression, anxiety, self harm & suicidal ideation and or other trauma.
Dr. Hernandez & Mrs. Dugar thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to view our profile! Choosing to seek therapy of any form is never an easy decision, but it's a step in the right direction. The choice of choosing a counselor is an important one, but the relationship is even greater. Counseling is a journey between you and the counselor. You are the pilot and your counselor is your co-pilot. Let me be your co-pilot! Therapy provides the opportunity for growth and change,and moving forward a better understanding of the self.
We work with children, adolescents, teens & adults who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse, neglect, human trafficking, PTSD, stalking, depression, anxiety, self harm & suicidal ideation and or other trauma.
Dr. Hernandez & Mrs. Dugar thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to view our profile! Choosing to seek therapy of any form is never an easy decision, but it's a step in the right direction. The choice of choosing a counselor is an important one, but the relationship is even greater. Counseling is a journey between you and the counselor. You are the pilot and your counselor is your co-pilot. Let me be your co-pilot! Therapy provides the opportunity for growth and change,and moving forward a better understanding of the self.
(504) 814-4480 View (504) 814-4480
Photo of Cheryl Hudson Lacoste, MA, NCC, LPC, S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cheryl Hudson Lacoste
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, S
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70006  (Online Only)
I have a special interest and experience in working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Hello. Thank you for viewing my profile. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I believe that for counseling to be successful there has to be a good working relationship between the counselor and client. I know that for someone coming into counseling there can be feelings of vulnerability and fear. I provide a compassionate, caring, nonjudgmental, trusting and peaceful environment in which my clients feel safe to be open and honest. I would love to have the opportunity to walk with you on your journey of personal discovery, change, healing and growth.
I have a special interest and experience in working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Hello. Thank you for viewing my profile. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I believe that for counseling to be successful there has to be a good working relationship between the counselor and client. I know that for someone coming into counseling there can be feelings of vulnerability and fear. I provide a compassionate, caring, nonjudgmental, trusting and peaceful environment in which my clients feel safe to be open and honest. I would love to have the opportunity to walk with you on your journey of personal discovery, change, healing and growth.
(504) 229-6834 View (504) 229-6834
Photo of Sherry W. Perkins, LPC, NCC, Counselor
Sherry W. Perkins
Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, LA 71303
I provide individual counseling for the purpose of empowering clients to function at an optimal level in all areas of their lives. I am experienced in working with persons who are struggling with PTSD, grief, esteem, family and relationship issues. I have extensive background in trauma, especially those who have suffered sexual abuse or assault. I also work with those who exhibit co-dependency, boundary or anger issues.
I provide individual counseling for the purpose of empowering clients to function at an optimal level in all areas of their lives. I am experienced in working with persons who are struggling with PTSD, grief, esteem, family and relationship issues. I have extensive background in trauma, especially those who have suffered sexual abuse or assault. I also work with those who exhibit co-dependency, boundary or anger issues.
(318) 775-0624 View (318) 775-0624
Photo of Karis Bouillon, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Karis Bouillon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
I work with individuals of all ages who are experiencing grief, navigating major life transitions, and healing from traumatic experiences. My background is working with survivors of childhood abuse and sexual assault. I also have experience working with individuals who are addicted to pornography. These individuals have wanted to overcome their devastating symptoms so that they can
I work with individuals of all ages who are experiencing grief, navigating major life transitions, and healing from traumatic experiences. My background is working with survivors of childhood abuse and sexual assault. I also have experience working with individuals who are addicted to pornography. These individuals have wanted to overcome their devastating symptoms so that they can
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Photo of Allison Borel, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Allison Borel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shreveport, LA 71105
Are you trying to hold it all together? Do people think your handling things considering what you've been through? Is it finally time you put yourself first? At Elated Counseling, My priority is giving you quality services with someone you can trust. I specialize in trauma, sexual abuse and life transitions. My interest includes working with individuals wanting to tap into their potential and heal. I have been in the helping field for over ten years and I bring quality therapy and education to the community.
Are you trying to hold it all together? Do people think your handling things considering what you've been through? Is it finally time you put yourself first? At Elated Counseling, My priority is giving you quality services with someone you can trust. I specialize in trauma, sexual abuse and life transitions. My interest includes working with individuals wanting to tap into their potential and heal. I have been in the helping field for over ten years and I bring quality therapy and education to the community.
(318) 257-6809 View (318) 257-6809
Photo of Latifey LaFleur Ph.D. Registered Play Therapist, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Latifey LaFleur Ph.D. Registered Play Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lafayette, LA 70503
LaFleur provides services to children, adolescents, and adults to address and help resolve issues such as: Anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss, divorce and family dissolution, crisis or trauma, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, ADHD and behavioral issues.
Dr. LaFleur is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LPC-S), a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and a Counselor Educator at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents as well as Filial Play Therapy which is a parent training program designed to increase communication and build a stronger and healthier relationship between parents and their children.
LaFleur provides services to children, adolescents, and adults to address and help resolve issues such as: Anxiety, depression, anger, grief and loss, divorce and family dissolution, crisis or trauma, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, ADHD and behavioral issues.
Dr. LaFleur is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor (LPC-S), a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and a Counselor Educator at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents as well as Filial Play Therapy which is a parent training program designed to increase communication and build a stronger and healthier relationship between parents and their children.
(337) 419-3332 View (337) 419-3332
Photo of Corrie Pleska, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Corrie Pleska
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70117  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm so glad you're here! I am a licensed clinical social worker offering virtual therapy to individuals in Texas and Louisiana. My specialities lie in working with survivors of trauma, abuse and assault, LGBTQIA+ adults and teens, and those experiencing chronic illness. As a queer person myself, I value knowing I can access therapy from a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. My job is to meet you where you are and assess how your feelings, experiences, and the systems we live in impact how you make sense of the world. Learning about ourselves in such a way impacts the way we navigate our lives, for the better.
Hi, I'm so glad you're here! I am a licensed clinical social worker offering virtual therapy to individuals in Texas and Louisiana. My specialities lie in working with survivors of trauma, abuse and assault, LGBTQIA+ adults and teens, and those experiencing chronic illness. As a queer person myself, I value knowing I can access therapy from a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. My job is to meet you where you are and assess how your feelings, experiences, and the systems we live in impact how you make sense of the world. Learning about ourselves in such a way impacts the way we navigate our lives, for the better.
(504) 294-8473 View (504) 294-8473
Photo of Angel Vaccaro, Angel V, MA,  LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angel Vaccaro
Licensed Professional Counselor, Angel V, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70130
I'm Angel and I am excited that you found my page. I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania with over 8 years of counseling experience working with individuals who struggle with eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and addictions. I love working with individuals to find freedom and remove any obstacles that prevent living the life they have always dreamed of. My therapy style is unique, creative, individual, warm, and accepting. I treat individuals with respect, compassion, and empathy. My ability to see different perspectives enables me to meet people where they are.
I'm Angel and I am excited that you found my page. I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania with over 8 years of counseling experience working with individuals who struggle with eating disorders, mood disorders, trauma, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and addictions. I love working with individuals to find freedom and remove any obstacles that prevent living the life they have always dreamed of. My therapy style is unique, creative, individual, warm, and accepting. I treat individuals with respect, compassion, and empathy. My ability to see different perspectives enables me to meet people where they are.
(272) 206-2060 View (272) 206-2060
Photo of Deidra L Mays (678) 852-0265, LPC, ACS, NCC, LMFT, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Deidra L Mays (678) 852-0265
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS, NCC, LMFT, CPCS
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70112  (Online Only)
I am a Professional Counselor specializing in therapy for children, adolescents, individuals, couples, families, and groups. I maintain a private practice in Snellville, GA. My clinical experience has focused on family relationships, depression; anxiety; ADHD; relationship issues; parenting; children and adolescent issues; anger management, assessments for mental health services; sexual abuse, and play therapy. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy to meet my clients needs. I have been certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).
I am a Professional Counselor specializing in therapy for children, adolescents, individuals, couples, families, and groups. I maintain a private practice in Snellville, GA. My clinical experience has focused on family relationships, depression; anxiety; ADHD; relationship issues; parenting; children and adolescent issues; anger management, assessments for mental health services; sexual abuse, and play therapy. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy to meet my clients needs. I have been certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).
(678) 820-4898 View (678) 820-4898
Photo of Brenda A. Whitfield - Whitfield Counseling Services, LLC, MA, LPC, LAC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Whitfield Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bossier City, LA 71111  (Online Only)
My areas of expertise are domestic violence, sexual abuse, and addiction.
Welcome, you are not reading my bio by coincidence. I am not only an Air Force veteran, but I have 15 years of clinical expertise. I have extensive experience working with people of all backgrounds. Much like the sunflower that is directed by the sun, my goal is to help you navigate through life’s obstacles, restore the broken pieces, and ultimately direct you towards your light within. It is my belief that everyone has the capacity to change and grow. I want you to live your best life!
My areas of expertise are domestic violence, sexual abuse, and addiction.
Welcome, you are not reading my bio by coincidence. I am not only an Air Force veteran, but I have 15 years of clinical expertise. I have extensive experience working with people of all backgrounds. Much like the sunflower that is directed by the sun, my goal is to help you navigate through life’s obstacles, restore the broken pieces, and ultimately direct you towards your light within. It is my belief that everyone has the capacity to change and grow. I want you to live your best life!
(318) 421-3134 View (318) 421-3134
Photo of Robin Webster, MS, LPC, NCC, BCBT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Robin Webster
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, BCBT
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70114  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Throughout my years of therapeutic practice, I've worked with teens, adults, and couples in crisis, survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, along with those living with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, suicidal thoughts, impaired self-esteem and those living with terminal illnesses and their caregivers, etc.
At "Tower of Refuge Christian Counseling, LLC," (located inside of the "New Orleans Growth Center, LLC"), I provide Christian counseling that aids in mental and emotional restoration by assisting my clients in achieving a healthier quality of life, focusing on the mind, spirit and restorative power of Jesus Christ. With the highest levels of client satisfaction - I will do everything that I can to meet your counseling needs by providing therapy in the areas of depression/ anxiety, grief/ loss, stress management, parenting skills, conflict resolution, building healthy coping and communication skills, couples and individual as well as adolescent/ teen counseling.
Throughout my years of therapeutic practice, I've worked with teens, adults, and couples in crisis, survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, along with those living with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, suicidal thoughts, impaired self-esteem and those living with terminal illnesses and their caregivers, etc.
At "Tower of Refuge Christian Counseling, LLC," (located inside of the "New Orleans Growth Center, LLC"), I provide Christian counseling that aids in mental and emotional restoration by assisting my clients in achieving a healthier quality of life, focusing on the mind, spirit and restorative power of Jesus Christ. With the highest levels of client satisfaction - I will do everything that I can to meet your counseling needs by providing therapy in the areas of depression/ anxiety, grief/ loss, stress management, parenting skills, conflict resolution, building healthy coping and communication skills, couples and individual as well as adolescent/ teen counseling.
(504) 509-4120 View (504) 509-4120
Photo of Lisa L Oliver, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lisa L Oliver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lafayette, LA 70503
We are all faced with difficult situations and relationships in life. Difficult events and relationships give us opportunities to change. I have treated people with eating disorders for the past 30 years. I work well with Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Co-Dependency, and Grief. I provide evaluations and treatment for ADHD. I will assist you in exploring your areas of distress and help you develop the coping skills necessary to achieve more self-acceptance.
We are all faced with difficult situations and relationships in life. Difficult events and relationships give us opportunities to change. I have treated people with eating disorders for the past 30 years. I work well with Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Co-Dependency, and Grief. I provide evaluations and treatment for ADHD. I will assist you in exploring your areas of distress and help you develop the coping skills necessary to achieve more self-acceptance.
(337) 660-2771 View (337) 660-2771
Photo of Kandy Key Pope, LPC, NCC, NCSC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kandy Key Pope
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
My specialty areas include behavior issues such as adhd, depression, anxiety, self-harm, sexual abuse, health issues, loss and trauma.
We were created to thrive! Life is full of ups and downs and we all have times in our lives when we struggle with experiences of different kinds; whether it is some form of abuse, trouble with relationships, serious illness, depression, anxiety, or loss. I am passionate about helping people be able to move forward and overcome their obstacles. People who seek counseling are willing to make change, and that is the first big step! Let’s do this together.
My specialty areas include behavior issues such as adhd, depression, anxiety, self-harm, sexual abuse, health issues, loss and trauma.
We were created to thrive! Life is full of ups and downs and we all have times in our lives when we struggle with experiences of different kinds; whether it is some form of abuse, trouble with relationships, serious illness, depression, anxiety, or loss. I am passionate about helping people be able to move forward and overcome their obstacles. People who seek counseling are willing to make change, and that is the first big step! Let’s do this together.
(225) 341-4452 View (225) 341-4452
Photo of Tracy Brockman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tracy Brockman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Metairie, LA 70006
To Be a Therapist is the Greatest Honor I can imagine for myself. To sit with Individuals and be part of a system that promotes a BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE is such a gift that I can't believe I get paid for it. I've been a Therapist for over 20 yrs. and feel confident in my abilities. My specialties include, but are not limited to, Narcissistic Abuse and Personality Disorder, Marital Counseling, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Sexual Abuse and Anger Management. I exclude no one for their beliefs towards Religious, Sexual or Gender Preferences. All are welcome to my Practice.
To Be a Therapist is the Greatest Honor I can imagine for myself. To sit with Individuals and be part of a system that promotes a BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE is such a gift that I can't believe I get paid for it. I've been a Therapist for over 20 yrs. and feel confident in my abilities. My specialties include, but are not limited to, Narcissistic Abuse and Personality Disorder, Marital Counseling, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Sexual Abuse and Anger Management. I exclude no one for their beliefs towards Religious, Sexual or Gender Preferences. All are welcome to my Practice.
(504) 565-2921 x318243 View (504) 565-2921 x318243
Photo of Evan Broussard Acadian Counseling Center, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Evan Broussard Acadian Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lafayette, LA 70508
Everyone goes through life experiencing trials and hardships, but that does not mean your experiences and feelings are less important or that you should go through it alone. Are you ready to explore these experiences and feelings and to make positive lifelong changes in the process? As your counselor, we can work together to get you where you want to be in life. My focus is on anxiety (generalized, social, panic) depression (major, persistent), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma (early childhood, physical/ sexual abuse, grief, acute, chronic, complex, PTSD), and perfectionism.
Everyone goes through life experiencing trials and hardships, but that does not mean your experiences and feelings are less important or that you should go through it alone. Are you ready to explore these experiences and feelings and to make positive lifelong changes in the process? As your counselor, we can work together to get you where you want to be in life. My focus is on anxiety (generalized, social, panic) depression (major, persistent), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, trauma (early childhood, physical/ sexual abuse, grief, acute, chronic, complex, PTSD), and perfectionism.
(337) 202-8173 View (337) 202-8173
Photo of Meagan Cadavid, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Meagan Cadavid
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
I have worked with a wide of clients who have struggled from depression, anxiety, family concerns, sexual abuse/trauma, emotional abuse, human trafficking, etc.
Everyone deals with challenges in life and can struggle to understand what is going on or how to handle them. Making the choice to attend counseling can be a difficult decision. I look forward to helping support you find your strengths and join you in working on the goals you’d like to accomplish. I want to empower you and allow you to feel in control of your life and the healing process.
I have worked with a wide of clients who have struggled from depression, anxiety, family concerns, sexual abuse/trauma, emotional abuse, human trafficking, etc.
Everyone deals with challenges in life and can struggle to understand what is going on or how to handle them. Making the choice to attend counseling can be a difficult decision. I look forward to helping support you find your strengths and join you in working on the goals you’d like to accomplish. I want to empower you and allow you to feel in control of your life and the healing process.
(225) 399-7174 View (225) 399-7174
Photo of Maria G Crumley - Maria G. Crumley, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria G. Crumley, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New Orleans, LA 70118
I treat a variety of issues such as : anxiety, depression, sexual abuse/trauma, grief/loss, adjustment to college and other life transitions (pre-marital, postpartum, separation/divorce), compulsive behavior/addiction, and bi-cultural issues.
My 30+ years of experience as a psychotherapist in New Orleans, along with my own life experience, has provided me with a solid knowledge base and depth which I bring to my work with young adults and adults. I seek to develop a safe and trusting relationship with each client which I believe is the foundation needed to bring about healing and change.
I treat a variety of issues such as : anxiety, depression, sexual abuse/trauma, grief/loss, adjustment to college and other life transitions (pre-marital, postpartum, separation/divorce), compulsive behavior/addiction, and bi-cultural issues.
My 30+ years of experience as a psychotherapist in New Orleans, along with my own life experience, has provided me with a solid knowledge base and depth which I bring to my work with young adults and adults. I seek to develop a safe and trusting relationship with each client which I believe is the foundation needed to bring about healing and change.
(504) 684-4573 View (504) 684-4573
Photo of Jennifer A Glasscock - Harmony House Counseling & Life Coaching, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Harmony House Counseling & Life Coaching, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Eunice, LA 70535
Are you looking for effective professional mental health counseling you can trust and know will guide you through where you are to where you are hoping to find yourself? Be assured, we can help! Our therapists help make sense of where you are and how you arrived there. We'll journey together toward finding hope and healing so that you can live a healthy, content, and meaningful life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, PTSD, spiritual matters, sexual abuse, physical abuse, marriage conflicts, addiction, or repeating the same behavioral patterns of self-destruction, there is HOPE for living healed.
Are you looking for effective professional mental health counseling you can trust and know will guide you through where you are to where you are hoping to find yourself? Be assured, we can help! Our therapists help make sense of where you are and how you arrived there. We'll journey together toward finding hope and healing so that you can live a healthy, content, and meaningful life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, PTSD, spiritual matters, sexual abuse, physical abuse, marriage conflicts, addiction, or repeating the same behavioral patterns of self-destruction, there is HOPE for living healed.
(337) 347-8641 View (337) 347-8641
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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.