Sexual Abuse Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI
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Holly Bathrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also work with children who have undergone trauma, been abused, or been victims of
sexual abuse
.
I have worked with children and families for over 20 years. I consider it a privilege to work alongside families, helping them utilize their strengths. While we could all use counseling from time to time to help navigate life's obstacles, I believe childhood can bring some of the most unpredictable challenges.

Lindsay James
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Life is full of peaks and valleys, and sometimes we all need a little support or guidance. I am passionate about supporting kids, young adults, women, and parents in periods of struggle or transition. I have training and lived experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, pain, child and family issues, and perinatal mood disorders. I have worked with child
sexual abuse
survivors, people involved in the justice system, those working through suicidal ideation and self-harm, and parents trying to support their children. I can relate to people from all different walks of life, cultures, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientations.
Not accepting new clients

Laura Hockenberry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LLP, LPC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Adult Male
Sexual Abuse
Survivors.
Things change in life and sometimes these transitions require support, care and insight that well-meaning friends and family cannot provide. Gaining an outside perspective, supportive validation and assistance with defining the issues that are most pertinent to you and your progression toward better life outcomes are crucial. Spending the time to address these issues is an important investment in yourself which can impact your relationships, your physical health and your future. Take the time to make that investment, you are worth it.

Erin Batenburg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
Verified
Since having obtained my Master's in Counseling in 2017, I have worked mostly with trauma survivors, especially those who have survived sexual
assault
and domestic violence.
Whether you're struggling with depression, working through a traumatic experience, or grieving the loss of a loved one, sometimes you just need a listening ear. Therapy can provide that non-judgmental, supportive space to sit down with all of life's baggage and sort it out, piece by piece. Chances are, you know what to do next and how to keep going, you just need the time and the space to figure it out. When you sit in my therapy chair, you are the expert on you, while I guide you through the process of understanding yourself more deeply and more clearly.

Joshua Bishop
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
They've been survivors of physical abuse,
sexual abuse
,
assault
, cancer, accidents, addiction, loss, and everyday stress.
My specialty is in treating
sexual abuse
, anxiety, trauma and PTSD effectively and efficiently. My goal is to help you find healing without wasting your time or money. I'm trained in 3 evidence-based (validated by research) therapies for treating PTSD. During your first appointments, we'll determine the best plan for your therapy. Some approaches emphasize talking, while others have very little talking. Some use creative elements and story, while others work directly to treat your brain. Often, it takes as little as 3-5 hours to feel a lot better. I also provide general counseling for depression, anxiety, relationships, etc.
Waitlist for new clients

MacKenzie Tafil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My master's degree has a trauma focus where I was able to work with children that had experienced
sexual abuse
and severe neglect and help them heal.
When you take that first step of calling to schedule the appointment, those always feel like the hardest steps. I am here to meet you where you are. Whether that is in the depths of your battle with depression, feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, or learning how to express your feelings and dealing with the triggers that inevitably come with trauma. My job is to walk beside you on the journey to healing, provide you with tools to make you the hero in your own story and support your continued growth. I received my my Master's Degree in Social Work From Western Michigan University.

Heather Miller-Edwardson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
At one time or another we all experience challenges in creating the lives we desire. I am passionate about working collaboratively with you to aid you in developing healthier relationships and learning effective strategies to overcome life's obstacles. I aid clients in addressing issues such as: trauma, anxiety, depression, identity development,
sexual abuse
, sexual
assault
, women's issues, and relationship concerns. By developing a greater understanding of ourselves and our relationships I believe that we can find greater meaning in our lives.

Deena Iris Cantu
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP, LPC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
, combat veterans, post aborted women, post-partum depressed,
sexual abuse
, childhood trauma and others.
I work well with clients seeking help for problems with anxiety and depression. Those referred to me with these issues find that symptomatically they are struggling with panic, sleep disturbances, worry thoughts, self-defeating thoughts/behaviors, eating disorders,addictions and unknowingly, at times, some of their difficulties have been attached to old trauma. Many people with these sorts of struggles find that this spills over into problems with relationships and/or functioning at work and school. Areas of intimacy, both emotional and sexual are important work also. I work with individuals, married couples,families, and groups.

Amy Hubbard
Counselor, MA, LPC, LLP
Verified
Verified
I believe every individual has the ability to reach their full potential. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for you to share your thoughts, identify problems and work toward achieving desired goals. I have worked with individuals of all ages with varying issues including, but not limited to: mood and personality disorders, physical and
sexual abuse
, anger management, eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues and major life changes. I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual and will treat you with respect, compassion, and honesty.

Nicolette McGahey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAADC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Nicolette is an indigenous therapist, a member of the 2S-LGBTQIA+ community, and a person in long-term recovery from mental health and substance use issues. She is dedicated to helping people find and heal underlying trauma and sources of pain that may be consciously or unconsciously affecting their minds, bodies, and daily lives. Nicolette is passionate about working with those who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, and
sexual abuse
as well as anyone who is interested in exploring their relationship with substance use.

Ken L Richmond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I specialize in: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma & PTSD, Victims of Physical and
Sexual Abuse
, Relationship Problems.
I have seen people struggle for years with depression and/or anxiety caused by negative thoughts we have about ourselves from things we have been through in life, some things big and bad, others unintentional or seemingly benign. While we all experience challenges in life, you don't deserve to suffer and I can/want to help you find that relief. Medication helps, but is not the answer to long term recovery. Regular talk therapy can also be helpful, but often is not effective for recovery. EMDR therapy has been the most hopeful service for long term recovery I have found and the benefits can be physiologically understood.

Theresa Joan Anderson-Varney
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders,
sexual abuse
, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.
The trials of life sometimes bring sadness and fear. I offer a place for healing and help in a safe environment, for children, adolescents, and adults. I will help you to find the answers to your conflicts and concerns. Whatever the problem we will work together to find the way out. I offer hope for the hopeless.

Justine E. Braford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CST
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
As a certified Sex Therapist, I work with many client issues and have a special interest in sexual dysfunction which includes: couples work, low libido, mismatched desire, pelvic pain disorders, affair recovery, issues of gender or sexual orientation, out-of-control sexual behaviors, and work with
sexual abuse
survivors.
*Currently CLOSED to new patients. Please email for referral options* I am a licensed clinical social worker with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan with a speciality in Interpersonal Practice and Health. I completed my post-Graduate certificate in Sexual Health and Sex education at the University of Michigan and am a fully AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.

Susan Jongekryg Certified Sex Addiction Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CSAT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Are you having trouble coping with your emotions due to a traumatic experience in your life? Many suffer from childhood
sexual abuse
, betrayal trauma, or sexual addiction. You are not alone! I collaborate with people seeking to transform past suffering into meaning and purpose in their lives. I believe passionately that to live a fulfilled life, one must continue to grow and adapt. I feel a profound sense of gratitude to be able to help others on their path to emotional healing.

Chris Postema
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Areas of Specialty and Treatment Models: Trauma (physical/
sexual abuse
, grief/loss, etc.
Everyone experiences life struggles. I believe clients come to therapy already equipped with the tools and skills to make change and therapy is a tool to help accomplish that goal. I specialize in helping individuals with trauma, depression, anxiety and relationship problems. I've worked with adults, children, adolescents and families for 20 years, and take great joy in seeing change happen in the lives of others. I believe in a client-centered approach, which means you are the expert of your own life, and I am a facilitator in helping you accomplish your own goals. I also have experience working with other healthcare professionals.

Carolyn Madry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I work with adults struggling with depression, anxiety (including OCD & social anxiety), disordered eating/body image, PTSD & trauma (including abuse/
assault
), and loss.
A wise philosopher once said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Small changes, even increasing self-awareness, can collect and snowball into life-changing transformations. These changes and transformations currently may be hard to imagine or fully believe, and we can still choose to bravely take that step. Whatever length your journey, I offer support along the road and a safe space for exploration, expression, insight, and transformation.
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
& Online

Renee M Orr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I am well versed in addressing grief, divorce of parents,
sexual abuse
, past trauma, anxiety, or sexualized behaviors in children.
I am a clinical behavioral therapist with a private practice focusing mainly on children and families. I enjoy working with children and use various play techniques to explore the lagging skills which may have developed strong responses and behaviors to stressors in your child. There are many instances in which I will accept the parent as client to address behaviors in the home. I work with siblings when appropriate and have worked with clients ages 4-adulthood.

Kathleen Marie Weller
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
The majority of my practice is working with women and "women's issues." Many women seek guidance and counsel as they deal with the stages and changes in their lives. Childbirth through menopause, there are challenges that can provoke thought, action or concerns. Trauma from childhood
sexual abuse
can cause depression and anxiety. I have worked with many women concerning these issues and with couples struggling with latent affects of abuse. I also work with couple marital issues, parenting issues and teens 12 years and older.

Rene Sobleski
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified
Verified
I specialize in the treatment and assessment of eating disorders, over eaters, obesity, disordered eating, sex addictions,
sexual abuse
victims, on-line pornography, trauma recovery, grief and loss issues.
I am experienced in providing Marital Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques and Internal Family Systems, among others. I provide therapy for individuals (children ages 4-12, adolescents and adults), groups, families and couples.
Waitlist for new clients

Ashleigh Merryman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Hi there! I know for many the idea of beginning therapy can be very daunting, from finding a good therapist to unpacking years old trauma to the added cost. However, I am here to help you through every step of the process. I have experience working with individuals ages 11 to 55 years old including, but not limited to domestic violence and sexual
assault
survivors, as well as, individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+, individuals with substance use disorders, mental health concerns, and developmental disabilities.
See more therapy options for Grand Rapids
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.