Photo of Jessica Headley, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio
Jessica Headley
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC-S, PMH-C, CCATP, CTMH
Verified Verified
Canton, OH 44718
Dr. Jessica Headley (pronouns: she/her) is an experienced licensed professional clinical counselor- supervisor and certified specialist in perinatal mental health with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her specialty interests include: girls’ and women’s issues, gender issues, career development, gerontology, and integrating creativity and positive psychology into counseling practice. She utilizes treatment approaches that are evidence-based and uniquely tailored to each client.
Dr. Jessica Headley (pronouns: she/her) is an experienced licensed professional clinical counselor- supervisor and certified specialist in perinatal mental health with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Her specialty interests include: girls’ and women’s issues, gender issues, career development, gerontology, and integrating creativity and positive psychology into counseling practice. She utilizes treatment approaches that are evidence-based and uniquely tailored to each client.
(330) 915-2907 View (330) 915-2907
Photo of Jeralyn R Tharp Lpcc-S Licdc, Counselor in Ohio
Jeralyn R Tharp Lpcc-S Licdc
Counselor, MEd , LPCC-S, LICDC, LMHC FL, Gamb
Verified Verified
Englewood, OH 45322  (Online Only)
Welcome I hope to be part of your support journey as you seek hope, health and recovery to various life challenges . I have over 25 years experience providing Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment in a great deal of diverse settings. I am interested in learning more about (you ) and (your ) goals and objectives for therapy. I believe a counseling relationship works best when you are comfortable with a therapist and free to be who you are. I help you reach this goal by bringing to the session , experience , honesty of myself , kindness and genuine regard. I am part of the Veteran Choice Programs to receive VA referrals.
Welcome I hope to be part of your support journey as you seek hope, health and recovery to various life challenges . I have over 25 years experience providing Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment in a great deal of diverse settings. I am interested in learning more about (you ) and (your ) goals and objectives for therapy. I believe a counseling relationship works best when you are comfortable with a therapist and free to be who you are. I help you reach this goal by bringing to the session , experience , honesty of myself , kindness and genuine regard. I am part of the Veteran Choice Programs to receive VA referrals.
(850) 279-5214 View (850) 279-5214
Photo of Tracy Mert, Counselor in Ohio
Tracy Mert
Counselor, MA, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Fairfield, OH 45014
I have experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. My main areas of interest and experience include: behavior problems, crisis support, developmental disabilities, ADHD, anger management, depression, grief, trauma, abuse, anxiety, low self- esteem, divorce, and parenting skills/education. Prior to private practice, I worked with substance abuse, homelessness,case-management, provided intensive home-community based therapy, engaged in school- based counseling, managed and provided therapy within a partial hospitalization program with in an alternative behavior school, and frequented the courts and hospitals.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. My main areas of interest and experience include: behavior problems, crisis support, developmental disabilities, ADHD, anger management, depression, grief, trauma, abuse, anxiety, low self- esteem, divorce, and parenting skills/education. Prior to private practice, I worked with substance abuse, homelessness,case-management, provided intensive home-community based therapy, engaged in school- based counseling, managed and provided therapy within a partial hospitalization program with in an alternative behavior school, and frequented the courts and hospitals.
(513) 327-7397 View (513) 327-7397
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.