Photo of Stephen A. Tournas, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 01262, MA
Stephen A. Tournas, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MTS, EdM, PhD ABD
Verified Verified
Stockbridge, MA 01262
After a twenty-year career in the education field, I am confident we can work together effectively on what has brought you to the point of reaching out for help. My style of counseling combines an awareness of how past experiences impact our thinking and behaviors with a mindfulness-based appreciation of our unchanging core. If you're in a troubling relationship I help to develop safe spaces to deepen connection and intimacy through deep listening and self-compassion. Families looking for help with teens can expect a variety of concrete approaches to engage them involving multiple family members as appropriate.
After a twenty-year career in the education field, I am confident we can work together effectively on what has brought you to the point of reaching out for help. My style of counseling combines an awareness of how past experiences impact our thinking and behaviors with a mindfulness-based appreciation of our unchanging core. If you're in a troubling relationship I help to develop safe spaces to deepen connection and intimacy through deep listening and self-compassion. Families looking for help with teens can expect a variety of concrete approaches to engage them involving multiple family members as appropriate.
(413) 239-3742 View (413) 239-3742
Photo of Valerie A Sheehan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 01262, MA
Valerie A Sheehan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Stockbridge, MA 01262  (Online Only)
Are you struggling just to get through the day? Do you look to others for approval? Do you feel uncomfortable in your own skin? Do you lack the courage to be your "authentic self"? Have you been acting "as if" you're okay, but really feel like you're "not good enough", "defective", and "unlovable"? Do you feel hopeless? I'd like to help. I am a compassionate and interactive therapist who will provide a safe, and non-judgemental environment where you can safely explore your feelings and develop curiosity about your life. Let me help you rediscover your strengths, your authentic self and your unique truth.
Are you struggling just to get through the day? Do you look to others for approval? Do you feel uncomfortable in your own skin? Do you lack the courage to be your "authentic self"? Have you been acting "as if" you're okay, but really feel like you're "not good enough", "defective", and "unlovable"? Do you feel hopeless? I'd like to help. I am a compassionate and interactive therapist who will provide a safe, and non-judgemental environment where you can safely explore your feelings and develop curiosity about your life. Let me help you rediscover your strengths, your authentic self and your unique truth.
View

See more therapy options for 01262

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.