Sexual Abuse Therapists in 08609
Jennifer Weiskott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hamilton, NJ 08609 (Online Only)
I have over 20 years of experience working with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
My goal as a therapist is to offer compassionate and non-judgmental therapy to those struggling with mental health issues. I feel that it is important for my clients to feel that they are in a safe environment where they can share their feelings. It is important to me to address each client's specific issues, needs and goals. I believe every person is an individual and has their own unique experiences.
I have over 20 years of experience working with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.
My goal as a therapist is to offer compassionate and non-judgmental therapy to those struggling with mental health issues. I feel that it is important for my clients to feel that they are in a safe environment where they can share their feelings. It is important to me to address each client's specific issues, needs and goals. I believe every person is an individual and has their own unique experiences.
Ashley M. Kussman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, NJ 08609
Often individuals who have experienced on-going internal or relational conflict feel stuck in a cycle that they can't seem to control no matter how many attempts or strategies they try. In the confusion and exhaustion, they give up and give in to hopelessness, low self-worth, shame, anger, and fear. This leads into more alienation, suffering, and despair. Those who want to heal the relationship with themselves and with those they love can rediscover the self that is trapped under all of the pain, anger, and fear. With empathic support, knowledge, and adequate resources, healing is possible.
Often individuals who have experienced on-going internal or relational conflict feel stuck in a cycle that they can't seem to control no matter how many attempts or strategies they try. In the confusion and exhaustion, they give up and give in to hopelessness, low self-worth, shame, anger, and fear. This leads into more alienation, suffering, and despair. Those who want to heal the relationship with themselves and with those they love can rediscover the self that is trapped under all of the pain, anger, and fear. With empathic support, knowledge, and adequate resources, healing is possible.
Amanda Cusa
Licensed Social Worker, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, NJ 08609
I believe strongly that we all have the capacity for positive change, no matter where we start out. Therapy should provide a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space in which clients can explore new goals, solutions, and ways of being. I seek to empower clients by fostering greater awareness and understanding of their thoughts, behaviors, environments, and interpersonal patterns. My approach is tailored to each person and their needs, but often incorporates concepts from Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Person-Centered therapies, as well as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction techniques.
I believe strongly that we all have the capacity for positive change, no matter where we start out. Therapy should provide a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space in which clients can explore new goals, solutions, and ways of being. I seek to empower clients by fostering greater awareness and understanding of their thoughts, behaviors, environments, and interpersonal patterns. My approach is tailored to each person and their needs, but often incorporates concepts from Cognitive-Behavioral, Interpersonal, and Person-Centered therapies, as well as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction techniques.
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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.