Photo of Raymond C Turpin, Psychologist in 28816, NC
Raymond C Turpin
Psychologist, PsyD, LPCS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28816
Not accepting new clients
After 24+ years of practicing in community mental health agency settings and supervising and training clinicians, I am transitioning into private practice in order to more directly serve individuals and families who are struggling with issues of functionality, relationships, identity, self-esteem and other manifestations of life challenges. I have extensive experience working with trauma, mood disorders and behavior disorders and I work exceptionally well with adolescents and young adults although I feel comfortable working with adults of all ages. When you want to better understand your particular challenges and make positive changes, I can assist with your healing/growth process.
After 24+ years of practicing in community mental health agency settings and supervising and training clinicians, I am transitioning into private practice in order to more directly serve individuals and families who are struggling with issues of functionality, relationships, identity, self-esteem and other manifestations of life challenges. I have extensive experience working with trauma, mood disorders and behavior disorders and I work exceptionally well with adolescents and young adults although I feel comfortable working with adults of all ages. When you want to better understand your particular challenges and make positive changes, I can assist with your healing/growth process.
(833) 522-0852 View (833) 522-0852
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.