Photo of Austin Trauma Therapy Center/ Diana Anzaldua, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 78703, TX
Austin Trauma Therapy Center/ Diana Anzaldua
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, TCYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78703
Austin Trauma Therapy Center understands the ranges of psychotherapeutic approaches in use today and will integrate them as necessary. Often people struggle with utilizing unhealthy, adaptive coping skills to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. We can assist you with identifying strategies that will work for you to identify and modify maladaptive patterns that no longer serve you. Austin Trauma Therapy Center remains flexible, open and non-judgmental in an effort to cater to your unique needs while ensuring a high standard of quality care. Our approach is to meet you where you are in an authentic way.
Austin Trauma Therapy Center understands the ranges of psychotherapeutic approaches in use today and will integrate them as necessary. Often people struggle with utilizing unhealthy, adaptive coping skills to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. We can assist you with identifying strategies that will work for you to identify and modify maladaptive patterns that no longer serve you. Austin Trauma Therapy Center remains flexible, open and non-judgmental in an effort to cater to your unique needs while ensuring a high standard of quality care. Our approach is to meet you where you are in an authentic way.
(512) 969-2204 View (512) 969-2204

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.