Sexual Abuse Therapists in Grand County, CO

Photo of Create Connectivity Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
Create Connectivity Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Winter Park, CO 80482
Sometimes life seems uncertain, hopeless, overwhelming.  Other times life feels unsettled, hurting in subtle ways.  Often, life’s challenges create the desire for growth, and it takes courage and vulnerability to ask for therapeutic support as you embark on your journey towards healing, and a more contented life. Our counselors support you and your loved ones in making sense of sorrow and struggles while helping you create more moments of connection, purpose, and joy. We are honored to guide your journey to create deeper connectivity for yourself and your loved ones. Together, we can create space for light and healing to enter.
Sometimes life seems uncertain, hopeless, overwhelming.  Other times life feels unsettled, hurting in subtle ways.  Often, life’s challenges create the desire for growth, and it takes courage and vulnerability to ask for therapeutic support as you embark on your journey towards healing, and a more contented life. Our counselors support you and your loved ones in making sense of sorrow and struggles while helping you create more moments of connection, purpose, and joy. We are honored to guide your journey to create deeper connectivity for yourself and your loved ones. Together, we can create space for light and healing to enter.
(970) 427-2301 View (970) 427-2301
Photo of 2nd Star Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
2nd Star Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Granby, CO 80446
At 2nd Star Counseling, our clinicians Kathryn Raley, NCC, LPC, RPT-S, ACS and Maggie Daggett, MA, LPCC offer individual therapy, adolescent therapy, play therapy, and family therapy.
At 2nd Star Counseling, our clinicians Kathryn Raley, NCC, LPC, RPT-S, ACS and Maggie Daggett, MA, LPCC offer individual therapy, adolescent therapy, play therapy, and family therapy.
(720) 928-9829 View (720) 928-9829
Photo of Counseling Colorado, PLLC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Grand County, CO
Counseling Colorado, PLLC
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Winter Park, CO 80482
Are you living the life you want? Recovery is a choice and I am here to help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is the empowerment of one's internal strength. I have a passion for creating a therapeutic alliance with clients to help them achieve their goals and to become their best self. Utilizing evidence based therapies, I am able to peel back the layers and get to the heart of one's core issues, resulting in healing. Choosing to seek professional help is a big decision and choosing the right counselor is essential to achieving success."
Are you living the life you want? Recovery is a choice and I am here to help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness; it is the empowerment of one's internal strength. I have a passion for creating a therapeutic alliance with clients to help them achieve their goals and to become their best self. Utilizing evidence based therapies, I am able to peel back the layers and get to the heart of one's core issues, resulting in healing. Choosing to seek professional help is a big decision and choosing the right counselor is essential to achieving success."
(720) 548-1604 View (720) 548-1604
Photo of Dr. Laurie Crider, Psychologist in Grand County, CO
Dr. Laurie Crider
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Granby, CO 80446
Do you want to feel better? Are you interested in gaining insight into why you feel the way you do and open to trying new behaviors that lead to a greater sense of well being and inner peace? My treatment approach involves providing a safe, nonjudgemental environment while taking an in-depth life history in order to arrive at a greater understanding of what is currently causing your problems and relational patterns. How we move forward is individualized based on your treatment goals and history. Having over 25 years of clinical experience helps me get to the root of your problems quickly.
Do you want to feel better? Are you interested in gaining insight into why you feel the way you do and open to trying new behaviors that lead to a greater sense of well being and inner peace? My treatment approach involves providing a safe, nonjudgemental environment while taking an in-depth life history in order to arrive at a greater understanding of what is currently causing your problems and relational patterns. How we move forward is individualized based on your treatment goals and history. Having over 25 years of clinical experience helps me get to the root of your problems quickly.
(970) 875-4755 View (970) 875-4755
Photo of Andrea L Brown, Registered Psychotherapist in Grand County, CO
Andrea L Brown
Registered Psychotherapist, MS, LAC, EMDR, SAP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Granby, CO 80446
Not accepting new clients
As a former first responder, Andrea has many years of lived and work experience of the effects of trauma and PTSD. She has worked with people of all ages to overcome life's obstacles, substance abuse, difficult emotions, loss, and grief. Her practice includes a mindfulness-based approach and deep cultural sensitivity. Meeting your personal goals of gaining awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are done in a confidential and caring manner.
As a former first responder, Andrea has many years of lived and work experience of the effects of trauma and PTSD. She has worked with people of all ages to overcome life's obstacles, substance abuse, difficult emotions, loss, and grief. Her practice includes a mindfulness-based approach and deep cultural sensitivity. Meeting your personal goals of gaining awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are done in a confidential and caring manner.
(970) 439-3109 View (970) 439-3109
Photo of Elizabeth Bruce, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Grand County, CO
Elizabeth Bruce
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate , LPCC
Verified Verified
Granby, CO 80446
Not accepting new clients
Seeking support takes courage. Life brings experiences that prompt self-inquiry, exploration of relationships, and painful emotional states. You may experience mental health challenges that require both compassionate support and effective tools to navigate. Perhaps you find yourself engaging in behavior you’d like to change or using a substance that does not serve you. I am here to help navigate these challenges with you. I believe everyone can benefit from the therapeutic process and I am dedicated to helping you discover and nurture your inner wisdom.
Seeking support takes courage. Life brings experiences that prompt self-inquiry, exploration of relationships, and painful emotional states. You may experience mental health challenges that require both compassionate support and effective tools to navigate. Perhaps you find yourself engaging in behavior you’d like to change or using a substance that does not serve you. I am here to help navigate these challenges with you. I believe everyone can benefit from the therapeutic process and I am dedicated to helping you discover and nurture your inner wisdom.
(970) 594-9541 View (970) 594-9541

Online Therapists

Photo of Rachel Smith, Counselor in Grand County, CO
Rachel Smith
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80210
Waitlist for new clients
How do we find inner peace when our outer presentation is wrong? Where is self-acceptance when the world around you is unaccepting? Your internal struggles are real, and you are not alone. Wholeness begins with healing. They say time heals all wounds, but some wounds are so deep it feels as though they may never heal. Asking for help takes strength. If you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma from sexual assault or abuse, and/or sex and relationship issues, let’s chat. Please reach out via email if possible
How do we find inner peace when our outer presentation is wrong? Where is self-acceptance when the world around you is unaccepting? Your internal struggles are real, and you are not alone. Wholeness begins with healing. They say time heals all wounds, but some wounds are so deep it feels as though they may never heal. Asking for help takes strength. If you’re experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma from sexual assault or abuse, and/or sex and relationship issues, let’s chat. Please reach out via email if possible
(719) 294-1656 View (719) 294-1656
Photo of Stephanie Boulton, Counselor in Grand County, CO
Stephanie Boulton
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80303
My specialties include anxiety, depression, ADHD, body image, identity (including sexual and gender identity), sexual abuse, attachment and healthy relationships.
From navigating relationships, careers, identity, politics, culture: adulting is no small task for a person of any age..... let alone navigating overwhelming emotions, eating, sleeping and trauma on top of the energy it takes to get by on a daily basis. Some part of your life maybe feels elusive and takes a lot of extra energy...like being able to stay in relationships, be at peace in your body or satisfied with how you present yourself to the world. Therapy can be a helpful place to sort through all the messages that are unhelpful and get clear on what your real needs are.
My specialties include anxiety, depression, ADHD, body image, identity (including sexual and gender identity), sexual abuse, attachment and healthy relationships.
From navigating relationships, careers, identity, politics, culture: adulting is no small task for a person of any age..... let alone navigating overwhelming emotions, eating, sleeping and trauma on top of the energy it takes to get by on a daily basis. Some part of your life maybe feels elusive and takes a lot of extra energy...like being able to stay in relationships, be at peace in your body or satisfied with how you present yourself to the world. Therapy can be a helpful place to sort through all the messages that are unhelpful and get clear on what your real needs are.
(720) 806-4678 View (720) 806-4678
Photo of Taya J Matoy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Grand County, CO
Taya J Matoy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSPT, CCEAT, CDMT, MAC
Verified Verified
Berthoud, CO 80513  (Online Only)
I understand anxiety, depression, PTDS, racial/cultural identity, sexual abuse/assault and life transitions.
Are you experiencing relational issues, depression, anxiety, PTSD? The Hero's journey takes courage. You are not alone. No Hero's Journey is complete without trusted individuals to help along the way. I am committed and honored to be a part of your journey. Healing incorporates genuine caring, and reality gently reflected back to you in a compassionate and loving way, so that self compassion can become a part of your inner landscape. The greatest love affair you will have in your lifetime is with yourself. I believe this to be true. How you love yourself is how you love others. I look forward to helping you discover yourself.
I understand anxiety, depression, PTDS, racial/cultural identity, sexual abuse/assault and life transitions.
Are you experiencing relational issues, depression, anxiety, PTSD? The Hero's journey takes courage. You are not alone. No Hero's Journey is complete without trusted individuals to help along the way. I am committed and honored to be a part of your journey. Healing incorporates genuine caring, and reality gently reflected back to you in a compassionate and loving way, so that self compassion can become a part of your inner landscape. The greatest love affair you will have in your lifetime is with yourself. I believe this to be true. How you love yourself is how you love others. I look forward to helping you discover yourself.
(970) 341-2147 View (970) 341-2147
Photo of Holly Ann Barczak, Counselor in Grand County, CO
Holly Ann Barczak
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Broomfield, CO 80021  (Online Only)
Other areas of focus are working with individuals diagnosed with PTSD to heal from traumatic events (including past physical and sexual abuse).
My approach to therapy is primarily Cognitive Behavioral. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for helping individuals with a wide range of problems, including Depression, Anxiety and ADHD. I also incorporate the use of other therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment, Relational, Interpersonal and Psychodynamic Therapy. My initial goal is to create a safe therapeutic environment. I work with clients to reach an agreement on the goals. As therapy proceeds, we will evaluate progress toward those goals and work together to make therapy as effective for you as possible.
Other areas of focus are working with individuals diagnosed with PTSD to heal from traumatic events (including past physical and sexual abuse).
My approach to therapy is primarily Cognitive Behavioral. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for helping individuals with a wide range of problems, including Depression, Anxiety and ADHD. I also incorporate the use of other therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment, Relational, Interpersonal and Psychodynamic Therapy. My initial goal is to create a safe therapeutic environment. I work with clients to reach an agreement on the goals. As therapy proceeds, we will evaluate progress toward those goals and work together to make therapy as effective for you as possible.
(720) 706-6965 View (720) 706-6965
Photo of Sherry D'Andrea, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
Sherry D'Andrea
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80302  (Online Only)
With 13+ years experience, I specialize in overcoming perfectionism and people-pleasing, trauma resolution of all kinds (childhood, medical trauma, sexual assault, narcissistic abuse).
Stressed, overwhelmed, or burned out, or struggling with trauma? Do you always put others needs before yours? Are you often second-guessing yourself, or "people pleasing"? Feel guilty setting boundaries, saying no, or asking for what you need? If you are seeking to manage overwhelm and anxiety, heal past trauma, or focus on self-growth, I can help.
With 13+ years experience, I specialize in overcoming perfectionism and people-pleasing, trauma resolution of all kinds (childhood, medical trauma, sexual assault, narcissistic abuse).
Stressed, overwhelmed, or burned out, or struggling with trauma? Do you always put others needs before yours? Are you often second-guessing yourself, or "people pleasing"? Feel guilty setting boundaries, saying no, or asking for what you need? If you are seeking to manage overwhelm and anxiety, heal past trauma, or focus on self-growth, I can help.
(303) 622-5248 View (303) 622-5248
Photo of Letitia Cullens-Proctor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
Letitia Cullens-Proctor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Centennial, CO 80112  (Online Only)
Tired of repeating negative patterns? Are you looking to build healthier relationships? Do you need to process a traumatic event that has affected you? I work with adult clients who are ready for a change, who want to take steps towards growing and healing. Many of my clients have multiple marginalized identities (neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, global majority), or have experienced a traumatic event in the past such as a childhood trauma, loss of a job, or sexual assault. I also work with many Graduate counseling students and working therapists, because we often forget that we need help and a safe space to work on ourselves as well.
Tired of repeating negative patterns? Are you looking to build healthier relationships? Do you need to process a traumatic event that has affected you? I work with adult clients who are ready for a change, who want to take steps towards growing and healing. Many of my clients have multiple marginalized identities (neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, global majority), or have experienced a traumatic event in the past such as a childhood trauma, loss of a job, or sexual assault. I also work with many Graduate counseling students and working therapists, because we often forget that we need help and a safe space to work on ourselves as well.
(720) 605-6675 View (720) 605-6675
Photo of Hadassah Carlson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
Hadassah Carlson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Denver, CO 80246  (Online Only)
I help individuals who are experiencing suffering and who want to experience healing and lasting change. Maybe you've experienced human-induced trauma, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, relational conflict, feeling lost, alone, stuck, or simply feeling like some part of your life isn't working. Maybe you're struggling to feel your emotions, or you're confused about how your behavior and emotions are connected. I will work with you to help you understand the root of the issue and how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and we'll work together to create greater awareness, freedom, and health in your life.
I help individuals who are experiencing suffering and who want to experience healing and lasting change. Maybe you've experienced human-induced trauma, sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, relational conflict, feeling lost, alone, stuck, or simply feeling like some part of your life isn't working. Maybe you're struggling to feel your emotions, or you're confused about how your behavior and emotions are connected. I will work with you to help you understand the root of the issue and how your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are connected and we'll work together to create greater awareness, freedom, and health in your life.
(720) 637-4709 x724 View (720) 637-4709 x724
Photo of Melissa Hunt, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
Melissa Hunt
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMHC, HHC
Verified Verified
Golden, CO 80402  (Online Only)
Women's issues, trauma, sexual abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and religious cult abuse and damage are areas that I aim to keep the scope of my practice.
Strengthen the Spirit. Heal the Soul. That is the motto at Four Winds Counseling Center. I believe that the counseling relationship is paramount in the healing process. My aim is to provide a safe environment in which the client feels their stories are valued, heard, and honored. I have a profound respect for the human experience and all that it encompasses, including, but not exclusively pain to the core of the essence of a person. Vulnerability is a privilege, and a privileged right. I aim to hold a container in the therapeutic room in which this privilege of vulnerability may be fostered.
Women's issues, trauma, sexual abuse, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and religious cult abuse and damage are areas that I aim to keep the scope of my practice.
Strengthen the Spirit. Heal the Soul. That is the motto at Four Winds Counseling Center. I believe that the counseling relationship is paramount in the healing process. My aim is to provide a safe environment in which the client feels their stories are valued, heard, and honored. I have a profound respect for the human experience and all that it encompasses, including, but not exclusively pain to the core of the essence of a person. Vulnerability is a privilege, and a privileged right. I aim to hold a container in the therapeutic room in which this privilege of vulnerability may be fostered.
(720) 608-4782 View (720) 608-4782
Photo of Emina Acosta, Clinical Social Work Candidate in Grand County, CO
Emina Acosta
Clinical Social Work Candidate, MSW, CSW-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
Arvada, CO 80003
I provide extensive expertise, predominantly in Sex Assault, advocating for Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence.
Our time together will be in a safe and confidential space. You can openly express yourself without fear of being judged. I have dedicated my life's work to understanding how PTSD and trauma impact our lives, perceptions, emotions, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, stress, culture, self-worth, values, etc. Therapy is beneficial for your well-being, trauma recovery, and self-care. My purpose is to help you achieve your goals and needs. I will empower you to grow personally and emotionally. The key to healing is your desire to improve yourself and your life.
I provide extensive expertise, predominantly in Sex Assault, advocating for Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence.
Our time together will be in a safe and confidential space. You can openly express yourself without fear of being judged. I have dedicated my life's work to understanding how PTSD and trauma impact our lives, perceptions, emotions, thoughts, feelings, behaviors, stress, culture, self-worth, values, etc. Therapy is beneficial for your well-being, trauma recovery, and self-care. My purpose is to help you achieve your goals and needs. I will empower you to grow personally and emotionally. The key to healing is your desire to improve yourself and your life.
(720) 804-0693 View (720) 804-0693
Photo of Children's Trauma Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Grand County, CO
Children's Trauma Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Conifer, CO 80433
The CTC team works with you, helping you and your child to recover from issues related to traumatic loss, physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect, complex trauma, chronic or serious illness and injury and family violence.
The Children’s Trauma Center (CTC) provides comprehensive trauma treatment for children ages 3-12. We use treatment models that have proven results. We also believe that imbalances in nutrition, movement, sleep, and connection with others, can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life and ability to fully participate in effective trauma treatment. At CTC, we attend not only to the trauma treatment, but also to the child's overall health by providing therapeutic "whole health" activities in our indoor garden, kitchen and outdoor space.
The CTC team works with you, helping you and your child to recover from issues related to traumatic loss, physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect, complex trauma, chronic or serious illness and injury and family violence.
The Children’s Trauma Center (CTC) provides comprehensive trauma treatment for children ages 3-12. We use treatment models that have proven results. We also believe that imbalances in nutrition, movement, sleep, and connection with others, can have a significant impact on a child’s quality of life and ability to fully participate in effective trauma treatment. At CTC, we attend not only to the trauma treatment, but also to the child's overall health by providing therapeutic "whole health" activities in our indoor garden, kitchen and outdoor space.
(720) 500-1036 View (720) 500-1036
Photo of Regina Haugland-True, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
Regina Haugland-True
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Loveland, CO 80537
As a trauma therapist I specialize in working with pregnancy, sexual assault, and abuse.
*I CURRENTLY HAVE A WAITLIST FOR NEW CLIENTS; I AM HAPPY TO PROVIDE REFERRALS TO THERAPIST WITH MORE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS* Are you coping with trauma? Was your birth traumatic but you don't want to complain because "it could have been worse?" Have you gone through a rape or abuse and while everyone means well, they just don't get it? Is your mood all over the place and you are tired of feeling this way? Trauma can leave you feeling alone, unsure and frightened; it might be hard on your relationships or you might be avoiding things because of intrusive thoughts or emotions that come up.
As a trauma therapist I specialize in working with pregnancy, sexual assault, and abuse.
*I CURRENTLY HAVE A WAITLIST FOR NEW CLIENTS; I AM HAPPY TO PROVIDE REFERRALS TO THERAPIST WITH MORE IMMEDIATE OPENINGS* Are you coping with trauma? Was your birth traumatic but you don't want to complain because "it could have been worse?" Have you gone through a rape or abuse and while everyone means well, they just don't get it? Is your mood all over the place and you are tired of feeling this way? Trauma can leave you feeling alone, unsure and frightened; it might be hard on your relationships or you might be avoiding things because of intrusive thoughts or emotions that come up.
(970) 744-2214 View (970) 744-2214
Photo of Joani Teresa Mendolia, Pre-Licensed Professional in Grand County, CO
Joani Teresa Mendolia
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFTI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boulder, CO 80302  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with shifts in your world? Have you recently had a life and or medical change that you would like to navigate? Are there parts of your past that are affecting your everyday life such as emotional and or sexual abuse? Are you having more arguments than you would like? Are you feeling dissatisfied within your sex life? Are you experiencing hardship and frustration surrounding child rearing? While not an exhaustive list, I believe that there is no problem that therapy can not address. I am here for you!
Do you find yourself overwhelmed with shifts in your world? Have you recently had a life and or medical change that you would like to navigate? Are there parts of your past that are affecting your everyday life such as emotional and or sexual abuse? Are you having more arguments than you would like? Are you feeling dissatisfied within your sex life? Are you experiencing hardship and frustration surrounding child rearing? While not an exhaustive list, I believe that there is no problem that therapy can not address. I am here for you!
(303) 529-7817 View (303) 529-7817
Photo of Restore Counseling LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Grand County, CO
Restore Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Arvada, CO 80003
We provide professional, clinical counseling for trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, adjustment issues, women's issues, and family/couple support.
Right now, more than ever, people are exhausted and just trying to stay afloat. It is possible to overcome obstacles that create suffering and find more peace in life. I provide a safe, compassionate therapeutic environment where you can develop personalized tools and strategies for positive change in your life. It takes a lot of courage to move forward in healing, so I would be humbled and honored to talk with you to see if we would be a good fit. I am passionate about helping my clients find greater healing and see joy return back to their lives.
We provide professional, clinical counseling for trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, adjustment issues, women's issues, and family/couple support.
Right now, more than ever, people are exhausted and just trying to stay afloat. It is possible to overcome obstacles that create suffering and find more peace in life. I provide a safe, compassionate therapeutic environment where you can develop personalized tools and strategies for positive change in your life. It takes a lot of courage to move forward in healing, so I would be humbled and honored to talk with you to see if we would be a good fit. I am passionate about helping my clients find greater healing and see joy return back to their lives.
(720) 580-5243 View (720) 580-5243
Photo of Peg Shippert, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand County, CO
Peg Shippert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Boulder, CO 80301
Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and related experiences often break us down and make us feel invisible.
When you or someone you love has been through horrible experiences, your whole life can be turned upside down. As an extensively trained trauma therapist, I have the education, background, and passion to help you heal. There are proven approaches we can use to help you heal from your past. My clients learn to deeply understand how past experiences have affected them, and to feel in control and at peace in the present. You don't have to figure this out by yourself.
Sexual assault, sexual harassment, and related experiences often break us down and make us feel invisible.
When you or someone you love has been through horrible experiences, your whole life can be turned upside down. As an extensively trained trauma therapist, I have the education, background, and passion to help you heal. There are proven approaches we can use to help you heal from your past. My clients learn to deeply understand how past experiences have affected them, and to feel in control and at peace in the present. You don't have to figure this out by yourself.
(720) 790-4916 View (720) 790-4916

See more therapy options for Grand County

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.