Photo of Sonja T Smith, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Baton Rouge, LA
Sonja T Smith
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAC, CCS, CCPD-D
Verified Verified
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
The teen years offer significant challenges for children and parents alike. Children are faced with increasing social and academic demands while facing tough choices and greater responsibilities. Raging hormones and strained relationships do not make it any easier! Parents often feel frustrated and exhausted trying to help their child reach his or her full potential. Many times, the parent/child relationship becomes marked by fighting and power struggles. Parents and teens facing difficulty may find teen counseling effective and helpful. Finding a teen therapist specifically trained and experienced working with adolescents frequently provides the greatest benefit.
The teen years offer significant challenges for children and parents alike. Children are faced with increasing social and academic demands while facing tough choices and greater responsibilities. Raging hormones and strained relationships do not make it any easier! Parents often feel frustrated and exhausted trying to help their child reach his or her full potential. Many times, the parent/child relationship becomes marked by fighting and power struggles. Parents and teens facing difficulty may find teen counseling effective and helpful. Finding a teen therapist specifically trained and experienced working with adolescents frequently provides the greatest benefit.
(985) 238-3789 View (985) 238-3789

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr. Robert E. Schmidt, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Baton Rouge, LA
Dr. Robert E. Schmidt, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, D-MFT, NCC, LPC-S, MTh
Not Verified Not Verified
New Orleans, LA 70119
Life has a tendency to create difficult moments for all of us. As these moments enter our world we have to deal with them head on. Our practice provides a comfortable, private atmosphere that is conducive to creating a sense of well-being which aids in the process of brighter days ahead. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor presently working on my dissertation for a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe as well as a former graduate of Loyola University, Notre Dame Seminary and Our Lady of Holy Cross College.
Life has a tendency to create difficult moments for all of us. As these moments enter our world we have to deal with them head on. Our practice provides a comfortable, private atmosphere that is conducive to creating a sense of well-being which aids in the process of brighter days ahead. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor presently working on my dissertation for a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe as well as a former graduate of Loyola University, Notre Dame Seminary and Our Lady of Holy Cross College.
(504) 383-7147 View (504) 383-7147
Photo of Debra Reeves, Licensed Professional Counselor in Baton Rouge, LA
Debra Reeves
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
New Orleans, LA 70122  (Online Only)
I have provided therapy for both children and adults and can honestly say I enjoy working with all ages in various stages of life. I believe that anyone can gain knowledge through their experience in an optimistic way in a warm, supportive, therapeutic environment. When facing challenges and struggles, you do not need to feel alone; it can be very advantageous to have someone by your side who is nonjudgmental, understanding, and compassionate. Taking the opportunity to seek out help is not a sign of weakness; it is an admirable attempt to try to live a more fulfilling life for yourself and demonstrate a great deal of strength!
I have provided therapy for both children and adults and can honestly say I enjoy working with all ages in various stages of life. I believe that anyone can gain knowledge through their experience in an optimistic way in a warm, supportive, therapeutic environment. When facing challenges and struggles, you do not need to feel alone; it can be very advantageous to have someone by your side who is nonjudgmental, understanding, and compassionate. Taking the opportunity to seek out help is not a sign of weakness; it is an admirable attempt to try to live a more fulfilling life for yourself and demonstrate a great deal of strength!
(405) 777-7493 View (405) 777-7493

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.