Therapists in Louisiana
Sara Pesic
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Lake Charles, LA 70605 (Online Only)
Clients come to see me when they feel stuck, unsure how to proceed, or how to move to that next level; when they need empathy and compassion but also a clear plan on how to resolve the presenting conflict/issue. Clients will explore different perspectives and come up with new insights and ideas. They will feel empowered. I am deeply committed to my own professional growth, constantly seeking opportunities for learning and development, to ensure that I bring the latest insights and techniques to my practice and provide the most effective support for my clients.
Clients come to see me when they feel stuck, unsure how to proceed, or how to move to that next level; when they need empathy and compassion but also a clear plan on how to resolve the presenting conflict/issue. Clients will explore different perspectives and come up with new insights and ideas. They will feel empowered. I am deeply committed to my own professional growth, constantly seeking opportunities for learning and development, to ensure that I bring the latest insights and techniques to my practice and provide the most effective support for my clients.
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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.