Photo of Anna Hamerlik, Counselor in Maine
Anna Hamerlik
Counselor, LCPC-C, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I help women, teens, and young adults who have a history of sexual abuse or assault, have a history of abusive dating relationships, other relationship difficulties, and women with anxiety disorders. My clients tend to struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, low self worth, have trouble saying no, and are challenged leaving or entering relationships. They struggle with learning to trust themselves. My clients often have generational patterns they want to leave behind and notice that past experiences impact present relationships. I also work with women through educational, career, and other life transitions.
I help women, teens, and young adults who have a history of sexual abuse or assault, have a history of abusive dating relationships, other relationship difficulties, and women with anxiety disorders. My clients tend to struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, low self worth, have trouble saying no, and are challenged leaving or entering relationships. They struggle with learning to trust themselves. My clients often have generational patterns they want to leave behind and notice that past experiences impact present relationships. I also work with women through educational, career, and other life transitions.
(207) 386-4911 View (207) 386-4911
Photo of Maite U Garcia, Marriage & Family Therapist in Maine
Maite U Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, ME 04103  (Online Only)
Hello, Hola, my name is Maite. Are you feeling stuck in life? Are you experiencing difficulties within your relationships? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the stress in your life? I would like to help by assisting you in learning skills to reach awareness and healing. Counseling is a safe place to share your concerns, dreams and to implement coping skills to deal with stress, anxiety, depression and/or trauma. I specialize in helping clients through challenging life transitions.
Hello, Hola, my name is Maite. Are you feeling stuck in life? Are you experiencing difficulties within your relationships? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the stress in your life? I would like to help by assisting you in learning skills to reach awareness and healing. Counseling is a safe place to share your concerns, dreams and to implement coping skills to deal with stress, anxiety, depression and/or trauma. I specialize in helping clients through challenging life transitions.
(207) 808-9756 View (207) 808-9756
Photo of Justin Michaud, Counselor in Maine
Justin Michaud
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101  (Online Only)
Justin Michaud is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) with over 7 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages to help them cope with family conflict, couple's issues, PTSD, trauma, depression, stress, and more.
Justin Michaud is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) with over 7 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages to help them cope with family conflict, couple's issues, PTSD, trauma, depression, stress, and more.
(207) 203-4076 View (207) 203-4076
Photo of Judy Gagnon, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Judy Gagnon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Springvale, ME 04083
Waitlist for new clients
I believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and survive trauma. I also believe in the importance of the therapist client relationship in the therapy process. When client’s feel safe, heard, and supported they are able to tap into their own strengths and find the courage to examine and address the issues in their life. I use a strengths-based approach that helps clients identify and utilize their own strengths to resolve whatever issues their struggling with. Combining client strengths with evidence-based therapy gives clients the tools they need to overcome their challenges.
I believe in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and survive trauma. I also believe in the importance of the therapist client relationship in the therapy process. When client’s feel safe, heard, and supported they are able to tap into their own strengths and find the courage to examine and address the issues in their life. I use a strengths-based approach that helps clients identify and utilize their own strengths to resolve whatever issues their struggling with. Combining client strengths with evidence-based therapy gives clients the tools they need to overcome their challenges.
(207) 218-0517 View (207) 218-0517
Photo of Partnership for Trauma Recovery, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Partnership for Trauma Recovery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Freeport, ME 04032
At the Partnership for Trauma Recovery we believe that true healing happens when we find the courage to look at the root of the long standing patterns and difficulties we have. While learning to cope with the daily burdens of these patterns is an important skill, our philosophy is that simply learning to manage only places a bandage on the problem. In order to truly heal we have to look deeper into ourselves and try to determine where these patterns developed.
At the Partnership for Trauma Recovery we believe that true healing happens when we find the courage to look at the root of the long standing patterns and difficulties we have. While learning to cope with the daily burdens of these patterns is an important skill, our philosophy is that simply learning to manage only places a bandage on the problem. In order to truly heal we have to look deeper into ourselves and try to determine where these patterns developed.
(207) 250-4346 View (207) 250-4346
Photo of Marianne Borgo-Ledue, Counselor in Maine
Marianne Borgo-Ledue
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Portland, ME 04106  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression or feeling overwhelmed? Are you noticing your life has become difficult to cope with? When life becomes too busy we can begin to feel depleted and stress begins to build, leading to symptoms that can be disruptive to our lives. If you are experiencing poor sleep, general increase in frustration, low mood and maybe even a decline in health, it may be in response to a persistent level of daily stress. I work with people in a safe, non-judgmental capacity. I provide support from a holistic perspective considering the entirety of your experience to assist you in restoring a sense of wellbeing.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression or feeling overwhelmed? Are you noticing your life has become difficult to cope with? When life becomes too busy we can begin to feel depleted and stress begins to build, leading to symptoms that can be disruptive to our lives. If you are experiencing poor sleep, general increase in frustration, low mood and maybe even a decline in health, it may be in response to a persistent level of daily stress. I work with people in a safe, non-judgmental capacity. I provide support from a holistic perspective considering the entirety of your experience to assist you in restoring a sense of wellbeing.
(207) 548-5853 View (207) 548-5853
Photo of Kim Shaffer, LCPC, Counseling Services LLC, Counselor in Maine
Kim Shaffer, LCPC, Counseling Services LLC
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Hermon, ME 04401
Waitlist for new clients
Most of your friends think that you have a great marriage. You often post pictures of your happy family on social media, but deep down you know something is missing and it has been missing for awhile. Every time you try to talk with your partner, you end up in an argument. It seems that one of you is usually yelling and the other shutting down completely or running away.Both of you are left with no resolution to the problem and feeling angry, sad, and alone. You are not sure if therapy will help, but willing to do whatever it takes.
Most of your friends think that you have a great marriage. You often post pictures of your happy family on social media, but deep down you know something is missing and it has been missing for awhile. Every time you try to talk with your partner, you end up in an argument. It seems that one of you is usually yelling and the other shutting down completely or running away.Both of you are left with no resolution to the problem and feeling angry, sad, and alone. You are not sure if therapy will help, but willing to do whatever it takes.
(207) 209-1621 View (207) 209-1621
Photo of Dennis Baker, Clinical Professional Counselor in Maine
Dennis Baker
Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Belfast, ME 04915
Now Accepting New Clients - There’s no denying it, sometimes life can be really hard. And in addition to the many things happening outside ourselves, we all tend to get in our own way as well. We all sometimes think, feel, or do things that aren’t consistent with the person we want to be. This is completely normal, but it doesn’t have to be that way, and I’d like to help you make it better.
Now Accepting New Clients - There’s no denying it, sometimes life can be really hard. And in addition to the many things happening outside ourselves, we all tend to get in our own way as well. We all sometimes think, feel, or do things that aren’t consistent with the person we want to be. This is completely normal, but it doesn’t have to be that way, and I’d like to help you make it better.
(207) 994-8632 View (207) 994-8632
Photo of Elizabeth Kramer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Elizabeth Kramer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Waitlist for new clients
It is natural to seek support when we feel overwhelmed, confused, fearful or depressed.The therapeutic process offers us the opportunity to build on skills that we already have in order to find relief, hope and healing. My work combines practices of narrative therapy (examining the beliefs we have about ourselves), cognitive behavioral work (paying attention to our thoughts), expressive therapy (healing through art and writing) and mindfulness exercises.
It is natural to seek support when we feel overwhelmed, confused, fearful or depressed.The therapeutic process offers us the opportunity to build on skills that we already have in order to find relief, hope and healing. My work combines practices of narrative therapy (examining the beliefs we have about ourselves), cognitive behavioral work (paying attention to our thoughts), expressive therapy (healing through art and writing) and mindfulness exercises.
(207) 389-3966 View (207) 389-3966
Photo of Innerguidance Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Innerguidance Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Blue Hill, ME 04614
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! Welcome to your healing journey. I am glad you are taking the time to read this. Let me tell you a bit about me, so that you can see if I may be a fit for what you are seeking. My expertise is in holistic based therapy. This means I like to look at the whole picture; mind, body and spirit. I am trained in ACT, EMDR, NET, past life regression, meditation, guided imagery. I am a certified herbalist, and can assist in finding natural options for symptom reduction and optimal health. I provide clinical supervision for other mental health therapists. I am currently seeing clients and supervisees both virtually and in person.
Hello! Welcome to your healing journey. I am glad you are taking the time to read this. Let me tell you a bit about me, so that you can see if I may be a fit for what you are seeking. My expertise is in holistic based therapy. This means I like to look at the whole picture; mind, body and spirit. I am trained in ACT, EMDR, NET, past life regression, meditation, guided imagery. I am a certified herbalist, and can assist in finding natural options for symptom reduction and optimal health. I provide clinical supervision for other mental health therapists. I am currently seeing clients and supervisees both virtually and in person.
(207) 515-8402 View (207) 515-8402
Photo of New Pathways Counseling LLC, Counselor in Maine
New Pathways Counseling LLC
Counselor, LCPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106  (Online Only)
New Pathways is dedicated to providing quality counseling services to those living in the beautiful State of Maine. Amy is an LPC with 13+ years serving the community and she believes in the healing nature of connection. She states, "I am grateful to be invited into the lives of each individual, to witness their lived experiences, and walk beside them as they journey toward their goal." New Pathways helps those who may be experiencing or have experienced depression , anxiety, trauma and relationship difficulties.
New Pathways is dedicated to providing quality counseling services to those living in the beautiful State of Maine. Amy is an LPC with 13+ years serving the community and she believes in the healing nature of connection. She states, "I am grateful to be invited into the lives of each individual, to witness their lived experiences, and walk beside them as they journey toward their goal." New Pathways helps those who may be experiencing or have experienced depression , anxiety, trauma and relationship difficulties.
(207) 746-0689 View (207) 746-0689
Photo of Tammy Dupuis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Tammy Dupuis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Auburn, ME 04210
No man/woman is an island. We all go through difficult times in our lives and nobody should go through those times alone. It would be my privilege to walk along side you, and work in collaboration with you, through those difficult times. I am an experienced therapist who works with people ages 18 to 65+ providing individual and family therapy. In my practice I provide a comfortable and safe space for you to tackle whatever obstacles life has put in front of you - Anxiety, Obessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Depression, Bipolar disorder, trauma, Gender Dysphoria, domestic violence, and grief and loss issues.
No man/woman is an island. We all go through difficult times in our lives and nobody should go through those times alone. It would be my privilege to walk along side you, and work in collaboration with you, through those difficult times. I am an experienced therapist who works with people ages 18 to 65+ providing individual and family therapy. In my practice I provide a comfortable and safe space for you to tackle whatever obstacles life has put in front of you - Anxiety, Obessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Depression, Bipolar disorder, trauma, Gender Dysphoria, domestic violence, and grief and loss issues.
(207) 747-3141 View (207) 747-3141
Photo of Creating Change Counseling , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Creating Change Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LADC
Verified Verified
Hallowell, ME 04347
Are past traumas impacting your life? Do you say or do things that you later regret? Do you struggle with identifying and communicating your feelings? Do you have intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or recurring distressing dreams? Do you drink alcohol or use other substances or gamble or do other self-destructive behaviors that cause self-harm or disrupt your life? Are you a people pleaser? Do you struggle with setting boundaries? Anything that keeps you from living a full life is either built on a lie or a self-defeating memory; what is limiting you? What is keeping you from having the life you want?
Are past traumas impacting your life? Do you say or do things that you later regret? Do you struggle with identifying and communicating your feelings? Do you have intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or recurring distressing dreams? Do you drink alcohol or use other substances or gamble or do other self-destructive behaviors that cause self-harm or disrupt your life? Are you a people pleaser? Do you struggle with setting boundaries? Anything that keeps you from living a full life is either built on a lie or a self-defeating memory; what is limiting you? What is keeping you from having the life you want?
(207) 306-2865 View (207) 306-2865
Photo of Kristen J Flynn, Counselor in Maine
Kristen J Flynn
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Saco, ME 04072
Hello. Welcome to my practice. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide effective, holistic mental health therapy to those seeking health, balance and peace of mind in their lives. Through a collaborative and trusting relationship with my clients, I offer treatment that is ethical, professional, confidential, and one based upon respect. Within my practice I serve primarily adults of all ages in individual therapy. I do not provide couples counseling.
Hello. Welcome to my practice. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I provide effective, holistic mental health therapy to those seeking health, balance and peace of mind in their lives. Through a collaborative and trusting relationship with my clients, I offer treatment that is ethical, professional, confidential, and one based upon respect. Within my practice I serve primarily adults of all ages in individual therapy. I do not provide couples counseling.
(207) 387-7524 View (207) 387-7524
Photo of Rita Laura Siavelis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Maine
Rita Laura Siavelis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, ME 04103
Waitlist for new clients
I love relationships and the amazing feeling you get when you are truly connected to others. This passion has driven me to learn and cultivate skills to help others find this connection in their own lives. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. If you are struggling in your relationship, want a more satisfying bond, or find yourself in conflict with those you love; I can help.
I love relationships and the amazing feeling you get when you are truly connected to others. This passion has driven me to learn and cultivate skills to help others find this connection in their own lives. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. If you are struggling in your relationship, want a more satisfying bond, or find yourself in conflict with those you love; I can help.
(207) 600-1423 View (207) 600-1423
Photo of Wendy Hoge LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Wendy Hoge LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
York, ME 03909
I have worked with a wide variety of clients for over 25 years. I value the diversity of experience they bring to me and always place the cleint's own goals at the center of the therapy relationship. My practice is client centered and I act as the guide and collaborator in their journey. I also am trained in Conflict Resolution/Divorce Mediation as a viable alternative to costly litigated divorce.
I have worked with a wide variety of clients for over 25 years. I value the diversity of experience they bring to me and always place the cleint's own goals at the center of the therapy relationship. My practice is client centered and I act as the guide and collaborator in their journey. I also am trained in Conflict Resolution/Divorce Mediation as a viable alternative to costly litigated divorce.
(207) 420-2231 View (207) 420-2231
Photo of Beth Clarke, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Beth Clarke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101  (Online Only)
I am a seasoned licensed therapist with a private practice in Portland. I specialize in relationship challenges, mild to chronic mental health issues and life transitions including school, work, health, aging and more.
I am a seasoned licensed therapist with a private practice in Portland. I specialize in relationship challenges, mild to chronic mental health issues and life transitions including school, work, health, aging and more.
(207) 613-0788 View (207) 613-0788
Photo of Carol Despres, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Carol Despres
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR II
Verified Verified
Freeport, ME 04032
Welcome! In this very moment you're choosing to be on your journey. My therapeutic philosophy is to facilitate and support your body's innate healing response through the applications of EMDR, (EMDRIA.ORG) and heart-centered therapies. EMDR in particular works to liberate clients from past trauma memories whether that be small "t" trauma or big 'T" trauma and to transform a person's subconscious beliefs thus "turning down the volume" on negative memories/negative beliefs and transforming those subconscious beliefs back into positive core beliefs so that you may become your highest aspect of yourself.
Welcome! In this very moment you're choosing to be on your journey. My therapeutic philosophy is to facilitate and support your body's innate healing response through the applications of EMDR, (EMDRIA.ORG) and heart-centered therapies. EMDR in particular works to liberate clients from past trauma memories whether that be small "t" trauma or big 'T" trauma and to transform a person's subconscious beliefs thus "turning down the volume" on negative memories/negative beliefs and transforming those subconscious beliefs back into positive core beliefs so that you may become your highest aspect of yourself.
(207) 426-4205 View (207) 426-4205
Photo of Toni Bennett, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Maine
Toni Bennett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
I have two offices which are professional yet homelike settings. They each have 3-5 stairs. I practice with an eclectic style but do utilize EMDR, CBT and DBT. I draw on clients strengths and empower the client to utilize their present skills. I specialize in trauma and substance abuse and also depression and anxiety etc. I am a co-occurring therapist. The goal is to improve self esteem and self worth and focus on the goals and objectives of the client. The initial visit is a time for the client to share their hopes and aspirations and create a plan that is challenging but attainable. The client will always feel supported.
I have two offices which are professional yet homelike settings. They each have 3-5 stairs. I practice with an eclectic style but do utilize EMDR, CBT and DBT. I draw on clients strengths and empower the client to utilize their present skills. I specialize in trauma and substance abuse and also depression and anxiety etc. I am a co-occurring therapist. The goal is to improve self esteem and self worth and focus on the goals and objectives of the client. The initial visit is a time for the client to share their hopes and aspirations and create a plan that is challenging but attainable. The client will always feel supported.
(207) 560-0905 View (207) 560-0905
Photo of Elizabeth Doyle @ Compass Counseling, Counselor in Maine
Elizabeth Doyle @ Compass Counseling
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Gardiner, ME 04345
There are many things that keep us from being true to ourselves and/or brings conflict into our lives making it easy to feel lost or off-track. My work involves allowing you to find your compass by resolving traumas from the past and finding simple and workable solutions for the present. It is my priority to help people come back to their strengths and rediscover their inner compass. My job is to create an environment for you that is free of judgement and debris; together we can find your bearings and put the wind back in your sails.
There are many things that keep us from being true to ourselves and/or brings conflict into our lives making it easy to feel lost or off-track. My work involves allowing you to find your compass by resolving traumas from the past and finding simple and workable solutions for the present. It is my priority to help people come back to their strengths and rediscover their inner compass. My job is to create an environment for you that is free of judgement and debris; together we can find your bearings and put the wind back in your sails.
(207) 204-8332 View (207) 204-8332
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.