Sexual Abuse Therapists in Lakewood Village, TX
Often, when we experience abuse, trauma, or hardship we learn the best way to protect ourselves is to put on a mask, hide, pretend or please others. We find safety in these coping mechanisms and after a while we lose sight of who we really are. But that real person is still there waiting for the day you're ready to do more than survive. This is where I come in. My calling is to aid those who are scared to be seen find the freedom to fully know, understand and reclaim who they truly are, as well as, build fully authentic and connected relationships with others.
Often, when we experience abuse, trauma, or hardship we learn the best way to protect ourselves is to put on a mask, hide, pretend or please others. We find safety in these coping mechanisms and after a while we lose sight of who we really are. But that real person is still there waiting for the day you're ready to do more than survive. This is where I come in. My calling is to aid those who are scared to be seen find the freedom to fully know, understand and reclaim who they truly are, as well as, build fully authentic and connected relationships with others.
My counseling approach centers on my belief in the radical power of connection and the miracle of human potential. I've witnessed transformations that occur when embodying a heart-centered connection with my clients. In session, I will reflect your inner experience with skill, curiosity, and compassion and we'll shine a light on any shadows ready to be witnessed on the path to your authentic self. Your experience will be honored every step of the way as we lean into you and all of your parts. Through the embodiment of experience and self-awareness we will embark on your healing journey to a place of self-love and acceptance.
My counseling approach centers on my belief in the radical power of connection and the miracle of human potential. I've witnessed transformations that occur when embodying a heart-centered connection with my clients. In session, I will reflect your inner experience with skill, curiosity, and compassion and we'll shine a light on any shadows ready to be witnessed on the path to your authentic self. Your experience will be honored every step of the way as we lean into you and all of your parts. Through the embodiment of experience and self-awareness we will embark on your healing journey to a place of self-love and acceptance.
More Therapists Nearby
Have you experienced childhood abuse or sexual assault, and as a result have a huge hole in your heart that has left you feeling broken and emotionally raw?
I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma. I love helping adults who have experienced childhood trauma or sexual assault heal from early traumatic experiences. One method of trauma therapy I use is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is highly researched and works wonders with many client concerns.
Have you experienced childhood abuse or sexual assault, and as a result have a huge hole in your heart that has left you feeling broken and emotionally raw?
I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma. I love helping adults who have experienced childhood trauma or sexual assault heal from early traumatic experiences. One method of trauma therapy I use is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is highly researched and works wonders with many client concerns.
Healing is often portrayed as becoming "whole" again, as though difficult experiences have somehow made us less complete. I believe healing does not equal brokenness. Whether you are navigating PTSD & trauma, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, or feeling disconnected from yourself, healing is not out of reach; it is already within you. My passion is to help you experience genuine freedom in your healing and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been dimmed along the way.
Healing is often portrayed as becoming "whole" again, as though difficult experiences have somehow made us less complete. I believe healing does not equal brokenness. Whether you are navigating PTSD & trauma, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, or feeling disconnected from yourself, healing is not out of reach; it is already within you. My passion is to help you experience genuine freedom in your healing and reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been dimmed along the way.
I understand that the struggle in life is real. I have worked alongside those who have experienced many traumas in their life. I understand what it is like to get triggered by something and react in a way you don't like. That is called a trauma response, and I can help you with those responses. Together we will process your trauma and find healing so that life won't be as stressful for you.
I understand that the struggle in life is real. I have worked alongside those who have experienced many traumas in their life. I understand what it is like to get triggered by something and react in a way you don't like. That is called a trauma response, and I can help you with those responses. Together we will process your trauma and find healing so that life won't be as stressful for you.
Namaste.. I acknowledge the divine in me and I look forward to meeting the divine in you. I have been in this field for over 13 years and enjoy every new pathway that you may bring to my life. We can research new pathways together.. Life is a very difficult challenge for all of us..may we take haste in exploring the more pleasant aspects that life offers to each of us. No matter what you maybe facing in life believe that within you is the power to overcome or make changes .. I am trained in many lines of counseling and will not turn anyone away who is willing to seek deeper in their soul with direction to transform their life.
Namaste.. I acknowledge the divine in me and I look forward to meeting the divine in you. I have been in this field for over 13 years and enjoy every new pathway that you may bring to my life. We can research new pathways together.. Life is a very difficult challenge for all of us..may we take haste in exploring the more pleasant aspects that life offers to each of us. No matter what you maybe facing in life believe that within you is the power to overcome or make changes .. I am trained in many lines of counseling and will not turn anyone away who is willing to seek deeper in their soul with direction to transform their life.
Therapy can be one of the greatest investments you make in yourself and your relationships. Life is full of challenges, and many individuals and couples find that therapy can help them navigate these difficulties more easily. My goal as your therapist is to help you remove the barriers in your life that keep you from feeling connected to your loved ones. I will also help you to find ways to manage difficult emotions and thoughts so that you live a life that reflects your personal values.
Therapy can be one of the greatest investments you make in yourself and your relationships. Life is full of challenges, and many individuals and couples find that therapy can help them navigate these difficulties more easily. My goal as your therapist is to help you remove the barriers in your life that keep you from feeling connected to your loved ones. I will also help you to find ways to manage difficult emotions and thoughts so that you live a life that reflects your personal values.
I believe psychotherapy is the most powerful tool for human optimization-not just healing what's broken, but discovering what's possible. In our unique therapeutic relationship you will have a rare opportunity to explore the depths of who you are, heal both recent wounds and long-buried pain, and develop the healthier relationships you deserve - especially the one with yourself.
I believe psychotherapy is the most powerful tool for human optimization-not just healing what's broken, but discovering what's possible. In our unique therapeutic relationship you will have a rare opportunity to explore the depths of who you are, heal both recent wounds and long-buried pain, and develop the healthier relationships you deserve - especially the one with yourself.
Melissa Reilly Zawisza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
My ideal client is an adolescent or adult who feels overwhelmed by strong emotions that seem to take over their daily life. Anxiety, shame and sadness pay a a central role in their lives. Past experiences continue to impact their present-day relationships, self-image, and ability to feel safe or grounded. They may notice patterns of over giving, people-pleasing, or prioritizing others’ needs at the expense of their own well-being. hey are typically insightful, caring, and resilient, yet exhausted from carrying too much on their own.
My ideal client is an adolescent or adult who feels overwhelmed by strong emotions that seem to take over their daily life. Anxiety, shame and sadness pay a a central role in their lives. Past experiences continue to impact their present-day relationships, self-image, and ability to feel safe or grounded. They may notice patterns of over giving, people-pleasing, or prioritizing others’ needs at the expense of their own well-being. hey are typically insightful, caring, and resilient, yet exhausted from carrying too much on their own.
I work with individuals navigating the lasting effects of trauma, with a specialization in childhood sexual abuse and first-responder experiences.
I help clients navigate life, heal from traumatic experiences, and create a life they love. I offer a variety of treatments, including talk therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Together, we’ll build a trusting, collaborative relationship to identify a personalized approach to healing. My goal is to empower you with self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-respect, to help you create a fulfilling life on your terms. If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed and ready to explore healing in a supportive and nonjudgmental space, I’m here to walk that path with you.
I work with individuals navigating the lasting effects of trauma, with a specialization in childhood sexual abuse and first-responder experiences.
I help clients navigate life, heal from traumatic experiences, and create a life they love. I offer a variety of treatments, including talk therapy, mindfulness, EMDR, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Together, we’ll build a trusting, collaborative relationship to identify a personalized approach to healing. My goal is to empower you with self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-respect, to help you create a fulfilling life on your terms. If you are feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed and ready to explore healing in a supportive and nonjudgmental space, I’m here to walk that path with you.
You’re thoughtful, introspective, & maybe even the go-to person for advice. You analyze everything including your feelings, your relationships, your patterns but despite all this self-awareness, you feel like you are hitting a wall. Maybe you struggle to feel deeply connected in your relationships, or you wonder why you can’t shake certain emotional patterns, even though you understand them. Maybe you disconnect when things get overwhelming & you default to problem solving. If anxiety, depression or intellectualizing have left you feeling exhausted from overthinking & under-feeling, you're not alone. I help clients just like you.
You’re thoughtful, introspective, & maybe even the go-to person for advice. You analyze everything including your feelings, your relationships, your patterns but despite all this self-awareness, you feel like you are hitting a wall. Maybe you struggle to feel deeply connected in your relationships, or you wonder why you can’t shake certain emotional patterns, even though you understand them. Maybe you disconnect when things get overwhelming & you default to problem solving. If anxiety, depression or intellectualizing have left you feeling exhausted from overthinking & under-feeling, you're not alone. I help clients just like you.
Now offering EMDR Intensives! I believe that regardless of where you've been, what you've done, or where you are now, you inherently have value and worth. My mission is to help you see your inherent worth, and to journey along a path in which we can discover the authentic you. My speciality is young adults who are survivors of trauma including, but not limited to, childhood abuse and neglect and sexual abuse. Ultimately, I believe the relationship between therapist and client is the most important thing, so I work to tailor my approach in a way that is unique and best fits each individual client.
Now offering EMDR Intensives! I believe that regardless of where you've been, what you've done, or where you are now, you inherently have value and worth. My mission is to help you see your inherent worth, and to journey along a path in which we can discover the authentic you. My speciality is young adults who are survivors of trauma including, but not limited to, childhood abuse and neglect and sexual abuse. Ultimately, I believe the relationship between therapist and client is the most important thing, so I work to tailor my approach in a way that is unique and best fits each individual client.
Stress and past trauma can make us feel like a ship lost at sea in a storm. When life feels overwhelming, it is important to realize trauma affects the lens with which we view the world. Sometimes we are well aware of what is holding us back from healing. At times we benefit from help with recognizing and addressing those obstacles. Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, complex trauma, PTSD, religious trauma or some other struggle that brings you to counseling, I would love the opportunity to help you reach your goals. You are not alone, there is a place of hope and healing for you.
Stress and past trauma can make us feel like a ship lost at sea in a storm. When life feels overwhelming, it is important to realize trauma affects the lens with which we view the world. Sometimes we are well aware of what is holding us back from healing. At times we benefit from help with recognizing and addressing those obstacles. Whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, complex trauma, PTSD, religious trauma or some other struggle that brings you to counseling, I would love the opportunity to help you reach your goals. You are not alone, there is a place of hope and healing for you.
I am so glad that you are considering starting therapy! I know that this can be a hard process to begin, and I want to make it as comfortable as possible with all of the hope that I am the right therapist for you!
I am so glad that you are considering starting therapy! I know that this can be a hard process to begin, and I want to make it as comfortable as possible with all of the hope that I am the right therapist for you!
Why Mosaic Way? The stories of our lives that feel broken can be transformed to create something beautiful, like a mosaic vase once shattered. We believe everyone’s story can be beautiful with healing, restoring meaning and fulfillment. We strive to help clients piece together a new path, a Mosaic Way. How can counseling help? Therapy & counseling provide a safe place to process, explore and find resolution. Therapy is more than just talking about your problems. Therapy can teach you new ways to think about the situations that bother you. It can help you cope with feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, shyness, and panic.
Why Mosaic Way? The stories of our lives that feel broken can be transformed to create something beautiful, like a mosaic vase once shattered. We believe everyone’s story can be beautiful with healing, restoring meaning and fulfillment. We strive to help clients piece together a new path, a Mosaic Way. How can counseling help? Therapy & counseling provide a safe place to process, explore and find resolution. Therapy is more than just talking about your problems. Therapy can teach you new ways to think about the situations that bother you. It can help you cope with feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, shyness, and panic.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Lord by coming alongside and counseling the hurting and broken. Christ and His word continue to challenge, encourage, comfort and change me. As an ambassador for Christ, I want to point others towards the God of all comfort by connecting their pain to the hope we have in our Lord that is found in scripture. I have a variety of experience in different mental health settings ranging from inpatient, residential, in-home family therapy, judicial, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment. I have worked locally and internationally and in the church setting.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Lord by coming alongside and counseling the hurting and broken. Christ and His word continue to challenge, encourage, comfort and change me. As an ambassador for Christ, I want to point others towards the God of all comfort by connecting their pain to the hope we have in our Lord that is found in scripture. I have a variety of experience in different mental health settings ranging from inpatient, residential, in-home family therapy, judicial, intensive outpatient, and outpatient treatment. I have worked locally and internationally and in the church setting.
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are carrying a lot—often high-achieving, deeply responsible, and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life. Many are navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship strain, parenting stress, or academic and professional burnout, and want more than just a place to vent.
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are carrying a lot—often high-achieving, deeply responsible, and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life. Many are navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship strain, parenting stress, or academic and professional burnout, and want more than just a place to vent.
Helping others heal is my passion and life purpose. I find my most meaningful work in holding space for clients on their healing journeys—personally, emotionally, and spiritually. If life feels overwhelming, the kids are acting up, relationships are strained, or you're stuck in unhealthy thoughts and coping patterns, I’m here to walk with you. Wherever you are on your journey, I’ll support you in awakening, aligning, and operating as your highest self. Let’s go!
Helping others heal is my passion and life purpose. I find my most meaningful work in holding space for clients on their healing journeys—personally, emotionally, and spiritually. If life feels overwhelming, the kids are acting up, relationships are strained, or you're stuck in unhealthy thoughts and coping patterns, I’m here to walk with you. Wherever you are on your journey, I’ll support you in awakening, aligning, and operating as your highest self. Let’s go!
I have also had a great deal of experience working with victims of sexual abuse (both adult and adolescent).
Working with people that struggle with substance abuse has always been a passion of mine and I approach this issue in a positive manner without judgment. I have over 45 years experience working with teenagers and young adults and assisting their parents in understanding and improving their relationship.
I have also had a great deal of experience working with victims of sexual abuse (both adult and adolescent).
Working with people that struggle with substance abuse has always been a passion of mine and I approach this issue in a positive manner without judgment. I have over 45 years experience working with teenagers and young adults and assisting their parents in understanding and improving their relationship.
Esmeralda Evans-Rios
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
3 Endorsed
North Richland Hills, TX 76182
You may be the strong one who holds it together for everyone else yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, or never quite “enough.” I work with children, teens, and adults who are ready to understand where those patterns began and how to shift them. Together, we move beyond surface-level coping and explore the deeper roots of anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm so you can feel more grounded and whole.
You may be the strong one who holds it together for everyone else yet internally feel anxious, overwhelmed, or never quite “enough.” I work with children, teens, and adults who are ready to understand where those patterns began and how to shift them. Together, we move beyond surface-level coping and explore the deeper roots of anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm so you can feel more grounded and whole.
See more therapy options for Lakewood Village
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Lakewood Village
- Argyle
- Aubrey
- Carrollton
- Corinth
- Denton
- Frisco
- Highland Village
- Lake Dallas
- Lewisville
- Little Elm
- Prosper
- The Colony
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.