Sexual Abuse Therapists in Seattle, WA
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with a combined 20 years of advocacy and clinical experience, I continually marvel at how profoundly strong, resilient, and adaptive humans are and the many ways, usually unconsciously, that we develop to navigate and cope within our uniquely formative personal, familial, and cultural contexts. Often these coping skills that served us so well in childhood, as we dealt with difficult experiences and/or trauma, do not work as well once we become adults and move into new contexts. It can be scary when coping strategies, that used to help, no longer provide the solace and comfort they once did.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with a combined 20 years of advocacy and clinical experience, I continually marvel at how profoundly strong, resilient, and adaptive humans are and the many ways, usually unconsciously, that we develop to navigate and cope within our uniquely formative personal, familial, and cultural contexts. Often these coping skills that served us so well in childhood, as we dealt with difficult experiences and/or trauma, do not work as well once we become adults and move into new contexts. It can be scary when coping strategies, that used to help, no longer provide the solace and comfort they once did.
I am a person centered oriented therapist, which means that I believe the client is the one who best knows what will work for them in regards to treatment. I work with individuals who are looking for a better quality of life. Sometimes this means addressing multiple long standing traumas from throughout their life. Other times a single incident can shake one's confidence, and he or she may be needing some help rebuilding their sense of self. I work with individuals aged 15+.
I am a person centered oriented therapist, which means that I believe the client is the one who best knows what will work for them in regards to treatment. I work with individuals who are looking for a better quality of life. Sometimes this means addressing multiple long standing traumas from throughout their life. Other times a single incident can shake one's confidence, and he or she may be needing some help rebuilding their sense of self. I work with individuals aged 15+.
Whether you’ve been feeling weighed down by anxiety or depression, haunted by past trauma, want to make big life changes but don’t know how to start, desire to set stronger boundaries in relationships, are having an existential crisis every other week, or simply need a space to process the stressors of being alive right now, through our work we will create and enact a plan together so you don’t have to deal with any of these feelings alone. I am committed to providing a safe & consistent space where you will have a compassionate witness to all of your pain, & a person to celebrate every step of your progress with.
Whether you’ve been feeling weighed down by anxiety or depression, haunted by past trauma, want to make big life changes but don’t know how to start, desire to set stronger boundaries in relationships, are having an existential crisis every other week, or simply need a space to process the stressors of being alive right now, through our work we will create and enact a plan together so you don’t have to deal with any of these feelings alone. I am committed to providing a safe & consistent space where you will have a compassionate witness to all of your pain, & a person to celebrate every step of your progress with.
Behind so much of how we think, what we long for, and how we relate to ourselves and others lies unacknowledged shame, trauma, and the strategies we developed, sometimes very early on, to cope with and hide these realities from ourselves. These make up the “muscle memory” of our emotional worlds, which cannot always be easily recalled, but determine our lives nonetheless. Therapy aims to cultivate awareness of what lies underneath in disconnected, dissociated ways, and provides a space to move through the pain, accept, and integrate the past so that it no longer repeats itself in our lives.
Behind so much of how we think, what we long for, and how we relate to ourselves and others lies unacknowledged shame, trauma, and the strategies we developed, sometimes very early on, to cope with and hide these realities from ourselves. These make up the “muscle memory” of our emotional worlds, which cannot always be easily recalled, but determine our lives nonetheless. Therapy aims to cultivate awareness of what lies underneath in disconnected, dissociated ways, and provides a space to move through the pain, accept, and integrate the past so that it no longer repeats itself in our lives.
I’m a Seattle-based therapist who believes that everyone makes sense once we understand where we’ve come from. The beliefs you carry today didn’t appear out of nowhere—they were learned, shaped, and often formed to help you survive. Together, we’ll explore where your belief systems began and whether they’re still serving you.
In our work, we’ll gently unravel what may be keeping you stuck and begin creating new neural pathways toward truth, relief, and self-trust. You are the ultimate expert on your own life. Our work will be collaborative and individualized, honoring your story and your nervous system.
I’m a Seattle-based therapist who believes that everyone makes sense once we understand where we’ve come from. The beliefs you carry today didn’t appear out of nowhere—they were learned, shaped, and often formed to help you survive. Together, we’ll explore where your belief systems began and whether they’re still serving you.
In our work, we’ll gently unravel what may be keeping you stuck and begin creating new neural pathways toward truth, relief, and self-trust. You are the ultimate expert on your own life. Our work will be collaborative and individualized, honoring your story and your nervous system.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma or weighed down by persistent anxiety, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with unresolved trauma and anxiety that impact daily life, relationships, and self-worth. My goal is to provide a compassionate, understanding space where you can explore these challenges and learn tools to live your best life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the effects of trauma or weighed down by persistent anxiety, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with unresolved trauma and anxiety that impact daily life, relationships, and self-worth. My goal is to provide a compassionate, understanding space where you can explore these challenges and learn tools to live your best life.
You may be considering therapy because you feel stuck or dissatisfied about some parts of your life. You might be aware of the person you want to be and can be, but something is getting in the way of that and you would like to understand what. Or, you might need a place to talk about difficult experiences so you can metabolize and make sense of them. As someone who truly believes in the healing power of therapy and a strong therapeutic relationship, I am glad you are considering it as a way of reaching your potential, regardless of whom you choose as your therapist.
You may be considering therapy because you feel stuck or dissatisfied about some parts of your life. You might be aware of the person you want to be and can be, but something is getting in the way of that and you would like to understand what. Or, you might need a place to talk about difficult experiences so you can metabolize and make sense of them. As someone who truly believes in the healing power of therapy and a strong therapeutic relationship, I am glad you are considering it as a way of reaching your potential, regardless of whom you choose as your therapist.
If you have gotten really good at functioning at high levels while putting past difficult or traumatic experiences on the back burner only to realize the back burner may now be beginning to boil over or is seeping into different areas of your life, you are not alone.
If you are in a line of professional work that may involve witnessing death or traumatic loss, it can be difficult to find space to appropriately sit with your experience.
If it seems like you are not fully in control of your emotions and behaviors at times and you find yourself spinning instead of addressing the root problem(s), there is another path forward.
If you have gotten really good at functioning at high levels while putting past difficult or traumatic experiences on the back burner only to realize the back burner may now be beginning to boil over or is seeping into different areas of your life, you are not alone.
If you are in a line of professional work that may involve witnessing death or traumatic loss, it can be difficult to find space to appropriately sit with your experience.
If it seems like you are not fully in control of your emotions and behaviors at times and you find yourself spinning instead of addressing the root problem(s), there is another path forward.
My clients are often thoughtful, creative, intellectually complex people who want more than just symptom reduction—they want to understand themselves more deeply. They come to me navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, identity, relational rupture, intimacy, or major life transitions. Together, we examine how history, relationships, identity, and systems of power shape patterns. Through compassionate inquiry and authentic reflection, I help clients transform insight into renewed meaning and greater agency, emotional freedom, and deeper relational connections.
My clients are often thoughtful, creative, intellectually complex people who want more than just symptom reduction—they want to understand themselves more deeply. They come to me navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, identity, relational rupture, intimacy, or major life transitions. Together, we examine how history, relationships, identity, and systems of power shape patterns. Through compassionate inquiry and authentic reflection, I help clients transform insight into renewed meaning and greater agency, emotional freedom, and deeper relational connections.
I have a particular focus on women's health issues, sexual abuse, and PTSD.
Trauma comes in many forms and most of us have some significant, unresolved trauma because we live in a trauma inducing world. Trauma can show up as anxiety, depression, addictions, physical pain and illness, and relationship issues. My primary approach to treating trauma is EMDR and mindfulness based techniques.
I have a particular focus on women's health issues, sexual abuse, and PTSD.
Trauma comes in many forms and most of us have some significant, unresolved trauma because we live in a trauma inducing world. Trauma can show up as anxiety, depression, addictions, physical pain and illness, and relationship issues. My primary approach to treating trauma is EMDR and mindfulness based techniques.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about walking along side others on their journey toward wholeness and healing. I work with adults, adolescents, and children experiencing a wide range of emotional or behavioral issues. All of us have experienced suffering or relational brokenness within our stories that can feel confusing or hard to address. While we are most often harmed in relationship, it is also in relationship that we heal. It is my hope that in our sessions, you will experience the relief of engaging the hard moments of your story in the presence of a supportive witness as you move toward healing.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about walking along side others on their journey toward wholeness and healing. I work with adults, adolescents, and children experiencing a wide range of emotional or behavioral issues. All of us have experienced suffering or relational brokenness within our stories that can feel confusing or hard to address. While we are most often harmed in relationship, it is also in relationship that we heal. It is my hope that in our sessions, you will experience the relief of engaging the hard moments of your story in the presence of a supportive witness as you move toward healing.
I work alongside individuals, couples, and groups who are seeking to address experiences of grief, depression, anxiety, relational conflict, racial trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, spiritual abuse, PTSD, and COVID related issues. Together we will explore the ways that therapy can assist you towards achieving your personal goals for wellbeing. Healing and transformation is a lifestyle and we all require assistance in cultivating a life that will help us navigate unavoidable difficulties. Isolation works against these efforts which is why seeking therapy is truly one of the best things you can offer yourself.
I work alongside individuals, couples, and groups who are seeking to address experiences of grief, depression, anxiety, relational conflict, racial trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, spiritual abuse, PTSD, and COVID related issues. Together we will explore the ways that therapy can assist you towards achieving your personal goals for wellbeing. Healing and transformation is a lifestyle and we all require assistance in cultivating a life that will help us navigate unavoidable difficulties. Isolation works against these efforts which is why seeking therapy is truly one of the best things you can offer yourself.
I work with people in the arts, in high stress jobs, and from diverse backgrounds, who want help with depression, childhood sexual abuse, relationships, parenting, sexuality, life-transitions, DV, and spirituality.
Are you creative? In transition? Depressed? Different? Re-discovering YOU? Are you wanting to make changes in your life or to heal from old wounds? Do you want to develop self-compassion? Do you want to learn how to be present for your life, to learn mindfulness to help you through the tough times? If so, let’s see if we can create a compassionate, interactive and authentic therapeutic relationship to work collaboratively towards healing. In therapy, I can help you identify your goals, look at what is and isn't working for you, explore your stories, emotions, and experiences (past and present), develop new skills, and embrace your learning styles and talents. I also provide consultation and supervision to therapists.
I work with people in the arts, in high stress jobs, and from diverse backgrounds, who want help with depression, childhood sexual abuse, relationships, parenting, sexuality, life-transitions, DV, and spirituality.
Are you creative? In transition? Depressed? Different? Re-discovering YOU? Are you wanting to make changes in your life or to heal from old wounds? Do you want to develop self-compassion? Do you want to learn how to be present for your life, to learn mindfulness to help you through the tough times? If so, let’s see if we can create a compassionate, interactive and authentic therapeutic relationship to work collaboratively towards healing. In therapy, I can help you identify your goals, look at what is and isn't working for you, explore your stories, emotions, and experiences (past and present), develop new skills, and embrace your learning styles and talents. I also provide consultation and supervision to therapists.
Deciding to see a therapist is a significant step, and my goal is to ensure that this journey is worthwhile for you. My straightforward approach is designed to guide you toward self-empowerment, acceptance, and building of meaningful relationships. Together, we will experience laughter and tears, but rest assured, you will not walk this path of self-discovery alone. I aim to equip you with the necessary skills, reduce anxious thoughts, build self esteem, foster connection and navigate life’s challenges.
Deciding to see a therapist is a significant step, and my goal is to ensure that this journey is worthwhile for you. My straightforward approach is designed to guide you toward self-empowerment, acceptance, and building of meaningful relationships. Together, we will experience laughter and tears, but rest assured, you will not walk this path of self-discovery alone. I aim to equip you with the necessary skills, reduce anxious thoughts, build self esteem, foster connection and navigate life’s challenges.
I'm so glad you're here. I know how hard it can be to ask for help. I aim to make therapy a comfortable, safe, and creative space. A space where you can show up fully as yourself. A space for you to grow, learn, grieve, laugh, and do whatever you need to that day. I often work with individuals navigating grief, complex trauma, OCD/intrusive thoughts, religious trauma, and neurodiversity. Populations I specialize in include queer & trans youth/young adults, artists & creatives, and sexual trauma survivors. Therapy with me is collaborative, laid-back, and deeply personalized.
I'm so glad you're here. I know how hard it can be to ask for help. I aim to make therapy a comfortable, safe, and creative space. A space where you can show up fully as yourself. A space for you to grow, learn, grieve, laugh, and do whatever you need to that day. I often work with individuals navigating grief, complex trauma, OCD/intrusive thoughts, religious trauma, and neurodiversity. Populations I specialize in include queer & trans youth/young adults, artists & creatives, and sexual trauma survivors. Therapy with me is collaborative, laid-back, and deeply personalized.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who is focused on helping adults who are experiencing distress in their lives. My areas of specialty include, but are not limited to, trauma, Posttraumatic Stress, depression, anxiety, and dissociation. I emphasize an individual's strengths and work to help people feel empowered in their daily lives. I use a variety of tools to do this, including EMDR, DBT, and other evidence based practices.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who is focused on helping adults who are experiencing distress in their lives. My areas of specialty include, but are not limited to, trauma, Posttraumatic Stress, depression, anxiety, and dissociation. I emphasize an individual's strengths and work to help people feel empowered in their daily lives. I use a variety of tools to do this, including EMDR, DBT, and other evidence based practices.
I specialize in working with adults who feel overwhelmed by their emotions, adults with BPD, and adults who have experienced sexual assault or trauma.
Do your emotions feel intense, unpredictable, or impossible to rein in, no matter how hard you try? You may feel exhausted by emotional swings, impulsive reactions, or relationship patterns that feel painful and confusing. The clients I work with struggle with borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation, or trauma that makes everything feel heightened. Maybe you don’t remember a time when things felt steadier. But you’re ready for relief. You want less self-criticism, more stability in your relationships, and to feel grounded again. You're ready to stop letting your emotions run the show and get back in the driver's seat.
I specialize in working with adults who feel overwhelmed by their emotions, adults with BPD, and adults who have experienced sexual assault or trauma.
Do your emotions feel intense, unpredictable, or impossible to rein in, no matter how hard you try? You may feel exhausted by emotional swings, impulsive reactions, or relationship patterns that feel painful and confusing. The clients I work with struggle with borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation, or trauma that makes everything feel heightened. Maybe you don’t remember a time when things felt steadier. But you’re ready for relief. You want less self-criticism, more stability in your relationships, and to feel grounded again. You're ready to stop letting your emotions run the show and get back in the driver's seat.
Ben Watson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104
Waitlist for new clients
My training has primarily been with individuals experiencing (or have experienced) sexual abuse, complex grief & bereavement, religious trauma, anxiety, family conflict, depression, loss, and identify exploration.
I wholeheartedly believe the greatest and most freeing gifts you can give yourself are self-exploration and compassion. Together, we can work collaboratively to further develop these qualities and foster your innate resilience. My goal is for you to feel safe, challenged, and empowered during our time together. The sheer fact that you are seeking support demonstrates immense strength. As a psychotherapist, I aim to create a non-judgmental, open-minded, and secure environment for patients to explore their feelings candidly and honestly. I utilize a variety of techniques and tailor treatment to the unique needs of the patient.
My training has primarily been with individuals experiencing (or have experienced) sexual abuse, complex grief & bereavement, religious trauma, anxiety, family conflict, depression, loss, and identify exploration.
I wholeheartedly believe the greatest and most freeing gifts you can give yourself are self-exploration and compassion. Together, we can work collaboratively to further develop these qualities and foster your innate resilience. My goal is for you to feel safe, challenged, and empowered during our time together. The sheer fact that you are seeking support demonstrates immense strength. As a psychotherapist, I aim to create a non-judgmental, open-minded, and secure environment for patients to explore their feelings candidly and honestly. I utilize a variety of techniques and tailor treatment to the unique needs of the patient.
You may be successful in many areas of your life yet still find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Perhaps you're the person others depend on, spending much of your time caring for others, managing responsibilities, or meeting expectations while quietly struggling with self-doubt, chronic stress, relationship challenges, or a sense that something isn't quite right. I help thoughtful, capable adults gain insight into these patterns and create meaningful, lasting change.
You may be successful in many areas of your life yet still find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. Perhaps you're the person others depend on, spending much of your time caring for others, managing responsibilities, or meeting expectations while quietly struggling with self-doubt, chronic stress, relationship challenges, or a sense that something isn't quite right. I help thoughtful, capable adults gain insight into these patterns and create meaningful, lasting change.
Andrei Dandescu Behavioral Care, LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CSOTP
Seattle, WA 98103
Waitlist for new clients
The current focus is on time-effective cognitive-behavioral, psychosomatic and depth psychology approaches individually tailored for each patient. Internal Family Systems and active counseling sessions may be integrated in our treatment planning when feasible.
The current focus is on time-effective cognitive-behavioral, psychosomatic and depth psychology approaches individually tailored for each patient. Internal Family Systems and active counseling sessions may be integrated in our treatment planning when feasible.
See more therapy options for Seattle
Nearby Sexual Abuse Therapists Searches for Seattle
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Burien
- Kenmore
- Kirkland
- Lake Forest Park
- Lynnwood
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Seatac
- Shoreline
- Tukwila
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.