Sexual Abuse Therapy for Children and Adolescents

Has your child/adolescent been sexually abused?

• Is your child/teen showing sexual behavior or seductiveness that is inappropriate for his/her age?
• Do you find that your child/teen is “acting out” more at home, school, and/or daycare since the abuse took place?
• Is your daughter complaining of frightening dreams or showing agitated behavior?
• Is your son withdrawing from friends and family?
• Do you notice your child/teen engaging in repetitive play in which aspects of the abuse are expressed?

Child sexual abuse is a significant problem in the United States and across the world. In the U.S., 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys are sexually abused before they turn 18. Child sexual abuse crosses all ethnic/racial, socioeconomic, and religious boundaries. Evidence suggests that the negative psychological impact of child sexual abuse may persist over time, often into adulthood. Potential long-term effects of child sexual abuse include depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, and substance abuse.

Therapy has demonstrated positive benefits for child survivors of sexual abuse.  When therapy is trauma-focused, structured, and targets the specific symptoms of sexual abuse, it can be effective at reducing short-term and long-term effects.  It is important that the treating therapist has specific training and expertise in working with child survivors of sexual abuse. 

At Integrity Counseling, I provide a safe place for survivors to gain strength, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and develop trusting and caring relationships through both individual and family therapies.  I believe that as my clients progress through their own healing process they will learn that it is possible to not only "survive," but to truly be "alive."

Here are some of the things your child/teen may gain from family counseling with me:

• Increased self-esteem
• Improved interpersonal relationships
• Enhanced self-soothing abilities
• Knowledge on how to prevent future victimization
• Renewed trust toward people around you
• Reduced frequency and severity of nightmare