IN-PERSON AND ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE & ASSAULT COUNSELING IN MT. PLEASANT & ACROSS SC & PA
Ensuring your past experiences stop overshadowing your present.Let go of the pain, so you can step into a hopeful future.
Let me make this clear: I believe you. What happened to you was wrong and it is not your fault.
Navigating life after sexual abuse and assault can feel like walking through a minefield of emotions and challenges. Some days it's blaming yourself for what happened and others it’s anger at the world for seemingly moving forward without you. You find yourself craving intimacy but struggling to trust others, weighed down by an often unbearable fear of vulnerability. To cope, you find yourself distancing from the pain in whatever way you possibly can.
When these feelings and memories flood in, it's like being caught in a storm without shelter. All you want is relief, but it’s hard to tell which direction to take to find it. You might have even been to therapy before to try and move past this, but you didn’t feel validated or seen. They might have missed the mark and didn’t ask the right questions to see what was beneath the surface, and the hurt is still there. Your experience was isolating enough already, and it hurts even more to think that no one is really getting it.
Right now, life might look like…
Feeling disconnected from reality, like you’re watching days go by from the outside
A rigorous schedule, keeping you too busy to think about or take care of yourself
Feeling constantly on edge, making it hard to relax or feel at ease
Avoiding certain people, places or activities that remind you of traumatic events
A disinterest in sex, like it’s suddenly bothering you
Struggling to trust others or show any type of vulnerability because you’re scared of getting hurt again
You deserve to feel safe, validated, and empowered.
HOW IT WORKS
What to Expect from Therapy for Sexual Abuse & Assault
Sexual abuse and assault trauma can deeply impact a person’s life, leaving lasting emotional scars and disrupting feelings of safety and trust. These events can range from unwanted advances to violent acts, including harassment, molestation, rape, or coercion. It's important to understand that trauma reactions are natural responses to these experiences—no matter how minor or severe—and can include a range of symptoms like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and difficulty forming intimate relationships.
The weight of past sexual abuse or assault can be all-consuming, and it's okay to admit that it’s too heavy to carry on your own.
I've seen firsthand how that pain can seep into every aspect of life, but I want you to know that healing really is possible, and therapy can play a crucial role in that process.
One of the biggest priorities in therapy for sexual trauma is safety and trust. Here, you will feel heard, supported, and validated without judgment. We’ll establish a foundation where you can see me as a trusted ally on your path to healing. Because this is your experience, I see myself as a co-pilot next to you, helping you recognize what you can and can’t control while moving in the direction you want to go. As you move forward, you’ll feel the heavy burdens you’ve been carrying start to feel lighter.
All of these strategies aim to nurture your physical and emotional well-being.
Sessions will involve a variety of evidence-based techniques and modalities tailored to your specific needs. We’ll address negative thought patterns and beliefs while using trauma-focused therapy to process and work through memories stored in the body. Sometimes we’ll dive into coping skills or grounding techniques, and other days we’ll use mindfulness practices to increase present-moment awareness.
As the process continues I’ll help you understand the psychological and emotional impact of trauma on both your mind and body. This can include learning about different reactions you’re experiencing, and extending yourself compassion and grace as you learn that those responses are normal and understandable because of what has happened to you.
Ultimately, this is a journey of empowerment.
No one should ever have to endure what you went through. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed, but please know that you are not alone, and there is support available. I’ll be there to walk alongside you as you connect the dots from past to present and build the life you not only want, but deserve.
Healing isn’t linear. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if I should seek therapy after sexual abuse or assault?
If you’re struggling to cope with the aftermath of one of these experiences, therapy can be very beneficial. It provides a confidential space for you to express yourself freely without fear of judgment. You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, and other symptoms that are related to your traumatic experience — therapy can help you understand how things are connected and allows you to navigate your healing journey towards inner peace.
Is it normal to feel guilty or ashamed after experiencing sexual assault or abuse?
Yes, it is common to feel guilt, shame, or blame yourself after experiences. Therapy can help you recognize that those feelings aren’t justified as you work towards building better self-worth, cultivate self-love, and practice acceptance.
What if I’m not sure if what I experienced was sexual abuse or assault?
It’s normal to feel unsure about something like this and I encourage you to trust your gut. If you’re here seeking answers, chances are you may have had some sort of experience related to sexual abuse or assault. Consider how you felt about the experience and whether it made you uncomfortable or violated your boundaries in any way. Remember, your feelings are valid, and seeking support is an important step in healing. I know it can be difficult to think or talk about what happened. Feel free to schedule a consultation if you’re still unsure, and I’ll help answer any other questions you may have.
What is sexual assault and abuse?
Sexual assault and abuse are experiences where someone engages in any sort of sexual activity with you, without your consent. It can include various forms of unwanted sexual behavior such as rape, molestation, harassment, or coercion.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapy is confidential. I’m legally and ethically bound to protect your privacy and information, including what is shared during sessions. Confidentiality is key to building trust in the therapeutic relationship and is crucial for your healing process.
