Sexual Abuse Therapy in Agoura Hills, CA
Therapy for Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse therapy helps children, teens, and adults process the pain and trauma of sexual abuse, reduce symptoms like flashbacks and difficulty trusting others, and begin to feel safe again. Recovery is possible, and early intervention leads to better outcomes, especially for children.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children, teens and families affected by sexual abuse. I specialize in assisting survivors of sexual abuse to overcome the pain and trauma of their experiences.
Before opening my practice, I worked for over a decade at one of Los Angeles's leading agencies, specializing in helping children and teens who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma.
During this time I became a certified UCLA Rape Treatment Center/Sexual Assault Counselor with extensive experience assisting sexual abuse victims at the UCLA Rape Treatment Center.
My goal is to help each client feel heard, respected, and supported as they work through what happened at their own pace. No one is ever pressured to share more than they are ready to share.
*I am a certified: UCLA Rape Treatment Center / Sexual Assault Counselor
Symptoms of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse can have a devastating effect on a person's life. Sexual abuse survivors frequently experience a variety of symptoms that can affect all aspects of their lives, including:
- Nightmares
- Flashback or intrusive memories of the assault
- Sleep difficulties
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Fearfulness
- Crying
- Difficulties with trust
- A change in sexual behaviors
- Difficulty concentrating
- Negative impact on personal relationships
- Negative impact on work/school
- Increase in depression or sadness
Sexual Abuse Counseling: Types of Therapy Offered
I offer a number of therapies to help survivors of sexual abuse heal and cope with their experiences. Among the therapies I offer are:
- Individual Therapy - is a one-on-one setting in which clients can discuss their experiences and feelings. This is a safe and confidential environment in which to process the effects of sexual abuse and develop coping strategies.
- Family Therapy - is a form of therapy that helps families address and resolve issues that may have arisen due to sexual abuse. It is beneficial for the survivor of the abuse and other family members who may have been affected by the abuse. Through family therapy, family members can work through the impact of the abuse and receive support in a safe and therapeutic environment. Family therapy aims to help families communicate and heal together, addressing any adverse effects of the abuse on the family dynamic.
By providing a variety of therapies, I hope to meet each of my clients' individual needs and give them the support they need to heal and move forward in their lives.
Benefits of Sexual Abuse Therapy
Seeking therapy for sexual abuse can provide numerous benefits for survivors. Some of the benefits of therapy for sexual abuse include the following:
- Relief from symptoms: Therapy helps survivors process their experiences and work through symptoms like flashbacks, difficulty trusting others, and changes in behavior. Many clients experience a significant reduction in symptoms within the first few months of treatment.
- Improved relationships: Therapy can help sexual abuse survivors improve their relationships with others, such as family, friends, and romantic partners. Therapy can help survivors rebuild and strengthen their relationships by addressing trust and communication issues.
- Increased self-esteem: Sexual abuse is frequently detrimental to a person's self-esteem. Therapy can help survivors overcome feelings of self-blame and increase their self-confidence and self-worth.
By seeking sexual abuse counseling, survivors can gain valuable tools and insights to help them heal and move forward in their lives. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to process the effects of sexual abuse, work through symptoms, and develop coping strategies. It can also help improve relationships and increase self-esteem, helping survivors move forward with a sense of empowerment and resilience.
Resources
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse in the last five days and live in the Los Angeles area, please contact:
The Rape Treatment Center for medical services and advocacy.
424-259-7208 (24-Hour Emergency Care)
If you live outside of the greater Los Angeles area, go to RAINN.org to find a medical facility near you that can provide you with an exam and mental health services.
Please get in touch with the nearest law enforcement agency if it has been more than five days and you wish to press charges.
In-Person and Virtual Therapy Options Available
My office is located in Agoura Hills, CA 91301. I provide in-person therapy to patients in Agoura Hills and the surrounding areas, including Westlake Village, CA, Oak Park, CA, Calabasas, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA, Woodland Hills, CA and Simi Valley, CA. I also offer virtual therapy sessions to individuals located anywhere within the state of California.
Ages I Work With
Children age 8-10
Tween/Teens 11-19
Parents/Adults
Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Abuse Therapy
How do I know if my child has been sexually abused?
Signs can include sudden behavioral changes, regression to younger behaviors, fear of specific people or places, sleep disturbances, inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior for their age, withdrawal, and physical complaints. If you suspect abuse, trust your instincts and seek professional guidance.
What does therapy for sexual abuse look like?
Therapy is tailored to each individual's needs and pace. For children, it often involves creative and expressive approaches that allow them to process their experiences without being forced to talk before they are ready. For older teens and adults, it may include more conversation-based approaches. The goal is always to help the survivor feel safe, heard, and supported.
How long does sexual abuse therapy take?
There is no set timeline. Some individuals see significant progress in several months, while others benefit from longer-term support. Recovery is not linear, and therapy moves at whatever pace feels right for the individual.
Will my child have to talk about what happened in detail?
No. Children are never forced to discuss details of their experience. A skilled therapist uses age-appropriate methods that allow children to process trauma at their own pace and in their own way. Healing can happen without recounting every detail.
Do you work with adult survivors of sexual abuse?
Yes. I work with children, teens, and adults who have experienced sexual abuse. Many adult survivors carry the effects of childhood abuse and benefit from therapy to process those experiences and develop healthier patterns.
Can family members participate in therapy?
Family involvement can be an important part of the healing process. I often work with parents and caregivers to help them understand how to best support their child at home. Family sessions may be incorporated when appropriate and when the survivor is comfortable.
What is your experience with sexual abuse cases?
I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual abuse. Prior to my private practice, I gained over a decade of experience at a leading Los Angeles agency supporting children and teens in their recovery from sexual trauma. I also worked with the UCLA Rape Treatment Center providing counseling to survivors.
CONTACT
Offering Both Virtual And In-Person Sessions