Child sexual abuse is any interaction between a child/young person and an adult (or another child/young person) in which the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer. Sexual abuse can include both touching and non-touching behaviors. Touching behaviors may involve touching of the vagina, penis, breasts or buttocks, oral-genital contact, or sexual intercourse. Non-touching behaviors can include voyeurism (trying to look at a child’s naked body), exhibitionism, or exposing the child to pornography.

Abusers often do not use physical force, but may use play, deception, threats, or other forms of coercion to engage children and maintain their silence. Abusers frequently employ persuasive and manipulative tactics to keep the child engaged. These tactics—referred to as “grooming”—may include buying gifts or arranging special activities, which can further confuse the victim.​

Definition provided by National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include: attempted rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts (such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body), and penetration of the victim’s body (also known as rape).​

Definition provided by RAINN.ORG

EMDR therapy might be the best approach! EMDR does not require you to go into detail of your memories, you choose how detailed you wish to be. EMDR reprocessing is mostly done in your brain. Though you don't need to share details with me, you will be recalling memories, experiences, sensations, feelings, and thoughts.

Before we even begin the reprocessing side of things, we will be spending time developing coping skills and strategies to help you feel in control and be able to regulate through the distressing states.

However, if you choose to participate in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, then there would be moments of expressing thoughts, feelings, and deeper memory of the trauma.

For majority of my professional career, I have worked with clients who are navigating the waves of trauma. My journey as a therapist started while I was interning at a child advocacy center, where I worked exclusively with sexually abused minors and their families, alongside child protection services.

I am TF-CBT trained, EMDR Certified, have advanced trainings to work with complex trauma, and continue to grow my knowledge by seeking out consultation when needed, by regularly participating in advanced trainings, and by learning other trauma informed modalities. ​

Though I am confident in my therapeutic abilities, I understand that behind all the trainings and certifications a therapist can pursue, there needs to be a fundamental connection with clients. This is why I make it a priority to build comfort and safety with all of my clients.

Rape is a form of sexual assault, but not all sexual assault is rape. The term rape is often used as a legal definition to specifically include sexual penetration without consent. For its Uniform Crime Reports, the FBI defines rape as “penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”

Force doesn’t always refer to physical pressure. Perpetrators may use emotional coercion, psychological force, or manipulation to coerce a victim into non-consensual sex. Some perpetrators will use threats to force a victim to comply, such as threatening to hurt the victim or their family or other intimidation tactics.​

Information provided by RAINN.ORG

Yes! The majority of perpetrators are someone known to the victim. Approximately eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as in the case of intimate partner sexual violence or acquaintance rape.

The term “date rape” is sometimes used to refer to acquaintance rape. Perpetrators of acquaintance rape might be a date, but they could also be a classmate, a neighbor, a friend’s significant other, or any number of different roles. It’s important to remember that dating, instances of past intimacy, or other acts like kissing do not give someone consent for increased or continued sexual contact.

Information provided by RAINN.ORG

Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation! This is a chance for us both get to know one another and see if we are a good fit based on your therapy needs. Additionally, a time for myself to help answer any questions you may have about therapy or expectations.