Child sexual abuse therapy helps young victims heal from their traumatic experiences and cope with the physical, mental, and emotional impacts. Learn more about child therapy and teen counseling in Manassas, VA.
Child sexual abuse therapy takes into consideration the age of the victim and then tailors treatment accordingly. It can involve education about trauma and its impact, strategies for coping and relaxation, techniques for addressing negative thoughts, and more.
Healing from Child Sexual Abuse in Manassas, VA
Child sexual abuse is often traumatic—but healing from it is possible. Many survivors find the resources they need to heal in therapy.
At Thriveworks Manassas, our skilled counselors understand the psychological harm that abuse inflicts, and how to best treat it. Our collaborative approach, blending evidence-based practices and compassionate care, aims to empower you. Scheduling an appointment with Thriveworks isn’t just seeking help; it’s a proactive step towards a more fulfilling life, supported by dedicated professionals. Book your session today.
The Reality of Child Sexual Abuse
It can be very difficult to think about a child being harmed, but it does occur. Child sexual abuse can happen to any child, and often, the perpetrators of the abuse are friends and family members. It is important to know what child sexual abuse is and how to spot it.
What is child sexual abuse? It is impossible for any child to consent to sexual activity. Each state has their own definition of what constitutes child sexual abuse, but it is a crime in all 50 states. The most general definition of child sexual abuse is any sexual contact between a child (18 and under) and an adult. However, there are several ways to be more specific.
- Contact sexual abuse: Sexual abuse that involves contact may involve touching a child’s genitals or an adult having a child touch their genitals. It includes sexual assault and rape.
- Non-contact sexual abuse: Not all sexual abuse involves contact. For example, exposing oneself to a child is sexual abuse, as is showing a child pornographc content. Having a child watch sexual acts or watch an adult undress is sexual abuse.
- Child pornography: The production, distribution, or consumption of child pornography is child sexual abuse
What if you think a child in your life is being abused?
Also, know that the signs that a child may have been sexually abused can also be normal signs of development or of other conditions that have nothing to do with sexual abuse. It is important not to jump to conclusions, but to reach out for help. If you observe these signs in a child, consider working with a mental health professional. Possible signs may include:
- Bruising, swelling, tearing, or redness in the genitalia or anus.
- Difficulty walking or sitting.
- Urinary tract infection, yeast infection, or sexually transmitted disease.
- Pregnancy.
- Using sexual terms or talking about sex in a way that is more advanced for their development.
- Inappropriate sexual behaviors like exposing private parts, having dolls or stuffed animals act out sexual acts, or acting out sexual acts with other people.
Seeking out Help
If you experienced child sexual abuse, consider reaching out and working with a mental health professional. Taking that step can feel scary, so here are a few tips for choosing a therapist.
- Ask about their experience helping people who were sexually abused as children. It is important that they understand the dynamics of sexual abuse and different approaches to healing.
- Feeling out their personality. It is important that you feel comfortable and safe in therapy. Trust your intuition. If you do not feel comfortable, it is ok to move onto another counselor.
- Ask about the different types of therapy they offer. Trauma-informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TICBT) and Trauma-informed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (TIDBT) are two examples of therapeutic strategies that mental health professionals may take. It is okay to ask about a therapist’s methodologies.
Schedule an Appointment at Thriveworks Manassas for Child Sexual Abuse
Our therapists at Thriveworks Manassas are able to work with adult survivors of child sexual abuse as well as with children who have been abused. Whether you know a child who has disclosed abuse or whether you are an adult who has lived with a secret for many years, consider reaching out for help.
When you contact Thriveworks Manassas, you or your child may have your first appointment within a week of your call or online request for services. We accept many different forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions.
