Therapy for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in seattle, wa
the difference between coping and living
wherever you are, that’s where we start.
Maybe this is your first time thinking about therapy, or maybe you’ve spent years in treatment. Regardless, it feels so intense to imagine making space to talk about something so painful, confusing, and overwhelming… and yet a part of you is still curious about what could be possible.
In my experience, people who were sexually abused as children develop a wide variety of coping mechanisms to survive. Often, these mechanisms seem to become less helpful as they get older and life gets more complicated. These are some signals that this might be happening for you:
Difficulty expressing or even knowing how you feel, which makes you feel less “alive” and makes it so much harder to feel close to others
Unavoidable and unwanted vigilance, noticing the ways that your body goes into survival mode at times when your mind recognizes you’re okay
Relational ambivalence; feeling so lonely but also trying not to let others get close enough that they could hurt you
"Recovering from trauma is not about forgetting. It is about learning to live again with the memory, finding a way to integrate it into our story, and discovering the resilience within us that can transform pain into growth and healing." - Kathy Steele
Healing really is possible.
Any combination of hope and hesitance is welcome here. It may feel impossible now, but you can reclaim your right to a healthy and value-driven life. You can experience security and stability. You can breathe in to feelings and experiences that feel good. And I can help you get there.
I’ll stay with you and your experience throughout this process, following your cues and responding to your unique goals, needs, and circumstances. My approach to therapy for survivors of childhood abuse prioritizes safety, empathy, and authenticity. I hold a strong conviction that my clients possess a tremendous potential for growth and health.
Our work follows your pace, and not an impersonal idea of what therapy is “supposed to” look like. While sessions may not always feel comfortable, we will stay connected so that it is not dangerous. We will take care to cultivate a safe enough space to take risks and experience yourself differently.
Part of our work may involve learning about the nature and impact of childhood/adolescent sexual abuse. We may also reflect empathetically about the ways your childhood taught you to feel and think about yourself, others, and the world around you. Together, we can hold a space where you can say what’s true for you and grieve the many losses and impacts of being hurt in childhood, all while being seen, believed, and validated.
Therapy for survivors of childhood sexual abuse can help you…
Process traumatic memories and express the feelings that you may not have been able to as a child
Feel safer and create a safer home for those you care for
Reduce inner conflict and release the pressure to hide or keep secrets, experiencing a greater capacity for your authentic self
Develop a loving relationship with yourself, and also learn to love your younger self and appreciate the creative and resourceful ways they learned to cope
Witness that your capacity for growth, healing, and healthy relationships may be way bigger than you once imagined
FAQs
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I think of trauma therapy happening in three non-linear processes:
1) establishing genuine safety - in your life, in your personal internal experience, and in our therapeutic relationship;
2) processing the trauma and/or abuse itself and the impact it has had on your life;
3) integrating your insights and positive experiences of yourself toward creating a more satisfying and fulfilling lifeWe will move through these processes together, following your cues and motivation toward your goals.
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You will always have the right to choose when you start or end therapy. I do not use a manualized approach to working with sexual abuse, so our sessions and relationship will be tailored to you, your goals, and your intentions, and we will check in often along the way. I aim to be available to you whether you are wanting to address only a part of your healing or the depth of long-term therapy.
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Roanoke Park Counseling is a nonprofit agency located in the North Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle that specializes in treatment for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In addition to this practice, I am a part of the staff at RPC and provide individual and group therapy. Additional services at RPC include couples therapy and support groups for survivors and partners of survivors. The agency can also accommodate a wider range of insurances and financial situations than my practice.
For other more specific resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Healing takes so many different forms and therapy is only one of those forms.
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1) Schedule a free no-obligation consultation call
by calling 206-249-9856 or emailing chelsea@chelseagibsoncounseling.comWe will discuss what’s happening for you, your goals, and how I can help.
2) If we’re a good fit we will schedule your first appointment, and if not, I’ll refer you to someone great who can help you.
3) I’ll send you a link to my client portal for pre-session paperwork and be available for any questions that come up. I’ll also send you directions to my office or a zoom link.
4) We will start our process and you’ll get closer to finding the peace you’ve been longing for.