We at Horowitz Law strongly believe that victims of sexual abuse need and deserve the best therapy possible.
And we believe that survivors should pick a therapist carefully and keep trying out professionals until one ‘clicks.’ Because mental health is like physical health – it’s best if there’s good ‘chemistry’ between you and the professional.
Here are two excellent articles about the benefits of therapy:
https://www.rainn.org/articles/how-can-therapy-help
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/abuse/benefits-of-sexual-abuse-counseling/
And here are some suggestions on HOW to choose a counselor:
https://www.snapnetwork.org/choosing_a_therapist
And here’s how to find a therapist near you:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sexual-abuse
Finally, if you are not sure you want to start therapy or can afford it? Here are some self-help books for survivors:
http://guidetoselfhelpbooks.com/childhood-abuse.htm
That said, those in pain should know there’s a new wrinkle when it comes to getting help during the Covid-19 pandemic, as more and more suffering survivors turn to apps and the internet for guidance.
Piers Gooding at Slate puts it well: “Online resources for mental health come with privacy risks.”
https://slate.com/technology/2020/05/covid19-mental-health-apps-websites-privacy-anonymity.html
To minimize the chance of spreading Covid-19, many therapists are holding sessions via Zoom and Skype. This seems to us to be a much better and safer avenue than trying out new apps or websites for help.
We’re very reluctant to say or do anything that might discourage people who’ve endured predator-induced pain from seeking help. At the same time, however, we want to make sure that people who have already been so severely hurt aren’t hurt again, however unintentionally.
In our experience, the vast majority of therapists are wonderful, caring and competent professionals who are ultra-conscious of safeguarding the privacy and honoring the boundaries of survivors. We rarely hear of a therapist who hurts a client in any way.
Want to talk with someone first, before making a decision about counseling? Feel free to call us.