Sexual abuse affects an alarmingly high number of people, both male and female. Sexual abuse occurs whenever someone threatens, forces, or pressures another person to have sexual contact with them. Although sexual abuse mainly occurs in childhood and adolescence, the effects of the abuse linger. Some common difficulties associated with people who have experienced sexual abuse are:

	Depression
	Severe Anger
	Low Self-Esteem
	Flashbacks
	Relationship Concerns
	Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Healing from the devastating effects of sexual abuse can take a long time. Both individual and group therapy can help children, adolescents, and adult women and men through the process of healing. All of the above issues can be addressed in therapy. Below are some additional benefits of counseling for survivors of sexual abuse:

	Learning to nurture and take care of oneself – enjoy feeling good!
	Increasing one’s ability to handle stressful situations in healthy ways
	Becoming comfortable with giving and receiving nurturing
	Feeling empowered – reduce/remove feelings of guilt
	Setting clear boundaries for self and others

NovoCounseling is here to help survivors of sexual abuse through their own process of healing. I understand the importance of upholding confidentiality, while providing a safe environment for each individual. I embrace the highest ethical standards and work to provide the highest quality of care for the clients.