Therapy for sexual abuse
2 Available NYC Sexual Abuse Trauma Therapists
If you’ve experienced sexual trauma, you know firsthand how it can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and struggling to trust others. While dealing with the aftermath of abuse is incredibly painful, you don’t have to do it alone.
At New York City Psychotherapy Collective, our specialized trauma therapists understand the unique complexities of sexual abuse recovery and are here to provide compassionate, evidence-based support as you reclaim your sense of safety and self.
Meet our NYC sexual trauma therapists
Laina Mason, LCSW
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Laina has a long history of supporting her clients through navigating the complex landscape of historical and recent traumas, including sexual violence and destabilizing life transitions. She creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space where her clients can explore their experiences of anxiety, sadness, and disconnection that often prevent them from fully embracing their authentic selves. Laina's approach focuses on empowering her clients to reclaim their narrative by challenging negative self-talk, developing self-affirming practices, and recognizing their inherent strengths. Through gentle guidance, she helps her clients rebuild self-esteem, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate a sense of joy and wholeness that honors their complete, multifaceted experiences.
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Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Education: MSW, University of Albany
Specialties: Sexual Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Modalities Used: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Polyvagal and Somatic Experiencing
Lily Ostler, LCSW
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Lily takes a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to anxiety therapy, helping clients understand how past experiences impact their current worry patterns. She's particularly skilled at working with anxiety around relationships and life transitions in your late 20s.
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Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Education: NYU Silver School of Social Work (MSW); Northwestern University (BS)
Specialties: Relationship anxiety, life transitions, trauma responses, sexuality concerns
Modalities Used: CBT, DBT, Attachment-based therapy, Mindfulness practices, Narrative therapy
Common issues sexual trauma survivors may experience
Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
Challenges with intimacy and physical touch
Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions
Self-blame, shame, or guilt about the experience
Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
Sleep disturbances or concentration difficulties
Avoidance of situations that trigger memories
Low self-esteem or negative self-image
How therapy can help
FAQs about therapy for sexual abuse
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Sexual abuse encompasses any unwanted sexual contact or behavior, regardless of the relationship to the perpetrator or circumstances. It's not always violent or forced in obvious ways.
Sexual abuse can include:
Any sexual activity without clear, ongoing consent
Sexual contact when you were unable to consent (due to age, intoxication, coercion, or power dynamics)
Unwanted touching of sexual body parts
Being forced or pressured into sexual acts
Sexual exploitation or manipulation
Non-contact abuse like exposure, voyeurism, or sexual harassment
If you're questioning whether your experience counts, that questioning itself often indicates something harmful occurred. Your feelings and reactions are valid regardless of how others might categorize the experience.
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Our trauma-informed approach prioritizes your safety, choice, and empowerment throughout the healing process. We use evidence-based modalities like trauma-focused CBT, Internal Family Systems, and somatic approaches, tailored to your specific needs. We understand that trauma affects everyone differently and honor your pace of healing while providing practical tools for managing symptoms and rebuilding your sense of self.
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Trauma therapy typically begins with building safety and stabilization skills before gradually processing difficult experiences. Early sessions focus on developing coping strategies, understanding trauma responses, and creating a therapeutic relationship where you feel secure. As you build these foundations, we'll work together to process memories and experiences at a pace that feels manageable, always prioritizing your emotional safety and autonomy.
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Our practice specializes in creating affirming spaces for diverse identities and experiences, with a focus on online, in-network therapy to make getting support as accessible as possible. We use evidence-based approaches while honoring the whole person, not just symptoms. If you value collaborative, culturally responsive therapy that addresses trauma's impact on relationships, sexuality, and daily life, we might be a good fit.
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Start by filling out this brief online form to book a free, no-pressure consultation call. During this call, we’ll talk a bit more about what you’re looking for in a therapist and answer any questions you might have. If you choose to move forward, we’ll schedule your first session and start building the foundation for your healing journey.
