Manassas VA Sexual Assault Counseling

Healing from a Sexual Assault—Therapists and Counselors in Manassas, VA

#metoo. These are two little words that mean so much. On social media, many people have begun to put words to unspeakable pain. In the process, many are learning that they are not alone. Sexual assault is a far too common part of many people’s experiences. Healing from sexual violence is a difficult process, but it is possible. Men and women alike can point to examples of people who are survivors—people like Terry Crews, Rose McGowan, Rachael Denhollander, and more. Time and again, survivors of sexual assault point to foundational truths for healing… truths like… you are not alone… it was not your fault… it is ok to talk about what happened… there is help. One tool for healing that many acknowledge is the importance of going to therapy. Often, mental health professionals who are trained in sexual trauma can help victims heal. If you have experienced sexual violence of any kind, consider reaching out for help. Consider going to therapy for sexual assault victims.

“I can be changed by what happens to me,
but I refuse to be reduced by it.”
—​ Maya Angelou

Thriveworks Manassas has worked with many survivors of sexual assault. Our therapists offer holistic care that supports clients as they heal—as they refused to be reduced by what happened to them.

Statistics about Sexual Violence

As difficult as it is to think about sexual violence, it is important to know what it is and how often it can occur. Acknowledging its reality can help victims of sexual assault fight the shame it ignites within them. Sexual assault is an overarching term that may include rape, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, sexual assault, incest, intimate partner sexual violence, and more. Definitions of each can vary, but here is a brief description of what each type of sexual violence involves.

  • Rape is forcing another person to perform a sex act on oneself or performing an unwanted sex act on another person. Rape includes penetration of any kind as well as oral sex.
  • Sexual Harassment is any unwelcomed requests for sexual favors, sexual advances, or verbal harassment that has sexual overtones.
  • Child Sexual Abuse is any sexual act or contact between an adult and a child. Children cannot consent so all sexual activity with a child is abuse.
  • Sexual Assault includes attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching, groping, or fondling.
  • Incest is sexual assault or abuse perpetrated by a family member.
  • Intimacy Partner Sexual Violence is sexual assault or abuse perpetrated by a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse.

Here are sobering but powerful facts about sexual violence in the United States according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN):

  • 55 percent of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home.
  • Every 98 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted.
  • 12 percent occur at or near a relative’s home.
  • 1 in 6 women are the victims of an attempted or completed rape.
  • People ages 18-36 are most at risk for sexual harassment or assault.
  • 10 percent of rape victims are male.
  • 12 percent of sexual assault victims are working when it occurs.
  • 7 percent are at school.

Effects of Sexual Assault

Sexual violence is a form of trauma, and everyone responds to trauma in a unique way. Here are a few ways you may or may not be feeling the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of the assault.

  • Physical Effects. During a sexual violence, victims are often injured in a variety of ways. They may suffer cuts, bruises, broken bones, and more. After a sexual assault, a victim may develop a sexually transmitted disease (STD) from the attack. STDs are viral or bacterial infections that are spread through sexual contact. Victims may also have become pregnant during the attack.
  • Emotional and Psychological Effects. Trauma takes a toll physically, but it is also a psychological and emotional wound. It is not uncommon for victims to have flashbacks of the assault, experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and/or develop depression. Victims may have difficulty sleeping or eating. They turn to self-harm or even experience suicide ideation.

Healing from Sexual Assault—It Is Not Your Fault

When people are attacked sexually, they often experience great shame. They may want to pretend the violence never occurred. They may not seek treatment because they cannot bear to acknowledge what truly happened to them. These are normal responses, but it is of utmost importance that people seek help after experiencing sexual violence. It is important to reiterate that what happened to you is not your fault. You did not ask for it or provoke it. You deserve healing. The path toward healing the physical, emotional, and psychological wounds of sexual violence is unique for each person. There is no timeline. If you are ready to talk to a therapist, here are a few tips for choosing one.

  1. Ask about their experience helping people who have been sexually assaulted. It is important that they understand the dynamics of sexual violence and different approaches to healing.
  2. 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.
  3. Ask about the different types of therapy they offer. Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TICBT) and Trauma-Informed Dialectical Behavior Therapy are two examples of therapeutic strategies that mental health professionals may take. It is okay to ask about a therapist’s methodologies.

Appointments at Thriveworks Manassas for Sexual Assault Victims

If you are ready to meet with a therapist, know that Thriveworks Manassas has appointments for survivors of sexual violence. When you contact our office, you may be meeting with your therapist the following day. We also offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept many different insurance plans. You are not alone. Call today.

Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 17 5 1 17 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Depression

★★★★★
I believe my depression is coming from the lack of education, I have and the loss of so many jobs. It's finding but hard to keep a job. I'm embarrassed it has been hindering me for many years now I can't stand it I've been trying to get help for a while now and don't know where to go I am on suppression medication. I see a doctor every two weeks I have talked to him about this and until u was blacking the blue in the face. I think he sees it now. Thank good
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Great first experience

★★★★★
So far I’m having a great first experience with Therapy.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Lisa

★★★★★
I started with Thriveworks and Lisa 3-4 months ago and I was nervous about telling a "stranger" my deepest issues and things I'm not always comfortable admitting myself. I have to say she has been amazing through an really tough relationship break and other things I was or am going through in life. She makes you feel comfortable and truly listens, providing support and options for situations which allow me to be able to look at situations differently. She has made an incredible improvement on my life and I always look forward to meeting with her. It has become a breath of fresh air for me. She is amazing and I consider her a friend. You can't go wrong.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

So far I am liking my sessions and my counselor

★★★★★
So far I am liking my sessions and my counselor
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

My counselor is great

★★★★★
My counselor is great
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Lisa Cornelius- My wonderful experience with her.

★★★★★
I worked with Lisa Cornelius for more than 6 months and she really is amazing. She helped me through my struggles by giving me strategies that could help me involve my well being. She is honest and she will connect with your situation by putting herself in your shoes. I've never connected with a therapist like I have with her. She really knows what she is doing. I highly recommend her!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Counseling appreciation

★★★★★
A note of thanks to my counselor Lisa Cornelius. I have seen her for 2 years now and through our sessions an finding that I am a good person who has needs and a future that I never knew at 72 I coukd look forward to. Our lives go full circle sometimes and after bad things happen we start to think we have no right to try to be anyone but who others think we should be....not true! Hopefully Lisa and I can continue this journey and I can learn to relax in the real me and be content and happy with myself...thank you Lisa ....
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Ms. Lisa

★★★★★
Ms. Lisa is a very amazing counselor. She helps you understand and can relate to you, which makes you feel better. Her way of counseling is different from past counselor. It was more dull with my past counselor, but with Ms. Lisa it is different. It is better to me. I definitely recommend Ms. Lisa because everytime I leave I feel lighter and a little bit better. 😊
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Shannon Oesch

★★★★★
Shannon Oesch is an excellent therapist and friend. I met Shannon years ago in Hawaii where I worked at a domestic violence shelter. Shannon came and facilitated a weekly support group and made a huge impact on many lives. Shannon is easy to talk to and a great listener!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Shannon Oesch LCSW

★★★★★
Shannon was very supportive as a Clinical Supervisor and extremely knowledgeable and experienced in her field. She has helped me develop my clinical skills and competencies throughout my Social Work career.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

It was an excellent experience.

★★★★★
It was an excellent experience. I have been suffering from high anxiety and was skeptical about talking with someone who didn’t know me. After my first session I could finally see light at the end of the tunnel. I cannot wait for my next appointments so that I can learn how to take my life back.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

So far, so good!

★★★★★
So far, so good!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Had a very pleasant conversation with Mary

★★★★☆
Had a very pleasant conversation with Mary. It’s difficult to tell if she’s the one for me. Went as inspected .
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Thriveworks is amazing.

★★★★★
Thriveworks is amazing. It is such a relief to feel you are connecting with someone who truly understands the root of your problems and gives you hope that you can work through them. I am very thankful for this place.
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Comfortable, compassionate and welcoming staff.

★★★★★
Comfortable, compassionate and welcoming staff. My daughter and I have been impressed with every aspect of our experience with Thriveworks. High five!
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Good sessions

★★★★☆
Good sessions
Thriveworks Counseling Manassas

Yes!

★★★★★
I've taken a tour of this counseling practice, and met some of the staff. This practice is way above par, for sure.
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 10755 Ambassador Dr STE 201,
    Manassas, VA 20109

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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