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
With over 15 years of experience, Laina brings both genuine care and training in multiple evidence-based modalities to her work with survivors. Blending trauma-informed approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Somatic Experiencing (SE), she helps clients process experiences in the ways that feel right for them and, most importantly, at their own pace. Plus, her intersectional feminist lens offers a safe, affirming space where you can begin to rebuild trust and connection.
Lily Ostler
As a Certified Sex Therapist, Lily offers a unique perspective on how sexual trauma can impact intimacy and relationships. Her eclectic, anti-oppressive approach integrates attachment theory, narrative therapy, and mindfulness practices, promoting deep healing that gets to the root of how past experiences impact current relationships. As a Queer therapist, she is especially passionate about creating a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Good fit for: LGBTQIA+, couples & polycules, codependency, infidelity/affair recovery, perfectionism, self-esteem
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Sex Therapist
Clientele: Teens, adults, couples, polycules
Location: New York, NY
Virtual therapy: Yes
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
Build a sense of safety and trust
Trauma therapy creates a secure therapeutic relationship where you can begin to rebuild your capacity for trust. Through consistent, boundaried support, you'll develop tools to recognize safety in yourself and others, gradually expanding your comfort zone at a pace that feels manageable.
Process trauma memories safely
Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Processing Therapy and trauma-focused CBT help you work through difficult memories without becoming overwhelmed. You'll learn grounding techniques and emotional regulation skills that allow you to face your experiences while maintaining stability.
Reclaim your relationship with your body
Somatic and body-based approaches help you reconnect with physical sensations in a healing way. You'll develop awareness of how trauma lives in the body and learn techniques to release tension, rebuild comfort with touch, and restore a sense of ownership over your physical self.
Rebuild healthy relationships and intimacy
Specialized therapy addresses how trauma impacts your connections with others. Whether exploring attachment patterns, communication skills, or sexual intimacy, you'll develop tools to create the meaningful, safe relationships you deserve while honoring your healing journey.
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.
Start sexual trauma therapy in NYC today
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