Sexual Abuse & Trauma Therapy in Frisco, TX

The Impact of Abuse: Recognizing the Effects

Sexual, physical and emotional abuse affect individuals in a multitude of ways including anxiety, depression, PTSD symptomology (e.g. intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, altered reactivity, dissociation, irritability), distrust of others, struggles to create and maintain relationships, chronic pain, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, struggles with sleep, physical injuries, somatic complaints, low self esteem, struggles to set and maintain boundaries with others, substance abuse, perfectionism and people pleasing behaviors. Sexual abuse can ressult in sexual dysfunction, hypersexuality and avoidance of sexual encounters.

Often individuals that have experienced abuse struggle to take up space and understand that they have a right to use their voice. Individuals that have experienced abuse were not asked for permission- others took their ability to give consent. Therapy allows for the space to connect to these experiences and the things that the individual wanted to say or do. Dissociation is a common response to abuse (e.g. disconnection between the mind and body); the mind often leaves and memories of the experience may be blocked and difficult to access. However, the body may have reactions (e.g. increased anxiety, panic attacks) in relation to stimuli (e.g. smells, tastes, visual cues) that are confusing to the individual.

Defining Abuse: Understanding the Forms It Takes

Emotional abuse:

‍The experience of manipulation, control, possessiveness, isolation, constant criticism, deflection, gaslighting, verbal attacks, conditional love and/or affection, and minimization of the abuse. These experiences can lead to confusion about what is being experienced. Individuals may question if their experiences are real or imagined.‍

Physical abuse:

‍The experience of aggressive unwanted physical contact such as biting, slapping, punching, hitting, shoving, scratching, kicking, physical restraint, burning, the use of weapons, and throwing objects.‍

Sexual abuse:

The experience of rape, molestation, coercion to engage in sexual activity, incest, sexual expolitation, trafficking, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse and cyber sexual abuse (e.g. sharing pictures and/or videos without consent or online sexual harassment).

Our Therapeutic Approach: Healing Modalities for Trauma Recovery

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Focuses on identifying and changing the negative thought patterns and behaviors that stem from traumatic experiences.‍
• Trauma-Informed CBT: A specialized form of CBT that directly addresses the impact of trauma, helping to process traumatic memories and reduce their power.‍
• Gestalt Techniques: Used to help integrate fragmented experiences of trauma, increase awareness of the present moment, and reclaim a sense of wholeness in mind and body.

The Path to Healing: Common Outcomes of Therapy

Through therapy, you can achieve a significant reduction in anxiety and depression, experience improved sleep, and build a stronger connection with yourself—leading to higher self-esteem, the ability to set healthy boundaries, and more fulfilling relationships, including your relationship with sexuality.

Your Safe Haven for Healing in Frisco

Milestone Family Counseling provides a confidential, judgment-free environment for trauma recovery. Our Frisco office offers a calm, secure space designed for your comfort. We maintain strict confidentiality and provide flexible scheduling, including evening appointments for your privacy and convenience.

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

You deserve to live free from the shadows of past abuse. At Milestone Family Counseling in Frisco, we provide the specialized, compassionate care survivors need to reclaim their lives.

Take the first step toward peace and recovery. Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation.