4 Best NYC Sexual Trauma Therapists
Find hope and healing with specialized sexual trauma therapy in NYC
Takeaway: If you have experienced sexual violation or trauma, healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Our compassionate sexual assault therapists in NYC specialize in individual therapy to help you navigate the path to recovery, providing a safe and supportive environment. Whether you're seeking to process your experiences or rebuild your sense of self, we’re here to guide you through the most effective treatment possible.
Expertise in evidence-based practices, including EMDR, CBT, somatic therapies, and psychodynamic approaches, to support comprehensive healing.
A holistic approach that acknowledges the connection between emotional, physical, and relational well-being.
Commitment to pacing therapy in a way that is always lead first by your readiness and boundaries.
Special attention to the impacts of trauma on intimacy and relationships, offering tools to rebuild trust and connection.
Trauma-informed care with a focus on creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and empowering therapeutic space for you.
Flexible in-person, virtual or hybrid sessions offered for whatever feels most the comfortable for you.
About Madison Square Psychotherapy
At Madison Square Psychotherapy, our mission is to provide personalized, high-quality therapy that meets you where you are and empowers you to move toward healing. We understand that experiencing sexual assault or sexual abuse can feel isolating and overwhelming, and we are committed to creating a space where you feel supported every step of the way.
Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care and combines evidence-based practices such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic techniques. This allows us to address both the emotional and physical impacts of trauma, helping you process your experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of empowerment.
Healing from a sexually traumatic experience is a deeply personal journey, and we tailor our work to you, respecting your pace and boundaries. Whether you’re seeking to process difficult emotions, address relational challenges, or rebuild trust, our therapists are here to guide you with compassion, skill, and care. At Madison Square Psychotherapy, you don’t have to face this alone—healing is possible, and we’re here to help you navigate the path forward.
Meet our top-rated sexual trauma therapists in NYC
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Healing from sexual assault or sexual violence can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help you navigate it at your own pace. With over 10 years of experience, I use approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), mindfulness, and psychodynamic psychotherapy to help you process the past and reconnect with a sense of safety and trust. Together, we’ll work to manage the impact of sexual assault, abuse, or violence while building a stronger foundation for your overall emotional and mental health. Regardless of whether you've experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault, or any other form of sexual violation, my goal is to create a supportive and safe environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to heal.
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Sexual assault and sexual abuse can feel incredibly isolating and painful, and I’m here to help you move toward healing. My approach with sexual assault survivors is active and collaborative—I’ll guide you through practical tools to manage triggers while we explore the deeper emotional impacts of trauma. Using EMDR therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy, I hope to help you process the traumatic memories and regain a sense of control and confidence. You don’t have to face this journey alone—together, we’ll work toward healing and rediscovering your sense of self.
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You deserve a space where you can feel truly safe and supported. I aim to bring a calming, compassionate approach to the healing process that helps you process the emotional and physical effects of sexual assault at a pace that feels right for you. I use techniques like somatic therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you understand and manage the impact of trauma, while also exploring the negative thoughts and emotions that lie beneath. Together, we’ll work toward reclaiming your sense of self, rebuilding trust, and finding peace and strength.
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Sexual assault can affect so many aspects of your life, but healing is absolutely possible. My holistic approach combines EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic practices to help you reconnect with your body, manage triggers, and restore emotional balance. We’ll focus on what feels most important to you, whether that’s processing trauma, navigating relationships, or rebuilding a sense of safety. I’m here to guide and support you every step of the way as you move toward healing and hope.
How to start sex trauma therapy in NYC
Taking the first step toward healing can feel daunting, but we’ve tried to make it as simple and seamless as possible. Whether you've been referred from a physician or sexual assault center, or have just found yourself googling "sexual trauma therapists near me," you've come to the right place. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Explore Our Therapists or Take the Matching Questionnaire
Start by browsing our sex trauma therapist profiles to learn more about our team and their approaches to therapy sessions. Not sure who’s the best fit? Take our quick therapist matching questionnaire, and we’ll handpick a match tailored to your needs and preferences.
Step 2: Book a Free Consultation Online
Once you’ve chosen a therapist—or been matched—you can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation directly through our website. There’s no need for back-and-forth emails or phone calls. Pick a time that works for you and secure it instantly.
Step 3: Connect With Your Therapist
During your consultation, you’ll have the chance to connect with your therapist, share a bit about your concerns, and ask any questions. This is an opportunity to see if it feels like a good fit and to learn more about how we can support your healing.
Step 4: Start the Process
Feels like a perfect match? You and your therapist can schedule an initial session directly and you can jump into the work, typically within a few days. Whether you choose in-person or virtual sessions, we’ll work together to create a plan that supports your healing and growth at your own pace. You don’t have to face this alone—let’s begin this journey together.
Why work with us
Choosing the right sexual assault trauma therapy practice is an important decision. Here’s why we might be the right fit for you:
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We specialize in working with sexual assault survivors, using a trauma-informed approach that combines evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment like EMDR CBT, trauma narration, cognitive processing skills therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and mindfulness. Our therapists are skilled in addressing both the emotional and physical impacts of trauma, helping you heal your mental health in a way that respects your unique experience and pace.
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We understand that healing is different for all different survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse. We take the time to get to know you and tailor our therapy services to meet your specific needs. From the beginning of your therapy sessions, we’ll work with you to create a therapy plan that feels safe, supportive, and empowering.
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We know daily life can be difficult enough after sexual violence and we believe finding the right therapy services should make you feel overwhelmed as well. We offer flexible session options, including both in-person and virtual appointments, to accommodate your schedule and comfort level. Whether you’re located in NYC or need a more convenient virtual option, we’re here to support you however works best for you.
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There's a reason we talk about "survivors of sexual assault" rather than "sexual assault victims." We believe in looking beyond just managing the intense emotions or PTSD symptoms you may be experiencing and instead providing comprehensive support for you to thrive. We focus on giving you the coping skills, support, and confidence to reclaim your sense of self and live a life that feels whole and balanced.
Common reasons why people start therapy for sexual trauma
When another practice might be a better fit for your needs
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If you were just assaulted or sexually abused, it's important you consider first reaching out to a sexual assault center that specializes in working with rape victims as they may be able to help you decide your immediate first steps and help you collect physical evidence if necessary. Also, if you are currently experiencing a psychiatric crisis or are in immediate danger, such as thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, it’s important to seek urgent crisis intervention. We recommend reaching out to a crisis hotline (like 988) or visiting your local emergency room. Once you are in a more stable place, we’d be happy to help you begin the process with therapy.
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If you are actively struggling with significant substance abuse, it may be best to first seek other forms of specialized care focused on addiction recovery. We recommend looking into rehabilitation programs or seeking a therapist who specializes in addiction. Once you are further along in your recovery, we can work together to address the effects of sexual assault.
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If you are in the midst of struggling with severe eating disorders, it’s important to receive treatment, whether individual or group therapy, from a provider who specializes in eating disorders and disordered eating patterns. Specialized care will help address the physical and emotional components of these challenges. After gaining stabilization in your therapy sessions, we would be happy to support you in treating PTSD symptoms you may have.
Our priority is to ensure that you receive the best care possible. If you feel our practice is not the right fit, we're happy to provide recommendations for trusted resources including support groups, group therapy, sex therapy, other types of talk therapy, family therapy, crisis intervention, or other psychological treatments to provide ongoing support.
FAQs about sex trauma therapy
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The type of individual therapy is one that is personalized to meet the individual’s needs, recognizing the unique impact of traumatic experiences on both mind and body. Systematic review of clinical neuroscience has shown that support for modalities including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals reframe negative thoughts and cope with upsetting memories, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which uses eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge. Somatic therapies can also be helpful, as they focus on reconnecting the body and mind, addressing physical symptoms of trauma.
At our practice, we use a combination of these evidence-based approaches, tailoring our methods to your specific specific needs. Our clinicians are skilled in integrating CBT, EMDR, and mindfulness techniques to help you process your experiences, manage distress, and rebuild a sense of safety and empowerment. Our approach is always trauma-informed, ensuring that we work at a pace that feels comfortable and healing for you.
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Sexual assault and sexual abuse can leave deep emotional and psychological scars, but individual therapy can be a powerful way to heal. When we work together, we’ll start by creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel understood and free from judgment. This is your time to talk through your experiences and your own trauma narrative, and most importantly, to feel seen and heard.
Throughout our work together, we’ll help you understand how trauma has affected your thoughts, emotions, and even your relationships—especially with loved ones or family members. For certain group members, including male survivors, those abused by a family member, those who had non-offending caregivers shame may make it even more difficult to talk about but healing is definitely possible. It’s normal to feel disconnected or like you can’t trust yourself, but therapy will help you rebuild that trust, not just with others, but with your own feelings and body. You’ll start to feel more grounded and more in control of your life.
We’ll use a mix of tools that are designed to help you feel better. Techniques like mindfulness and CBT can help you manage overwhelming emotions, while EMDR helps you gently process painful memories. Somatic therapy reconnects you with your body, easing the physical tension that often gets trapped. And psychodynamic therapy can help you discover the deeper patterns that may be keeping you stuck, giving you a clearer sense of how to move forward.
Healing takes time, but with the right support, you can start to feel more like yourself again—stronger, calmer, and more in control. You’re not alone in this.
Start working with a sexual trauma therapist in NYC today
Sexual trauma therapy is a deeply personal and collaborative process, tailored to your needs and comfort level. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—it’s about creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and in control.
In collaboration with your therapist, you'll set the pace. Some sessions may involve exploring how sexual assault or sexual abuse has impacted your emotions, relationships, or sense of self, while others might focus on developing coping skills to manage anxiety, overwhelming memories, or physical tension. You’ll never be pushed to discuss anything you’re not ready to share. Together, you and your therapist will work on what feels most important to you, whether that’s processing specific events, improving your day-to-day functioning, or reconnecting with your sense of safety and empowerment.
A typical session might include talking through your experiences, identifying patterns, and practicing skills to manage triggers or difficult emotions. Over time, we may explore deeper themes like self-worth, boundaries, and trust—always with your goals and comfort in mind. While the therapeutic work may be difficult and you may even find that you feel worse immediately after starting therapy, the long term impact of therapy can be transformational.
Every journey through healing is unique, and your therapy will reflect that. Our work together is a partnership, designed to support you in reclaiming your voice, strength, and sense of self.
When you're ready, reach out today to either be matched with one of our expert therapists or book a consult directly. Remember, you are the expert in your life, and we’re here to walk beside you, offering guidance and care every step of the way.
Ready to get started?