5 Reasons a Survivor Should Consider Talking With a Mental Health Counselor
Are You Ready to Heal?
When a survivor feels ready to begin their healing process, a mental health counselor can be an invaluable resource in facilitating recovery and growth..
Seeking help from a mental health counselor can be incredibly beneficial for survivors of sexual abuse. A mental health counselor is a licensed professional and advocate skilled at treating the emotional aspects of mental health conditions. Here are five important reasons why survivors should consider seeing a counselor:
Emotional support and validation: A mental health counselor can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for survivors to share their experiences and emotions. Survivors often struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, and a counselor can offer validation and understanding, helping survivors process their feelings in a secure and confidential setting healthily.
Coping with anxiety: Sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects on a survivor's mental health. A counselor can help survivors develop coping mechanisms to manage anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related symptoms. Learning these coping skills, as well as identifying the root causes of anxiety, can hugely improve the survivor's overall well-being and quality of life.
Breaking the silence: Many survivors of sexual abuse suffer in silence due to fear, shame, or not knowing where to turn for help. They may feel that it is unsafe to open up, even to trusted friends or family members, or avoid doing so as they are worried they will bring shame or pain to their loved ones. A counselor is, however, impartial and can help survivors find their voice and empower them to speak openly about their experiences. This process can be profoundly healing and transformative, allowing survivors to reclaim their agency and break free from the burden of secrecy.
Processing and resolving trauma: Unresolved trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting personal relationships, self-esteem, and overall mental health. A counselor can help survivors explore and process their traumatic experiences in a controlled and supportive environment, facilitating healing and fostering resilience.
Building a support network: A mental health counselor can assist survivors in identifying and building a strong support network, which is vital for recovery. This network may include friends, family, support groups, or other professionals who can offer additional assistance and understanding during the survivor's healing journey.
It's crucial to acknowledge that each survivor's experience is unique, and not everyone may be ready to seek help immediately after the abuse. However, when a survivor feels ready to begin their healing process, a mental health counselor can be an invaluable resource in facilitating recovery and growth.
If you are a survivor and feel you would benefit from counseling, Trees of Hope has you covered! Connect with our in-house counselor, who is specially trained to work with sexual abuse victims. We have partnered with Hope Christian Counseling to offer virtual or in-person 1-on-1 counseling sessions. Please note that our counseling services do have a cost associated with them, but at a discounted rate.
If you are a survivor and don’t feel ready to talk to a counselor, our online healing studies are a significant first step on your healing journey. We offer online healing studies for women, men, teen boys, or teen girls. Visit our Online Portal to learn more and start your healing journey now!
