Christian Counseling For Sexual Abuse
If you’re looking for help recovering from the trauma of sexual abuse in San Diego or the surrounding suburbs, we invite you to contact one of the professional Christian counselors at San Diego Christian Counseling.
Below you will find several Frequently Asked Questions about Sexual Abuse:
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Please contact our reception team at
619-332-4448
What is the Definition of Sexual Abuse?
There are many interpretations of what the term “sexual abuse” really means. To set the record straight, sexual abuse is the action of a person (also known as a perpetrator) who forces sexual activity upon another. The act may be the result of physical or emotional threats, actual force, or by the assailant taking advantage of a victim who is not in a position to give their consent, such as a child or mentally challenged individual.
Sexual abuse, or molestation, can be as subtle as touching in inappropriate places over clothing or it can be as brutal as rape. No matter to what degree the violation is taken, it is abuse all the same. It is never okay to indulge in sexual activity of any nature without the consent of the other person.
Sexual abuse is more common than you may think.Statistics show that every 98 seconds, a person is sexually victimized. That’s 570 plus people per day. Even still, it is very common to feel like you are the only one who has gone through it or that it was somehow your fault.
Statistics also prove that there is bright hope for sexual abuse victims who seek professional help. Through one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and other measures, you can work through the pain and move forward. At Christian Counseling in San Diego, we also embrace the belief that our hope is in God and that He is ready and able to heal you. If you, or someone you love, are a victim of sex abuse, reach out today and begin a whole new chapter in your life, so your story will become one of healing and wholeness.
Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
619-332-4448
What are the Effects of Sexual Abuse?
The implications of sexual abuse are many and they vary from person to person. Some react immediately and may include shock, fear, anxiety, and/or anger. Others, especially victims of childhood sexual abuse, may not fully experience the symptoms associated with the abuse until years later. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an after effect that many victims experience.
Are There Different Types of Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse comes in many forms.From a kiss that is not mutual to a full forced rape, sex abuse occurs when one person takes part in a sexual act with another individual without their consent.
The four official types of sexual abuse are: subtle, confusing, overt, and ritualistic.While one may seem worse than another, keep in mind that abuse is abuse.
The subtle type of sex abuse is common in adolescents and adults.Inappropriate behavior such as the showing of explicit photos, conversations about sex, nasty jokes, or teasing of a sexual nature are all examples of this form of sex abuse.
Neglecting to teach children about healthy sexuality, failing to inform youngsters of the right to the privacy of their bodies, and treating healthy sex subjects as sinful to speak about are further forms of subtle sex abuse.
The confusing type of sexual abuse occurs when a person in a position of trust betrays another.It can also be subtle abuse, such as a child being shown porn by a youth pastor or it can be a as drastic as a blatant act of rape by a father, grandfather, or even a husband.This type of abuse is one of the most difficult to deal with because emotions are intertwined.
Overt sex abuse cases are much easier to sort out, though they are horrifying all the same.In this type of sexual abuse, there is a clear perpetrator and a victim.Molestation and rape fall into the category of overt sex abuse situations.Because the victim generally turns the predator in to authorities or at least tells someone in a position of authority, this abuse is likely to be dealt with sooner and more constructively than other forms.
The ritualistic type of sexual abuse is more damaging and destructive than any other type.It involves intense, regular sexual manipulation, abuse, and programming which is deeply embedded in the victim’s psyche.Often times, the abuse involves Satanism and other demonic forces.It is common for victims to suffer from disorders like Dissociative Identity and Multiple Personality.
At San Diego Christian Counseling, we know that no matter what type of sexual abuse you have been a victim of, you can find healing and wholeness with God’s help.God is in the business of setting victims free.The skilled and loving professional Christian therapists in San Diego have helped many sexual abuse victims and they are ready to help you, too.
What are the Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children?
There definitely are signs of sexual abuse in children that all adults need to be aware of.A child may exhibit only one sign or a combination of several.Children who are repetitively abused are more likely to have a number of signs.Any change in behavior should be a warning signal.
Some of the most common symptoms of sexual abuse in children are:
- Becoming more quiet and withdrawn than usual
- An increase in anxiousness or fearfulness
- Exhibiting the symptoms of PTSD (nightmares, panic attacks, etc.)
- Depression
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Excessive crying or tearfulness
- Detachment
- Extreme apathy
- Increased bouts of anger, irritation, and aggression
- Physical pain in genitals
- Wetting/soiling the bed
- Receiving expensive or excessive gifts
- Opposing physical displays of affection
- Promiscuity
- Acting out sexually
- Sexual aversion
- Alcohol and drug abuse
It is rare, however, to see all the signs in one child but since children react in very different ways, it’s important to have an all-inclusive list of behaviors to watch for. Sadly, there are even more symptoms than those on the list. If a child has noticeably changed, that is a sign in itself.
If your child is showing symptoms of sexual abuse, don’t waste another minute. You must get help for them.If you are looking for a Christian counselor in San Diego, the skilled therapists at San Diego Christian Counseling are ready to help. We believe in God’s grace and that He is willing and able to heal. Reach out today and lean upon the loving arms of Christ and the guidance of a Christian counselor.
What are the Lasting Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse?
The psychological and physical effects that sexual abuse has on a child are overwhelming and unfortunately, they don’t just magically go away. The deep-rooted problems often give way to the victimized child getting into trouble, either during adolescence, their teen years, or as adults.
It is common for abused children to act out sexually.That type of behavior has become their norm. Touching that is not appropriate, a lack of boundaries, and undressing at awkward places or times are all signs of abuse.
Children or teens who act much older or younger than they are often have abusive backgrounds. Knowing too much about sex is another warning flag.If you notice unusual or inappropriate things in their writings, drawings, or paintings, it’s time to ask questions and look further into the situation.
The signs that were apparent in childhood and in the teen years often manifest in later years in ways that make the victims look like bad people or misfits in society, rather than like the hurting individuals they truly are. Studies show that an astounding number of prostitutes, gay and lesbian individuals, and drug addicts suffered some form of sexual abuse in their early years.
It is difficult for children who suffered from sexual abuse to grow up and have successful relationships. Some have multiple failed marriages. Some abuse their own children. Still others remain detached or promiscuous.
Life will never be quite right for anyone who has suffered childhood sexual abuse until the scars are healed. If you, your child, or anyone you know has gone through this unspeakable horror, reach out for help today. The devoted and skilled counselors at San Diego Christian Counseling will walk with you every step of the way on your healing journey.
Can Sexual Abuse Survivors Suffer From PTSD?
Sexual abuse survivors are very likely to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, even if they, or no one else, realizes it. The very way in which sexual abuse affects the brain leaves the victim vulnerable to PTSD.
When an event of a traumatic nature, such as a sexual assault, takes place, the brain sends out a flood of adrenaline which is a hormone designed to constructively cause the body to be able to fight back or to escape during a time of great trouble, like if someone is after you. The neurological pathways are completely changed. We think, feel, and even act differently.
The problem is that sexual abuse, though horrible indeed, is not a killer who is chasing the victim. Thus, the adrenaline remains trapped since it’s not being used for the oxygen needed to breathe deeply or the energy required for running.
Severe anxiety is one result. The thought patterns being broken and haphazard may trigger danger at strange times. For example, if an individual was raped at a bus stop, seeing their young son playing with a toy bus might bring on a full-scale panic attack. Sometimes, there is no apparent connection and the intense anxiety or full-blown attack happens out of nowhere.
The inability or unwillingness to get close to others, sexual issues, fear, anger, hatred, and being numb emotionally are all possible symptoms of PTSD.
The skilled counselors at San Diego Christian Counseling are not only highly trained professionals who can assist you in working through to recovery and management of PTSD, they are Christians as well. They fully depend on the healing help of Christ and through faith in God, and are able to help you walk through the problems to the beauty of the other side that is waiting for you. Reach out today and see what good things God has in store.
What Treatment And Recovery Options are Available For Victims of Sexual Abuse?
There are many types of sex abuse.Sexual abuse affects different individuals in various ways. A person who was touched inappropriately one time by a stranger is likely to have one set of issues, while an individual who was abused for years by her father will probably face a whole different set of issues to a deeper level.
The treatment used for each person is different because individuals are different. They react to trauma in their own way. The ideal treatment and recovery plan will take the uniqueness of an individual into account and also will consider the way that person responds to the types of therapies that are available.
While one person may receive a lot of healing in a group therapy setting, another might be too fearful to interact. Some victims need extensive work for conditions like PSTD or multi-personality issues.
There is no set course for sexual abuse survivors, especially at San Diego Christian Counseling where we let the Lord lead where He will. One might benefit from traditional psychology measures while another just needs to talk it all out.
Your counselor will evaluate your individual situation to figure out what therapy methods you’ll benefit most from. All therapy and recovery options are only implemented when you approve them. Nothing is ever done against your will. Reach out today and find out what our Christ-centered counseling can do for you.
How Can Christian Counseling For Sexual Abuse Survivors Promote Healing?
Christian counseling can absolutely help sexual abuse survivors. Children, teens, and adults have all found healing in the loving arms of Christ with a Christian therapist to work through the mirk and mire with them. No matter if you have kept the abuse secret for years or if the abuse has just happened, there is help and hope in the Lord and in the counsel of His people.
Sexual abuse is nothing less than devastating. It can rip the very heart out of its victims. The abuse can reach into physical complications such as ulcers from stress and headaches from anxiety. The pain can be immense and it can last until something puts a stop to it, such as through treatment for the sexual abuse that was inflicted upon you.
Through individual counseling, time with the Lord, and perhaps even some group therapy, your wounds can begin to heal. Although it may be painful, like an exposed sore tends to be, you’ll be working on recovering and that is one of the best feelings in the world.
The skilled therapists at San Diego Christian Counseling can help you work through and not around the deep-rooted issues of sexual abuse. They are also devoted Christians so they lean on the Lord for their understanding and are able to help you that much more because God is in the business of freeing the bondages of the captives and healing the hearts of the broken. Reach out today to begin a brand new beautiful life.
Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
619-332-4448