I often apply current, best-practice treatments for PTSD and depression to aid my clients in recovery from past sexual abuse experiences, both from child- and adulthood. These techniques help clients heal regardless of whether the abuse occurred briefly or over a prolonged period. I treat both men and women with histories of sexual abuse and assault and try to be especially attuned to the unique forms of stigma that are often perceived by clients.
When the foundation of trust shaken (if not feeling broken) through experiences of trauma, the approach to restoring one's life must always be one of sensitivity, patience, and compassion. Without this, there will always be a risk that it will never feel safe enough to heal.
I specialize in treating sexual abuse, physical abuse and PTSD. I utilize skills from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as well as prolonged exposure therapy (PE) to help clients emotionally process their trauma self-compassionately.
Many of our therapists work with sexual abuse survivors. We feel that sexual abuse survivors need and deserve a safe and secure place to discuss their pain and survivor-hood. Dr. Sanness and Dr. Nelson specialize in trauma. Dr. Sanness also specialized in Complex Trauma (repeated trauma that has occurred over developmental time periods throughout the life-span).