Sexual Trauma Therapist in NYC | Online Therapy for Sexual Abuse
Compassionate, nonjudgmental online therapy for adults navigating the confusing and painful aftermath of childhood sexual abuse.
As a sexual trauma therapist, I use evidence-based practices to help adults heal from unwanted sexual experiences that happened early in life.
Take the first step in healing, and begin to make sense of what happened to you.
While we can’t go back to who we were before the trauma happened, we can create a new, healthier path forward that feels more in line with who we want to be.
If you experienced sexual trauma early in life, you might understand the following experiences too well:
It feels like it’s your fault the abuse happened
You feel guilt, shame, and humiliation
You struggle to see yourself positively
You have flashbacks and nightmares
Your sexuality might feel compulsive, like excessive masturbation, preoccupation with sex, pornography use, or hypersexual behavior
You’ve been victimized more than once
You engage in risky sexual behavior
You experience chronic pain issues
You abuse drugs or alcohol
You experience periods of depression and anxiety
When you work with the right sexual trauma therapist, things can get better.
“Is what I experienced sexual abuse?”
Childhood sexual abuse can involve a wide range of unwanted sexual experiences.
While we often think of certain types of abuse when this topic is raised, such as physical assault, it can also include less obvious forms, like early exposure to pornography.
Although mainstream American culture tends to focus on the sexual abuse of girls and women by men, research increasingly shows that both boys and girls are victims of abuse, and that perpetrators can be women as well as men.
As a sexual trauma therapist and specialist, I recognize the unique dynamics that can arise when someone experiences sexual abuse at the hands of a woman.
Survivors of sexual abuse by women often face distinct challenges, including a sense of invalidation when they disclose their experiences. A common misconception is that women can’t be sexual abusers, but this belief is both harmful and untrue.
Hi, I’m Rene Gonzalez, LMHC (he/him) a sexual trauma therapist in NYC and online, and childhood trauma specialist.
Over my 10+ years in practice as a psychotherapist, I’ve helped traumatized adults reclaim their lives.
My dedication to helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse stems from first-hand experience seeing how this kind of trauma affects people. Helping my clients work through their trauma over time is my life’s work.
As a Queer, Latino, Mexican-American therapist, I tend to attract and work with people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as folks exploring complex identities.
My Approach to Sexual Trauma Therapy
When it comes to working with clients who’ve experienced sexual abuse, it’s important to be careful, and not make things worse. My approach and style is patient, warm, nonjudgmental, and compassionate.
Healing from sexual abuse doesn’t necessarily mean talking about traumatic memories, although in some cases that can be a part of it. That’s why I make sure you have concrete coping strategies first, before we go deeper into the work.
I will ensure that protective boundaries are in place to prevent re-traumatization, and we will always move at your pace.
Therapy Types & Modalities
I pull from different modalities, including but not limited to:
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Attachment Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Psychodynamic Therapy
Somatic Therapy
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Demystifying Dissociation: Principles, Best Practices, and Clinical Approaches
Fundamentals of Trauma Processing
Diagnosing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Attachment Styles in Relationship To Trauma
Historical, Intergenerational, and Cultural Transmission of Trauma
Treating Developmental Trauma: Creating/Enhancing Capacity to Self Calm/Validate
Somatic Psychotherapy
Treating Your Client’s Traumatized Parts With Janina Fisher
Inner Child Work & Protectors
I specialize in working with adults who experienced trauma early in their lives.
Typically, my clients are experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and complex trauma (meaning they’ve experienced multiple traumatic events).
Expertise
I’m skilled at treating anxiety and depression, in addition to PTSD and complex trauma.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Childhood Emotional Neglect and Abandonment
Childhood Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
Complex trauma
If your primary reason for coming to therapy is substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, OCD, or ADHD, I highly recommend seeing a specialist in those areas. Visit NOCD for OCD providers that take insurance, or Psychology Today to find providers for your specific needs.
If you’re currently in a domestic violence situation, I recommend reaching out to an organization that offers more than just psychotherapy, such as Safe Horizon or CONNECT, for more immediate help.
If you’re currently suicidal or in crisis, I recommend reaching out to 988, or calling 911, or going to your nearest emergency room.
Even if the sexual trauma happened decades ago, it’s not too late to start healing—your life can feel better than it does now.
I understand that it can be very hard to face the painful feelings and memories.
Know that when you work with the right sexual trauma therapist, you can start to feel:
Empowered to assert boundaries
Less easily activated
Like you’re finally moving past your trauma
An improved quality of life
Healthier relationships