Ayyappan Venkatraman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am a general psychiatrist with a flexible approach to mental health that aims to combine the best of modern science and psychiatric medications (when needed) with talk therapy and spiritual healing. My aim as a clinician is to help people understand themselves better and feel more fulfilled, tailoring treatment to meet their unique history, circumstances and goals. I work with people 18 and older addressing a wide range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, attention and learning issues, and addiction.
I am a general psychiatrist with a flexible approach to mental health that aims to combine the best of modern science and psychiatric medications (when needed) with talk therapy and spiritual healing. My aim as a clinician is to help people understand themselves better and feel more fulfilled, tailoring treatment to meet their unique history, circumstances and goals. I work with people 18 and older addressing a wide range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, attention and learning issues, and addiction.
(215) 234-3966 View (215) 234-3966
Photo of Michael J Canino, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Michael J Canino
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Adjustments can often be challenging. Whether it may be a shift in career, end to a relationship, or change in phase of life, these transitions can frequently disrupt our usual patterns of thinking and behavior. My professional experience has found that having an interested, empathetic, and active listener as a psychotherapist can be extremely beneficial in assisting not only with these difficult times, but also with unforeseen situations bound to occur in the future.
Adjustments can often be challenging. Whether it may be a shift in career, end to a relationship, or change in phase of life, these transitions can frequently disrupt our usual patterns of thinking and behavior. My professional experience has found that having an interested, empathetic, and active listener as a psychotherapist can be extremely beneficial in assisting not only with these difficult times, but also with unforeseen situations bound to occur in the future.
(215) 874-4485 View (215) 874-4485

Nearby Sexual Abuse Psychiatrists Searches for 19102

See More Sexual Abuse Psychiatrists
Sexual Abuse Psychiatrists

How do therapists treat sexual abuse?

A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?

Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?

Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?

As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.