Sexual abuse may take many forms and can have severe consequences to children and adults.  It is not uncommon for individuals who have been sexually abused as children to have co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse.  I provide psychotherapy for adults or adolescents who have been sexually abused and their families.  My private practice in San Jose serves people in the south bay including Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, and Morgan Hill. 

Child sexual abuse is when a child is used for the sexual gratification of an adult or older adolescent.  This can include:

1.   inappropriately touching a child in a sexual manner,
   

2.   having sexual intercourse with a child,
   

3.   requesting a child to inappropriately touch an adult or older adolescent,
   

4.   displaying pornography to a child,
   

5.   exposing genitalia to a child,
   

6.   or using a child to produce child pornography. 
   

Some common psychological reactions to childhood sexual abuse include:

1.   Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder or other anxiety disorders.
   

2.   Self-blame and guilt.
   

3.   Isolation and fear.
   

4.   Inability to trust others.
   

5.   Lack of intimacy in relationships.
   

6.   Sexual promiscuity.
   

© 2009 - Terryann Sanders.  All rights reserved.