Find Therapy for Sexual Assault Survivors

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024
Written by the MiResource team

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, you are not alone—and you are not to blame. Healing is possible, and working with a trained sexual assault therapist can help you process your experience and reclaim your life.

  • Monik Lopez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    Monik Lopez

    Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    1550 Madruga Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33146

    Monik Lopez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Coral Gables, Florida and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Sexual Assault, Work/Life Balance, Sexual Concerns.

    The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. If you’re struggling, we’re here to help! Call me anytime

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  • Kate Stewart, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

    Kate Stewart

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Counselor, Psychotherapist

    1684 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256

    Kate Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Medina, Ohio and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Sexual Assault, Burnout, Gender Identity.

    Our passion is creating a safe space to treat adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.

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  • Alexandra Vavoulis, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

    Alexandra Vavoulis

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

    3081 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, Florida 33134

    Alexandra Vavoulis is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in Coral Gables, Florida and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Sexual Assault, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Depression.

    Find clarity, reduce anxiety, and transform your relationships with personalized, compassionate therapy. Navigate life's transitions with support.

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  • Sandra Tursini, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Sandra Tursini

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    2409 South Rural Road, STE C, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    Sandra Tursini is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Sexual Assault, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Insomnia.

    Caring LPC with 30+ years’ expertise in diverse counseling areas, committed to recognizing individual worth and guiding clients through life's challenges

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  • Benitho Louissaint, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    Benitho Louissaint

    Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    6197 South Rural Road, Tempe, Arizona 85283

    Benitho Louissaint is a Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Tempe, Arizona. They treat Sexual Assault, Suicidal Ideation, Postpartum Depression.

    We see clients of all genders, ethnicities, and cultures.

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  • Mandi Withey, Other

    Mandi Withey

    Other, Psychologist, Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP)

    210 Reid Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439

    Mandi Withey is a Other in Grand Blanc, Michigan and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Sexual Assault, Anxiety, Work/Life Balance.

    I offer in-person sessions in Grand Blanc and telehealth (online) sessions for anyone in Michigan. Let's get started on the path to feeling your best.

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What is considered sexual assault?

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior done without consent. It can involve:

  • Rape or attempted rape
  • Groping or unwanted touching
  • Forcing someone to perform or receive a sexual act
  • Sexual coercion (pressuring or manipulating someone into sexual activity)
  • Any sexual activity with someone unable to consent

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status. It is an act of power—not desire—and it is never the survivor’s fault.

If you’re unsure whether what happened to you qualifies as assault, a sexual assault psychologist can help you talk through your experience safely and without judgment.


Consent is an agreement between people to engage in a specific activity—freely, clearly, and enthusiastically given. It means both parties understand what’s happening and genuinely want to participate. In the context of sexual activity, consent must be mutual, informed, and ongoing.

It’s not just about saying “yes”—it’s about:

  • Freely choosing to participate, without pressure, guilt, or fear
  • Being of sound mind and body, meaning sober, alert, and aware
  • Giving clear, unambiguous communication through words or actions
  • Being able to change your mind at any time, even if things have already started

Consent is not silence, lack of resistance, or the absence of a “no.” It’s not valid if someone is afraid, unsure, or coerced. Everyone deserves the right to say yes, no, or stop at any point—and to have that respected. Therapy for sexual assault survivors often includes conversations around consent, boundaries, and reclaiming your right to say what happens to your body.


No. A person who is drunk, high, passed out, asleep, or otherwise mentally impaired cannot legally or ethically give consent. If someone is unable to clearly and freely say “yes,” any sexual activity with them is considered non-consensual—and may qualify as sexual assault under the law.

Even if the person previously consented or was in a relationship with the other person, being intoxicated or unconscious removes their ability to consent in the moment. Consent must be actively given in real-time.

Many survivors struggle with confusion or self-blame if alcohol or drugs were involved. It’s important to understand: being impaired doesn’t make it your fault. If you didn’t or couldn’t consent, it wasn’t okay. A sexual abuse counselorcan help you untangle those complex emotions and remind you that your experience is valid.


Is it sexual assault if someone didn’t fight back?

Yes. Fighting back is not required for an experience to be considered sexual assault. Many people freeze, go silent, or comply out of fear—and these are normal, instinctive trauma responses. They do not mean you agreed or consented.

Our nervous systems have built-in reactions to danger: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Freezing is just as natural as fighting. Survivors often stay still or say nothing because:

  • They’re afraid of getting hurt
  • They’re in shock or disbelief
  • They’re trying to survive the moment
  • They’ve learned that resisting may escalate the danger

Whether you said no, stayed silent, or didn’t resist at all—your experience is real. A sexual assault therapist can help you understand your body’s reactions and let go of any guilt or shame that doesn’t belong to you.


What should someone do after experiencing sexual assault?

If you’ve been assaulted, the most important thing is to know it’s not your fault. What you do next is your choice. Some helpful options include:

  • Ensure your safety: Get to a safe place if possible.
  • Seek medical care: A healthcare provider can check for injuries, offer emergency contraception or STI prevention, and collect forensic evidence if you choose.
  • Talk to someone: Whether it’s a friend, advocate, or therapist, sharing your experience can reduce isolation.
  • Consider your reporting options: You can report now, later, or not at all. The choice is yours.
  • Get emotional support: A sexual abuse counselor can help you process trauma, navigate choices, and begin to heal.

There is no “right” way to respond to trauma. Your pace is the right pace.

Find care for Sexual Assault

Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Sexual Assault and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.

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