EMDR Therapy for Childhood Sexual Abuse & Trauma Survivors

Sexual abuse leaves a deep wound in your self-esteem, eroding the very foundation of how you see yourself. Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse are burdened with overwhelming shame and constantly wonder if the abuse was somehow their fault. This pervasive self-blame creates persistent cycles of self-doubt, making it difficult to trust your own judgment or believe in your worth.

EMDR therapy offers a transformative pathway to healing by directly addressing these hidden wounds. By reprocessing painful memories and dismantling the negative beliefs forged in the wake of childhood abuse, EMDR helps you understand that the fault lies with the abuser—not with you. This process empowers you to develop a more balanced self-view, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim your autonomy, ultimately guiding you toward a life where your needs and achievements are recognized and valued.

Rebecca Hoffenberg, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Childhood sexual abuse, self-worth & adult attachment
Approach
Advanced EMDR, relational therapy & attachment-focused
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Irada Yunusova, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Childhood sexual abuse, guilt & confidence
Approach
EMDR, DBT & somatic symptom reduction
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Ami Zala, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Expertises
Childhood sexual abuse & people pleasing
Approach
EMDR, psychodynamic & relational therapy
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How We Work with Sexual Abuse Survivors

We are Clinical Psychologists specializing in EMDR, committed to helping survivors break free from the lingering scars of childhood sexual abuse. We know that such early trauma can shatter your sense of safety, leaving hidden wounds that manifest as deep self-blame, chronic fear, and relentless hypervigilance. These early experiences fracture trust and instill a pervasive feeling of vulnerability that can undermine your ability to feel secure and valued.

Drawing on advanced training in Clinical Psychology, we use EMDR to reprocess the painful memories of childhood sexual abuse and challenge the internalized beliefs that keep you trapped in cycles of self-doubt. Complemented by techniques such as CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed therapy, our approach empowers you to reclaim your autonomy, set healthy boundaries, and gradually liberate yourself from recurring emotional pain. We guide you through a transformative healing journey that helps rebuild a resilient, empowered sense of self.

Our Specialists in EMDR for Sexual Abuse and Trauma Survivors

Rebecca Hoffenberg, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Hoffenberg is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in healing the wounds of childhood sexual abuse while restoring self-worth and transforming adult attachment patterns. With a profound understanding of how early abuse distorts our ability to form secure, fulfilling relationships, she is dedicated to guiding survivors through the journey of reclaiming their inherent value. Her work is centered on helping you understand that the shame and self-doubt ingrained by past trauma do not define who you are as an adult.

Using advanced EMDR, relational therapy, and attachment-focused techniques, Dr. Hoffenberg tailors her approach to address both the emotional scars of childhood abuse and the complex dynamics of adult relationships. By reprocessing painful memories and rebuilding a secure sense of attachment, she empowers you to break free from limiting beliefs and cultivate a more balanced self-view. Her compassionate guidance helps you establish healthier interpersonal connections, paving the way for lasting emotional healing and a renewed sense of self-worth.

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Irada Yunusova, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Irada Yunusova is a Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse overcome deep-seated guilt and rebuild their confidence. Recognizing that the legacy of abuse often leaves you burdened with an overwhelming sense of self-blame and a diminished belief in your own worth, she is committed to guiding you toward a more compassionate understanding of yourself. Her work focuses on dismantling the harsh inner critic that whispers you are at fault, fostering instead a resilient, empowered self-image.

Combining EMDR, DBT, and somatic symptom reduction, Dr. Yunusova employs a comprehensive approach that addresses both the emotional and physical manifestations of trauma. Her specialized methods reprocess painful memories and reduce the somatic tension associated with trauma, enabling you to step away from the cycle of guilt and self-doubt. Through her support, you can reclaim your autonomy, boost your self-confidence, and begin to embrace a future defined by strength and self-acceptance.

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Ami Zala, Psy.D

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Zala is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in the recovery from childhood sexual abuse and the pervasive need to please others that often follows such trauma. She understands that survivors may internalize a belief that their worth is only validated through the approval of others, leading to patterns of self-neglect and emotional distress. Dr. Zala is committed to helping you break free from these destructive cycles by uncovering the roots of your people-pleasing tendencies and transforming them into a genuine sense of self-worth.

Using an integrative approach that combines EMDR, psychodynamic, and relational therapy, Dr. Zala tailors her treatment to address both the conscious and unconscious dimensions of trauma. Her method enables you to reprocess painful memories while also exploring the underlying dynamics that drive your need for external validation. Through her empathetic guidance, you are empowered to develop a more authentic self-view, set healthy boundaries, and foster relationships that nurture your recovery and personal growth.

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How EMDR Helps Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often carry the weight of trauma that leaves them feeling shattered and isolated. The painful memories of early betrayal can foster overwhelming self-blame, chronic fear, and a deep sense of unworthiness that makes it difficult to trust oneself or others. These early wounds create persistent cycles of emotional distress, where the lingering effects of abuse continuously disrupt your ability to feel safe, valued, and whole.

EMDR therapy offers a transformative pathway to break free from these destructive cycles by targeting and reprocessing the traumatic memories of childhood sexual abuse. By challenging the negative beliefs and self-blame that have taken root since those early years, EMDR helps you reclaim your autonomy and rebuild a robust sense of self-worth independent of the abuse. Many survivors find that, after EMDR, they are better able to establish healthy boundaries and move toward relationships that nurture genuine healing and empowerment.

FAQ About EMDR for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

How does EMDR work for childhood sexual abuse survivors?

We integrate EMDR with evidence-based techniques to address the deep emotional triggers from childhood sexual abuse. By reprocessing traumatic memories and dismantling the negative self-beliefs that emerged from early abuse, EMDR helps break the cycle of self-blame and fear, empowering you to reclaim your autonomy and restore your self-worth.

How are issues from childhood sexual abuse connected to trauma?

Experiences of childhood sexual abuse can implant deep-seated beliefs of unworthiness and vulnerability, leading to persistent self-doubt and isolation. These traumatic memories create internal barriers that hinder your ability to form secure, supportive relationships and achieve lasting emotional healing.

Is EMDR effective for addressing issues related to childhood sexual abuse?

Yes, EMDR is particularly effective when issues stem from early trauma and ingrained negative self-beliefs. Many survivors find it transformative in reshaping their internal narratives and overcoming the deep emotional scars left by childhood abuse.

Are there any risks or side effects?

EMDR is generally considered safe, though the process can sometimes evoke intense emotions as traumatic memories are reprocessed. Working with a qualified therapist ensures that you receive the support and guidance needed throughout your healing journey.

Ready to break free from the chains of childhood trauma and reclaim your strength?

Reclaim your sense of self, process deep-seated shame, and heal from past violations with the transformative power of EMDR therapy.