Have you ever wondered if trauma therapy might be right for you?
Starting therapy can feel intimidating or scary, or even just confusing. Rebuilding Hope’s Therapy Team is here to break down the details to help you decide if you’d like to move forward with starting treatment at Rebuilding Hope. With these FAQs answered by our Clinical Director Stephanie Sacks, with input from our three therapists Sara, Yaritza, and Madeline, our team welcomes you to reach out to learn more about how therapy can support your healing journey, whenever you’re ready.
General Questions
How do I know if I am ready/need therapy?
This can be a difficult question. Most victim-survivors don’t ever feel “ready” to come into therapy to address sexual assault issues. Many say they sought treatment when the struggles of not addressing the issues became greater than their fear of seeking therapy. It is understandable to feel scared or hesitant to talk with someone, especially if you’ve had negative experiences trying to talk about it in the past.
Please know that it is okay to reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our therapist to discuss how sexual assault-focused treatment might be helpful for you. Our clients are welcome to meet with a therapist for a session or two before deciding if they want to commit to on-going treatment. Even after those initial sessions, you are always welcome to end treatment at any time. We support you making your own decisions about your healing.
How do I know if sexual assault therapy will be helpful for me?
Sexual assault therapy may be helpful to you if you are experiencing sexual assault related concerns that you would like to address like symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, difficulty with trust, safety, boundaries, intimacy in relationships, and more. Our therapists offer evidence-based treatments for sexual assault and post-traumatic stress disorder and are skilled in adapting a variety of other approaches to best meet the needs of victim-survivors and their individualized concerns.
What does sexual assault therapy look like? What are the benefits of sexual assault-specific therapy over general therapy?
At the start of treatment, your therapist will meet with you and ask about why you’re seeking therapy and what changes you hope to see. The therapist will offer to help you understand the dynamics of sexual assault and contextualize your experiences. The therapist will then work with you to identify and establish healthy coping skills, process what happened and its impact, and assist you in moving forward.
Many people don’t realize that not all therapy or counseling is the same. Victim-survivors can spend a long time in general therapy without the sexual assault being effectively addressed. If a victim-survivor is seeking therapy services, it is important to find a provider who has specialized training in the dynamics and impacts of sexual abuse. Effective specialized treatment can make a big difference in addressing the assault and actually helping victim-survivors feel better.
Does the assault have to be recent?
No. Many victim-survivors do not immediately seek treatment. We offer support to victim-survivors and their loved ones no matter how long ago the sexual assault/abuse occured.
I was not assaulted myself, but I know someone who was. Can therapy with Rebuilding Hope help me?
Yes. We assist you in best supporting your loved ones and offer a place for you to process your own thoughts, feelings, and reactions as a secondary victim to the assault.
Logistics & Timeframe
Is therapy in person or online?
We offer therapy both in person at our Tacoma and Bremerton Offices and online for accessibility and convenience. Some clients prefer a combination of both to fit their schedules.
How long before I am seen once I sign up? / What is the wait time?
Because we do not set standard limits on the length of treatment, the wait for new clients can vary. On average; most clients can usually be seen within a month or two. When you request therapy services, we will give you an estimated wait time.
How long will I be in therapy?
This is dependent on the needs and wishes of each client. Nine months is about the average for most clients. Some may be seen for a few months, others for a few years. . We work with clients as long as there are sexual assault related issues they want to address in treatment.
Do I get to choose my therapist?
We currently have 4 therapists that clients may be assigned to work with. Our Client Access Specialist, Gabby, will talk with you about your needs and preferences and connect you with a therapist that best meets them. If for any reason you would prefer to work with another therapist you may request a transfer.
Can I receive therapy on the weekends/after normal business hours when I get off work?
While we do not offer weekend appointments, we do try our best to work with our clients’ schedule. We offer therapy appointments Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, but we can often accommodate earlier morning appointments at 7 or 8am.
Financial Questions & Accessibility
How much is it? Do you accept my insurance?
Most of our clients are seen based on our sliding fee scale which is determined based on household income and size. Most clients pay less than $20/session and many pay less than $5/session. We accept most private insurance as well as Crime Victim’s Compensation. We are unable to accept Medicaid and/or Medicare, but we will work with you to make sure treatment is not a financial burden by using our sliding fee scale. Feel free to reach out to find out more information by calling our 24/7 Helpline.
Can you provide therapy in multiple languages?
Yes! We currently offer therapy in English and Spanish. We can provide therapy in other languages as well, through an interpreter at no cost to the client.
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No matter where you are in your healing journey, you are not alone. To sign up for therapy services, please call our 24/7 Helpline and one of our Advocates will be able to assist you at 1-855-757-7273.
