Online Therapy for Sexual Assault Survivors in California
At Willow & Sage Therapy Collective, virtual sexual assault therapy is a core focus. Our trauma-informed therapists offer specialized telehealth counseling in California for survivors of sexual violence, their loved ones, and clinicians seeking advanced training in trauma recovery. Through our secure online platform (available in English and Spanish), we create a nurturing environment where you can explore your feelings, learn hands-on coping strategies, and heal at a pace that feels right to you. When you’re ready, our team stands beside you—providing steady support to help you reclaim your strength, rebuild trust, and deepen your understanding of trauma-informed care.
Telehealth Sexual Assault Counseling Services:
Available in English and Spanish to California residents
Individual Therapy: One-on-one online sessions to process trauma and develop coping skills.
Couples & Relationship Therapy: Guided support for partners navigating sexual trauma together.
Family Therapy: Virtual family counseling to rebuild communication and collective healing.
Group Therapy: Safe, clinician-led online groups offering trauma insight and shared connection.
Clinician Workshops & Consultations:
Sexual Assault Trauma Training Workshops for Therapists: Maria Denardo, LMFT, co-founder of Willow & Sage Therapy Collective, leads hands-on workshops in trauma-informed sexual assault recovery. These online trainings equip pre-licensed and licensed therapists with practical tools to effectively and compassionately support survivors and their loved ones.
Clinical Consultations for Therapists: Our telehealth consultations help clinicians navigate complex sexual assault cases and deepen their trauma-responsive care. Choose from personalized one-on-one sessions or small group consults to refine your professional skills.
Common Reactions to Sexual Trauma
Reactions to sexual trauma are as diverse as people themselves. Survivors can notice reactions in both mind and body—some surface right away, while others emerge over time.
Trauma symptoms may include:
Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
Flashbacks or mentally replaying the assault on a loop
Difficulty trusting others or yourself
Unsettling nightmares or sleep disturbance
Unexpected waves of sadness, panic, or numbness
Shutting down or “checking out” when stress feels too intense
Thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore
You may also experience:
Chronic stomach knots, nausea, or other digestive issues
Feeling like everyone and everything has bad intentions
Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, or muscle tension when triggered
Moments where you feel detached, confused, or disoriented as if you’re watching life from the outside
A wide range of emotions, from anger, worthlessness, or shock to hopelessness, shame, disbelief, fear…
How Virtual Sexual Assault Therapy in California Can Help
Recovering from sexual assault on your own can feel overwhelming. Virtual therapy offers a safe, kind space to process what happened and reclaim your life—on your terms. Every healing path is unique, but therapy for sexual trauma often includes:
Processing painful memories and making sense of what happened without pressure to relive every detail
Learning evidence-based techniques to reduce trauma impact
Developing skills to soothe overwhelming emotions
Exploring practices that reconnect you to a sense of safety
Addressing issues related to intimacy, trust, and vulnerability
Cultivating healthy relationships
Strengthening boundaries and communication skills
Rediscovering your self-worth and feeling empowered again
Connectig with a community of survivors in guided online groups
Myth vs. Reality: Understanding Sexual Assault
Myth: All therapists know how to treat sexual assault.
FACT: The majority of licensed therapists never receive in-depth (or any!) clinical training in treating sexual assault during their graduate programs or early traineeships. At Willow & Sage Therapy Collective, we’ve made that specialized expertise a focus of our practice: every clinician on our team has pursued advanced education in sexual-assault treatment. We also lead clinical workshops to train other therapists in the field. You’re in the right place for care that’s grounded in proven approaches and delivered by professionals who deeply understand the complex and delicate nature of this work.
Myth: Survivors show obvious signs of trauma.
FACT: There’s no “correct” way to respond after an assault. Survivors’ reactions run the gamut—from visible distress (crying, trembling, agitation) to shock or numbness that can look like calm composure. Many cope by dissociating or mentally putting experiences aside, and cultural norms can influence how emotions are expressed. It’s common for symptoms to emerge days, weeks, or even years later. Assuming trauma reactions must look a certain way risks disbelief and further harm. True support means validating each person’s experience and offering empathy and resources, no matter what you see on the surface.
Myth: Assault mostly happens at the hands of a stranger.
FACT: The myth that most sexual assaults occur by strangers is false. Approximately eight out of ten sexual assaults in the U.S. involve a friend, family member, partner, or acquaintance. This pattern holds true across age groups—about 90 percent of child and teen sexual abuse is carried out by someone known and trusted by the minor. Recognizing that betrayal often comes from within our circle of trust helps validate survivors’ experiences and shifts the focus to healing and rebuilding safety in relationships.
Myth: Many people falsely claim they’ve been sexually assaulted.
FACT: Although high-profile cases often grab headlines, false reports of sexual assault are statistically rare, and on par or below all other violent crimes. The vast majority of survivors (about 70%) choose not to report to the police. One significant reason for this is the fear of not being believed or being victim-blamed. Our virtual sexual assault counseling offers a confidential, trauma-informed space where survivors can feel heard, validated, and supported.
Myth: If there was no physical struggle, it’s not sexual assault.
FACT: Physical resistance is just one of many trauma responses, and studies show it’s the least common. A 2017 research report found that 70% of survivors experienced significant “tonic immobility” (an involuntary freeze), with nearly half reporting extreme paralysis during the assault. This freeze response is your body’s instinctive way to protect you when fighting back could lead to more harm. Choosing not to physically resist often reduces the risk of escalation and does not imply consent or weakness. Every response is a valid survival tactic.
Myth: Sexual assault is driven purely by sexual desire.
FACT: Sexual assault is deeply rooted in power and control—not desire or attraction. Numerous studies have revealed that perpetrators often have complex motivations beyond attraction, including feelings of entitlement, anger, resentment, or the need to humiliate or degrade their victims. Effective virtual sexual assault therapy recognizes this dynamic, focusing on empowerment, boundary-setting, and healing from abuse of power, rather than framing assault as a sexual act.
What If I’m Not Ready to Start Therapy for Sexual Trauma?
Healing doesn’t follow a set timeline, and there’s no right or wrong way to move forward. Whenever you feel ready for trauma-informed sexual assault therapy, our door is open—no pressure, no expectations. You’re always welcome here.
We Can Help.
Your 20-minute consultation is free.