Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Therapy

Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Therapy

Find Healing, Repair Your Faith, Rebuild Your Life

Adult clergy sexual abuse can leave devastating emotional,
relational, and spiritual wounds. Let us help you find healing
and regain control of your life.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation
Therapevo

What is Adult Clergy
Sexual Abuse?

Adult clergy sexual abuse (ACSA) involves the exploitation of trust and authority by religious leaders (pastors, priests, etc.) to manipulate or coerce individuals into emotional and/or physical relationships.

Perhaps, you are just known as “the other woman” or the “affair partner” of the pastor. However, many people (including victims) do not recognize the power implicit in an inappropriate relationship between a pastor and a congregation member.

It is that power differential that makes the difference between seeing this as “just an affair” versus adult clergy sexual abuse. It does not matter if the victim was consenting or even enjoyed the relationship: the attention, the connection, or the sexual activity. The misuse of power makes this an act of abuse on the part of the spiritual leader.

This kind of abuse typically includes:
  • – Exploitation of Trust: Using power to manipulate vulnerable individuals
  • – Coercion or Grooming: Pressuring individuals into unwanted sexual acts or levels of emotional or spiritual connection the feel like a boundary violation
  • – Misuse of Authority: Leveraging spiritual roles to entice and seduce and then eventually silence or control survivors.

These violations often leave survivors feeling betrayed, guilty, extremely isolated, and unsure of where to turn.

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The Impact
of Clergy Sexual Abuse

The effects of clergy sexual abuse extend deeply into emotional, spiritual, and relational aspects
of life.

Survivors often face:

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Betrayal of Trust

Struggling with vulnerability, or having a hard time trusting any spiritual leaders or even God

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Betrayer Guilt

Facing overwhelming guilt or shame that you betrayed your own values, perhaps your own spouse or family, or even the church you were a part of

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Emotional Pain

Guilt, shame, anger, numbness, or grief

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Relational Challenges

If married, it is challenging to navigate that shift from betrayer to abuse victim/survivor with your spouse..

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Faith Distress

Questioning or rejecting spiritual beliefs altogether

These experiences are devastating, but healing and rebuilding are possible with the right support.

How We Help

Our therapists are experienced in helping survivors of clergy sexual abuse navigate recovery and reclaim their lives. We take a multi-faceted team-based approach, ideally working with three
therapists:

Therapevo
1

Survivor therapist

working one on one to heal from the impact of Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse by unpacking the misuse of power, the processing and making sense of the complex feelings during and after the abuse, and helping you understand how to thoughtfully answer the questions your spouse has

2

Spouse therapist

the betrayed spouse of the abuse survivor needs their own space to unpack the feelings of betrayal that are inevitable, grapple with how to make sense of their partner being victimized by a trusted spiritual leader, and know how to support them while managing their own big feelings.

3

Marriage therapist

a third counselor who can help repair the damage done to the marriage by the clergy member’s sexual abuse

We specialize in evidence-based marriage and trauma recovery methods such as Emotion Focussed Couples Therapy, EMDRand Somatic Experiencing, tailored to your unique journey.

Let’s Begin the Healing Process

Our Expertise in Adult Clergy Sexual
Abuse Therapy

Our therapists bring compassion, expertise, and care to support survivors of clergy sexual
abuse. We have a number of therapists on our team who specialize in the variety of issues
created by ACSA:

Works with

Areas of Interest

Gender

Overwhelmed by the options? Schedule a Free Consultation and we’ll help you choose the right team member

Schedule a Consultation
Verlynda Simonyi-Gindele
Verlynda Simonyi-Gindele MAMFT, CACFT Associate | Immediate availability

Verlynda Simonyi-Gindele is a compassionate therapist and co-founder of Therapevo Counseling. She specializes in adolescents, young adults, couples, and trauma recovery. With a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, Verlynda integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Brainspotting to support clients through challenges like infidelity, betrayal, and emotional struggles. She provides a compassionate, empathetic environment for healing, helping individuals and couples navigate difficult life transitions. Verlynda is also the co-host of the “Normalize Therapy” podcast and hosts an annual Christian Marriage Cruise.

Lilien Kovács-Hélisz
Lilien Kovács-Hélisz MA, RCC | Immediate availability

Lilien Kovács-Hélisz is a compassionate Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in trauma therapy, couples counseling, and addiction recovery. With a Master’s in Psychology and certifications in EMDR, Schema Therapy, and Family Therapy, she integrates multiple therapeutic approaches to support clients through personal growth and healing. Lilien focuses on creating a safe, empathetic environment for clients to explore their challenges. She works with individuals, teens, and families, helping them build resilience, self-compassion, and navigate life’s transitions with confidence.

Ricky Aguilar
Ricky Aguilar MAMFT, RCC | Immediate availability

Ricky Aguilar is a compassionate therapist specializing in family and couples counseling, pornography addiction, and trauma recovery. With a B.S. in Counselling Psychology and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Ricky uses systemic approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Fluent in English and Spanish, he offers a culturally sensitive approach, working with adolescents, young adults, and families to process emotions and foster healthier relationships. Ricky is passionate about helping clients navigate challenges and build stronger connections.

Korey Reimer
Korey Reimer MC, CCC | Immediate availability

Korey Reimer brings to his work as a therapist over 15 years of experience in ministry, offering a compassionate, empathetic approach to therapy. He specializes in helping individuals, couples, and adolescents navigate anxiety, betrayal trauma, pornography addiction, and spiritual issues. Korey uses Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Emotion-Focused therapy to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for growth. He is passionate about helping clients achieve personal healing and wholeness, fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships and offering guidance on life's challenges.

Shemiya Ruud
Shemiya Ruud MC, CCC, CACFT Associate | Immediate availability

Shemiya Ruud specializes in couples, family counseling, and trauma recovery. Drawing from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and attachment-based interventions, Shemiya creates a warm, client-centered approach to help individuals and families reach their goals. She has a passion for guiding clients through relational challenges, including grief, addiction, and childhood trauma. With a focus on systemic healing, Shemiya values a collaborative, strengths-based approach, allowing clients to navigate their unique journeys to healing and growth.

Bailey Tonn
Bailey Tonn CACFT Student Member | Immediate availability

Bailey Tonn is an intern therapist completing his Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Specializing in couples counseling, premarital counseling, affair recovery, and grief support, Bailey uses Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to help individuals and couples navigate relational challenges. He integrates other approaches like Internal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to support personal growth and emotional connection. Bailey’s compassionate, client-centered approach fosters healing and resilience, guiding clients toward deeper relationships and improved well-being.

Christal Wilson
Christal Wilson MDiv, RP | Immediate availability

Christal Wilson is a compassionate therapist specializing in relationship enhancement, trauma recovery, and life transitions. With a Master of Divinity in Clinical Counseling, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed approaches to support individuals, couples, and families. Christal is certified in EMDR and Sex Addiction Therapy, offering a personalized, empathetic approach to help clients heal, rebuild self-esteem, and navigate challenges. Her warm and creative style empowers clients to grow and find resilience.

Jeremiah Palmer
Jeremiah Palmer MAMFT, CACFT Associate | Available next week

Jeremiah Palmer is an empathic therapist specializing in family relationships, couples counseling, pornography addiction, and mental health. With a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, he uses a client-centered approach, drawing from Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Jeremiah’s warm, informal style and sense of humor help clients reconnect with their authentic selves, fostering growth and healing. He is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Jesse Schellenberg
Jesse Schellenberg MAMFT, RCC, RP | Available next week

Jesse Schellenberg is a dedicated therapist specializing in couples therapy, marriage counseling, and relationship issues. Holding a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as degrees in Christian Studies and Theology, Jesse uses techniques such as Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, and EMDR to help clients navigate challenges like sexual intimacy, pornography addiction, and trauma. His compassionate, non-judgmental approach fosters trust and healing for individuals and couples alike.

Mari Lee Ayers
Mari Lee Ayers MA, CPC, CT | Available next week

Mari Lee Ayers specializes in building healthier relationships, co-dependency, 12-step recovery, trauma, and grief. Mari Lee takes an eclectic approach, incorporating Attachment Theory, Neuroscience, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. She believes in a holistic, client-centered process, guiding individuals toward self-compassion and healing. Mari Lee offers tailored interventions and tools to empower clients in their personal growth and transformation.

Jessica Myles
Jessica Myles CACFT Student Member | Available next week

Jessica Myles is an intern therapist completing her Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy. Bringing ten years of experience in the helping field to her work as a therapist, Jessica specializes in couples therapy, pre-marital counseling, divorce therapy, and supporting neurodivergent couples. She incorporates Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) in her work. Jessica provides a compassionate, safe space for clients to explore their emotions, boundaries, and healing, helping them navigate life’s challenges and find growth and self-discovery.

Ron de Jager
Ron de Jager CCPA Student Member | Available next week

Ron de Jager brings to the therapy room his background in music and teaching. His holistic, client-centered approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance, helping clients address challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and addiction. Ron offers a compassionate, empathic presence, tailoring therapy to individual needs. He is dedicated to providing a safe space for personal growth, healing, and coping, particularly for those struggling with performance anxiety or spiritual issues.

Jennifer L. Cole
Jennifer L. Cole MA, CCC, MACA, SEP | Waitlisting

Jennifer is a compassionate therapist specializing in trauma, addiction, relationship counseling, and spiritual formation. With a Master of Arts in Counseling and extensive training in Somatic Experiencing (SE), she offers a holistic, client-centered approach that integrates mind, emotions, and body sensations to heal trauma. Jennifer works with individuals, couples, and families, addressing issues like infidelity, grief, and co-dependency. She is passionate about supporting clients through life’s challenges, promoting healing, resilience, and personal growth.

Mike Takkinen
Mike Takkinen MA, CPC, CSAT | Waitlisting

Mike Takkinen is an experienced therapist specializing in relationship counseling, addiction recovery, and mental health issues. With a background in both clinical and theological studies, he integrates his personal values of authenticity, transparency, and collaboration into his therapeutic approach. Mike helps individuals and couples navigate challenges like addiction, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. He uses practical strategies aligned with clients' values, fostering trust and growth, while offering support through life's milestones and transitions.

Sharon Snooks
Sharon Snooks RSSW, SEP | Waitlisting

Sharon Snooks is an experienced therapist specializing in trauma, grief, loss, and mental health challenges. With over 30 years in social services, Sharon has a deep understanding of how trauma impacts individuals and families. She offers evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing™. Sharon’s compassionate, trauma-informed approach helps clients regain hope, heal, and restore growth. She specializes in crisis stabilization, betrayal trauma, and nervous system regulation, creating a safe space for healing and personal development.

Caleb Simonyi-Gindele
Caleb Simonyi-Gindele MAMFT, RCC-ACS, CSAT | No availability

Caleb Simonyi-Gindele is the co-founder and Clinical Director at Therapevo, specializing in infidelity recovery, trauma, and addiction therapy. With a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy and certifications in Sex Addiction Therapy, Caleb uses a research-based approach informed by family systems, attachment theory, and trauma. Known for his calm, steady presence, he creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. Caleb helps individuals navigate complex issues like betrayal, abuse, and chronic lying.

Dianne Kuglin
Dianne Kuglin MA, MC, CPC, CCAC | No availability

Dianne specializes in addiction, trauma, and relationship challenges. With a Master of Counselling and certifications in addiction counseling, she helps individuals and couples navigate issues like sex and porn addiction, infidelity, and grief. Dianne’s solution-focused approach empowers clients to heal and rebuild. Combining professional expertise with personal experience, she creates a supportive space for growth and transformation, guiding clients toward healthier relationships and well-being.

Therapevo

Why Choose Us?

01

Judgment-Free and
Compassionate Care

A safe space for your healing journey

02

Expertise You Can Trust

Therapists with years of experience in clergy sexual abuse recovery

03

Secure and
Accessible Therapy

Online sessions tailored to your comfort and privacy

You deserve healing, respect, and the freedom to move forward.

Questions About
Adult Clergy Sexual Abuse Therapy

Is it Sexual Abuse, or an Affair?

It depends on a difference in power. If a married pastor meets a woman somewhere he does not have authority (e.g., a coffee shop), and builds a relationship with her without previously establishing a pastoral relationship with her: that is probably an affair. However, if a pastor (single or married) cultivates a relationship that includes sexual behavior, the power differential implicit (using a position of trust, spiritual authority, etc.) in that relationship means that we are now looking at adult clergy sexual abuse. It does not matter if you felt that you wanted the connection or that you appeared to consent to the sexual activity.We understand that some situations can be more complex, but we’re here to help you unpack exactly what happened and make sense of it all in an environment that is safe and non-judgmental.

Is it my fault? The church is blaming me!

Again, abuse is defined by the power differential. If someone in a position of authority (pastoral role) has sexual activity with a congregant, the person in the pastoral role is responsible for that behaviour. Often people get blamed for speaking out truth, as if they should be silent and protect their abuser. But speaking out is not wrong – the wrong occurred when the behaviour took place, and the truth should be spoken out loud.

How did this happen to me?

This is a question that often arises when someone has been hurt by someone in a position of trust and authority, but no one deserves to be abused, regardless of circumstances.

Clergy members are often seen as authority figures, trusted to guide and protect, so it makes sense that you trusted this person. The responsibility for the abuse lies with the person who chose to exploit that power, not you. Abuse is an action taken by the perpetrator, not something that happens because of who you are or any actions you took.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Take the first step toward recovery in a confidential, supportive environment. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach Out for Support →
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