Finally biting the bullet and seeing a therapist for my sexual abuse as a kid. I've been putting it off for years, partially out of sheer refusal to openly acknowledge the effects it's had different areas of my life. Also partially out of stubborn pride/male ego when it comes to truly letting someone into what is unarguably the most vulnerable aspect of my life.

I've been to a couple therapists in my life, but this has never come out before now, so it's uncharted territory for me. I'm curious what others who either see or have seen a therapist about their abuse have gotten out of the experience and how they've maybe seen some improvements.

Also, do many of you have a gender preference in therapists for this sort of thing? I was pretty adamant in my refusal to see a male therapist, as I know for a fact that my guard will be up significantly higher and will probably display a more aggressive attitude. Not conducive to a healthy relationship.