The early focus in counselling is usually helping clients to cope with what is happening in the here and now, so the assault might not even be directly discussed. Some clients require relatively brief assistance and may have only one or a few sessions with us. Others require longer-term therapy that seeks to rebuild processes and feelings that have been disrupted by childhood sexual abuse and are necessary for stable functioning. Sometimes people do this longer work all at once, while others do what they need at the time, and come back if they need more at a different stage in life, such as at the beginning of a relationship, or having a child. You and your therapist can talk together about what is most helpful for you and your situation.