Patti Feuereisen, Ph.D.—or Dr. Patti— a psychotherapist in private practice in New York City, is a pioneer in the treatment of sexual abuse, particularly in treating adolescent girls. She is the author of "Invisible Girls: The Truth About Sexual Abuse — A Book For Teen Girls, Young Women, and Everyone Who Cares About Them." An updated re-issue of "Invisible Girls" was released in September 2009 with new chapters, including one focusing on sex trafficking of teen girls.

Her website, www.girlthrive.com, is an invaluable resource for young female sex abuse survivors from around the world and, in 2004, Dr. Feuereisen founded Girlthrive Inc. — the only non-profit charity specifically designed to honor teen girls and young women who have survived sexual abuse through scholarships, opportunity and education. Prior to her full-time private practice, Dr. Patti worked in group homes, private psychiatric hospitals, and foster care agencies with teen girls.

Sexual abuse and incest are not topics often discussed in public. Dr. Patti’s approachable, interactive workshops and talks elicit understanding for those who haven’t experienced sexual abuse as well as healing for those who have been hurt. Dr. Patti is a compelling speaker for Take Back The Night events and Sexual Assault Awareness Month programmming. Her message is honest and yet always inspiring. After more than two decades treating incest survivors, she has seen over and over again that girls can heal from sexual abuse.

Sexual Violence, Sex & Relationships, Psychologists, Authors, Human Trafficking, Human Rights, Feminism,