Integrating Psychotherapy and Body Work for Abuse Survivors: A Psychological Model (From The Sexually Abused Male: Application of Treatment Strategies, V 2, P 117-136, 1990, Mic Hunter, ed. -- See NCJ-128873)

• NCJ Number: 128879
• Author(s): R Timms; P Connors
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Lexington Books
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter describes a psychophysical model of therapy for male sexual abuse survivors.

Abstract

The authors' clinical experience indicates that many men who were sexually abused in childhood suffer from depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and sexual difficulties in adult life. In a related field, many massage therapists notice that emotions and memories sometimes emerge in their clients during body work. These emotions and memories may be related to earlier trauma including sexual or physical abuse. Emotional-release work, a specific use of massage to elicit blocked emotions and allow for safe release, has been a significant breakthrough in massage therapy and has potential value for psychotherapists. The authors have had success in combining body work with psychotherapy to recall amnestic memories of abuse, recover full awareness of the abusive experience, increase awareness of its long-term effects, express related emotions, decrease shame and guilt, improve body image and self-esteem, and diminish destructive defense mechanisms. The techniques of the model are described. 21 references