NCJ Number
57659
Date Published
1977
Length
11 pages
Annotation
THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS AND SETTINGS IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILD ABUSE ARE DISCUSSED THROUGH THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCES OF A FAMILY UNDERGOING THERAPY.
Abstract
WORKING WITH ABUSIVE AT-RISK FAMILIES UNIQUELY CHALLENGES PROFESSIONALS. BY BEING AWARE OF SITUATIONS WHICH CAN BE ENCOUNTERED WORKING WITH SUCH FAMILIES, THERAPISTS CAN MAKE APPROPRIATE TREATMENT CHOICES. THEY MUST ESTABLISH WELL-STRUCTURED APPROACHES WHICH PROVIDE FIRM GUIDELINES AS TO THE TIME AND SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENCE OF THE THERAPIST. THE ROOM AND ITS ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD GIVE THE PATIENTS SPACE TO PLAY, EXPLORE, AND CONFRONT THEMSELVES. GIVING ABUSIVE PARENTS AND CHILDREN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY CAN LEAD TO A PROCESS OF GROWTH AND INTEGRATION (OF PERSONALITY) THROUGH IDENTIFICATION WITH AND TRUST OF THE THERAPIST. IN THIS STUDY, THE THERAPEUTIC SETTING WAS IN A PRESCHOOL CHILD PSYCHIATRIC CENTER IN A PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL. FAMILIES USUALLY ATTEND ONCE A WEEK FOR AN INTENSIVE THERAPEUTIC SESSION. IN ADDITION, INDIVIDUAL AND PARENT COUNSELING IS PROVIDED. OFTEN IT IS NECESSARY TO BRING IN THE PARENTS OF ABUSIVE PARENTS AS WAS THE CASE OF THE FAMILY IN THIS STUDY SINCE THESE PARENTS ARE OFTEN RELIVING THEIR OWN CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES. BY PROVIDING STRUCTURED THERAPY, ABUSIVE PARENTS CAN BE TAUGHT TO GROW INTO MORE EFFECTIVE PARENTAL ROLES AS THEY LEARN NEW WAYS OF HANDLING PRESSURE AND FRUSTRATION. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (KCP)