NCJ Number
161798
Date Published
1996
Length
381 pages
Annotation
Designed for use in conjunction with traditional therapeutic interventions for abused children, this book guides the therapist from establishing a therapeutic rapport to helping abused children explore the trauma, repair their sense of self, and become future-oriented.
Abstract
The first chapter is a brief review of child sexual development and how this is disrupted by trauma. This includes an explanation of normal sexual development and the identification of signs of abnormal sexual behaviors. The authors use a therapeutic framework based on abuse-focused psychotherapy to address all aspects of child maltreatment. Under this approach, the child's work is to gain the courage to go back to the frightening thoughts and images of the trauma and explore them in a safer environment where there is a better sense of control. The child must then gain the skills necessary to cope with what may be viewed as a frightening world in which to grow up as a healthier adult. The therapist's job is to create an environment in which the child can do this work in a safe, nurturing, and protective settings. The core of the book presents a four-stage approach to recovery for children ages 6 to 12. In phase one, the activities are designed to be less threatening and to encourage the child to begin building therapeutic rapport, identifying feelings, and exploring boundaries without focusing on the trauma. The second phase of recovery is the exploration of various aspects of the trauma; this is the abuse-focused aspect of treatment. The third phase involves repairing the sense of self. This includes processing various aspects associated with guilt and shame stemming from the trauma and developing appropriate skills to cope with ongoing feelings. The final phase assists the child in becoming more future-oriented. An activity book that accompanies the main text helps children to proceed emotionally and cognitively through the treatment steps. 54 references and a subject index