Counselling Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Identifies the healing processes vital to achieving recovery: disclosing abuse, focusing on the abuse experience and re-interpreting it from an adult perspective. These processes are discussed in conjunction with the most effective counselling interventions to facilitate resolution.

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The experience of childhood sexual abuse is a trauma that often continues to have an impact on survivors throughout their lives. The experience is prevalent in the histories of individuals who seek counselling for whatever reason. Because of the possible pervasive and long-term effects that stem from the abuse, it is important that all counsellors become adept at addressing the unique and complex needs of survivors.



The author identifies the significant healing processes - such as disclosing the abuse, reinterpreting it from an adult perspective, addressing issues related to the context of the abuse and making desired life changes - which are vital to achieve recovery. Each of these processes is discussed in conjunction with the most effective counselling interventions to facilitate resolution, and illustrated through the use of case examples. Concentrating in particular on the individual counselling relationship, but with a chapter devoted to group counselling, the book identifies the techniques applicable to both male and female survivors, and to varied types of sexual abuse.