NCJ Number
168532
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 6 Issue: 3 Dated: August 1997 Pages: 219-225
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article explores the interaction of co-therapists who guide the interaction of group members who are adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Abstract
The co-working relationship is pivotal in effective group work with adult survivors of sexual abuse. It is essential that both practitioners share broadly similar theoretical allegiances, and this should be explored before the group starts. In the case study reviewed in this article, both women therapists were committed to the feminist emphasis on the empowerment of women and focused on the women's ability to influence their own lives. The essence of effective co-working is mutual support. It is important to have a routine of debriefing after harrowing group sessions. The benefits of co-working include the cross- fertilization of ideas that converge and provide balance. In the case study, a person-centered approach blended with structured exercises, and free discussion was enhanced by interjections of direct information or opinion. The co-therapists were able to share the more mundane practical tasks associated with group work. These tasks included arranging for child care, preparing the room, and organizing payment of fares. Further, the co- therapists helped each other extract learning points from the work, thus easing the task of evaluation. 3 references