NCJ Number
133810
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 17-36
Date Published
1992
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Following general information regarding the memory deficits, amnesia, repression, and dissociation characteristic of the traumatic stress response to incest, this article considers ways the therapist and the client can create an environment which facilitates remembering, identifies the variety of ways in which memories return, and suggests specific triggers and strategies conducive to memory retrieval.
Abstract
Focus is on the denial-numbing phase of the post-trauma response in terms of memory loss and on the repetitive phase in terms of memory retrieval as these phases are evident whether the trauma response is acute and short-term or long-term or delayed. During the denial-numbing phase of treatment, both the therapist and client can deliberately and selectively introduce triggers which include but are not limited to such associational cues as writing an autobiography, making a family genogram, constructing a lifeline, and using assessment tools such as the Dissociative Experience Scale. Cognitive-behavioral and stress/coping techniques are most effectively used during the intrusive-repetitive phase to assist the survivor in self-soothing strategies and to provide structure and perspective. Group therapy can prove beneficial if it provides the survivor with safety, support, and understanding. 1 note and 41 references