Therapy for Child Sexual Abuse: Women Talk About Helpful and Unhelpful Therapy Experiences

• NCJ Number: 217332
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 35-59
• Author(s): Kim McGregor; David R. Thomas; John Read
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 25 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study used personal interviews with 20 women who had histories of child sexual abuse (CSA) to probe what was helpful and unhelpful to them in therapy.

Abstract

Results indicated that the most helpful aspects in the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between therapists and clients included: (1) offering information about the process of therapy; (2) experiencing a sense of equality in the therapeutic relationship; (3) experiencing rapport and being listened to; and (4) experiencing effective assessments. In terms of talking about their experiences of CSA and its impacts, participants reported that it was helpful when therapists: (1) were knowledgeable about abuse-focused therapy; (2) were able to normalize the effects of CSA; (3) were able to listen to accounts of CSA; and (4) provided client-directed therapy. Participants also identified the main errors made during therapy, which included: (1) therapists exaggerating their objectivity; (2) therapists being passive; (3) therapists misunderstanding their meaning; and (4) therapists being angry. Based on these findings, the authors offer five recommendations for therapists working with CSA survivors: (1) provide information about therapy at the beginning of the relationship; (2) consult clients regarding the structure, pace, and focus of therapy; (3) seek training to be able to listen to experiences of CSA and to assess and address the effects of CSA; (4) listening to and normalizing CSA experiences and effects can be effective; and (5) be aware of distancing and intrusion errors. Participants of the study were 20 women with histories of CSA who were recruited via newspaper articles, television interviews with the primary researcher, and pamphlets distributed to a wide range of community agencies in New Zealand. Interviews took place between February and April 2001 and focused on participants’ therapy experiences in three main areas: (1) establishing a therapeutic relationship; (2) talking about experiences and effects of CSA; and (3) dealing with errors in therapy. Interviews were transcribed and coded according to emerging themes using two coding methods: open coding and axial coding. References