Title: Bringing order to chaos. A framework for understanding and treating female sexual abuse survivors.

POPLINE Document Number: 142096

Author(s):

Stevens L

Source citation:

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, 1997 Feb;3(1):27-45.

Abstract:

This article presents a framework that can help clinicians treating survivors of sexual abuse understand the interactions among the past abuse, the survivor's present symptoms, and the treatment process. After an introduction sketching the problems faced by therapists who treat survivors of abuse, the article focuses on specific difficulties caused by the fact that therapists often exhibit a strong countertransferential response to survivors of abuse. The next section gives an overview of the framework that uses four boxes to describe effect, general symptoms, symptoms of transference, and symptoms of countertransference. This framework is then fleshed out for the following effects of sexual abuse: stigmatization, early sexualization, and lack of trust. It is concluded that the framework offers therapists a way to control the very intense feelings and dynamics that are present during sexual abuse therapy. Thus, therapists can better understand their clients' feelings and their own countertransference tendencies. This will help therapists avoid retraumatizing their clients.

Keywords:

Theoretical Studies
Case Studies
Sexual Abuse
Counseling
Treatment
Psychology
Attitude
Studies
Research Methodology
Crime
Social Problems
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Social Sciences
Psychological Factors
Behavior