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Working With Adult Incest Survivors: The Healing Journey

NCJ Number
141226
Author(s)
S Kirschner; D A Kirschner; R L Rappaport
Date Published
1993
Length
248 pages
Annotation
This model of incest survivor treatment addresses the relational dimensions of incest, thus extending the available treatment technologies for the aftereffects of incest. The model emphasizes the client/survivor-in-relationship both at the time of the incest and throughout life.
Abstract
Comprehensive Family Therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and family treatment approaches and encompasses six clearly defined stages of treatment. These stages are: individual sessions with the survivor designed to alleviate symptomology and the recovery of traumatic memories, sessions that include the partner, individual and cojoint sessions in which the survivor is empowered in her career and personal life, preparation of the survivor and partner for sessions with the family of origin, family therapy sessions in which the survivor confronts the perpetrator and other family members, and follow-up family sessions and contact by letter. A seventh stage for survivors in committed relationships focuses on couples and sex therapy. The major contributions of this model are the early involvement of the survivor's partner and children in the treatment process and the emphasis on family-of-origin work.

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