Working with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

This book provides a framework for addressing the extended treatment needs of adult survivors of child sexual abuse. It is based on a therapeutic intervention model that provides flexibility for therapists to work according to their training and skills set while incorporating practical techniques structured around the needs of survivors. The book begins by providing therapists with crucial information about sex abuse survivors—such as ethical considerations, types of abuse, the stages of abuse, and the effects of the abuse on the child—as well as a method useful in the putting together of an abuse profile which ultimately assists in identifying treatment needs. The second part of the book provides client homework exercises for treatment and covers working with memories; denial; problematic emotions such as guilt, self-blame, and shame; depression and anxiety; sexuality; as well as parents, partners, and more. This accessible yet comprehensive guide will be of utmost use to mental health professionals who work with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Table of Contents:
Part I Contextualization: Defining Child Sexual Abuse, Developing the Therapeutic Intervention, Assessing Treatment Needs 1. Child Sexual Abuse 2. Therapeutic Intervention Model 3. Assessing Treatment Needs Part II Implementing the Therapeutic Intervention Model 4. Initial Stages of the Therapeutic Intervention Model 5. Working with Memories and Denial 6. Working with Stage of Sexual Abuse 7. Working with Prominent Problematic Emotions 8. Working with Life Areas Affected 9. Working with Complicated Life Roles 10. Working with Integration and Termination

About the Author :
Liezel Anguelova, PhD, is a counseling psychologist in private practice who specializes in working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Review :
"The devastating aftermath of childhood sexual abuse can influence the careers, the relationships, the way they parent as well as the general well-being of survivors during adulthood. Facilitating the healing and post-traumatic growth of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse can be deeply meaningful to therapists. Dr. Liezel Anguelova is a deeply compassionate therapist, and this book is based on thorough research. The content of this book will empower and enhance the practice of every health care professional working in this field. I proudly endorse this book and recommend it to both beginner and experienced therapists." —Gertie (HG) Pretorius, visiting professor at University of Johannesburg specialising in gender-based violence research, counseling psychologist in private practice "This book is a much-needed and timely resource for professionals who are engaged in treating and supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It provides extensive guidelines for interventions tailored to the unique needs of individual clients. Covering a broad range of techniques within a clear conceptual model, this comprehensive work will be welcomed by therapists as well as by supervisors and therapists-in-training." —Tharina Guse, associate professor and counseling psychologist, Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg