Narrative Approaches to Counseling Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) occurs at disturbingly high rates in our society and can leave long-term effects on its victims. Many individuals who seek psychiatric treatment have reported experiencing sexual abuse as children. This paper will discuss the effects of CSA while providing a narrative framework to counseling. It is intended to guide new counselors who may be searching for recommendations on how to counsel victims of CSA. In the context of narrative therapy, counselors and clients are encouraged to work collaboratively to help the client gain a sense of power by re-authoring their dominant story of abuse. The benefits using group therapy within the narrative framework is also discussed.