Treatment of Incest Families with the Father Temporarily Removed: A Structural Approach

Treatment of Incest Families with the Father Temporarily Removed: A Structural Approach

This paper presents theoretical and practical perspectives on our work with father-daughter incest when the father has been temporarily removed from the home. It begins with a discussion of three pivotal issues in incest treatment – the definition of the problem, the role of the larger system, and the potential for doubt and deception – and the authors’ position on these. Implications of the father's removal, and subsequent return, for the family system and for treatment are presented. Phases of treatment, from initial interventions to termination are outlined, with an examination of the goals and therapist's behavior at each stage.