Group Treatment for Women Incestuously Abused as Children

Group Treatment for Women Incestuously Abused as Children

As the sexual abuse of children becomes more widely discussed, clinicians have become increasingly aware of the forgotten group of clients: the adult victim of childhood incestuous abuse. This article presents a group model useful in the treatment of these women. It outlines a time-limited, structured approach based on contextual theory. The selection of group participants is explored with an emphasis on the screening procedure that is used. A profile of the individual who most benefits from this treatment is also included. The various stages of the group are highlighted and the therapists' role during each phase is discussed. Case examples are used to illustrate many of these points.