What gets in the way of working with clients who have been sexually abused? Heuristic inquiry

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article presents the findings of a heuristic investigation of factors that may hinder therapeutic work with people who have been sexually abused. The aim of the researchers was to conduct a study by exploring therapists’ lived experience of what may get in the way of working with sexual abuse. For the purpose 8 therapists were interviewed and the collected data was analysed using Heuristic Inquiry. The heuristic inquiry was also based on one of the researchers’ personal experience. The study demonstrated that most common hindrances to working with sexually abused clients are therapists’ lack of awareness, unresolved personal conflicts or unprocessed traumatic experiences, issues around sex and sexuality, gender stereotypes, lack of experience and inadequate training and supervision. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for therapeutic work with sexually abused clients. Further research areas are suggested.