Working with the sexually abused child: The use of non-directive play therapy and family therapy

Abstract

Summary The experience of being sexually abused is always emotionally damaging for the child victim, and if not addressed therapeutically may result in long-term mental health problems. The paper argues that family therapy may be insufficient to address the needs of the child, and that because of the nature of the impact of sexual abuse in most instances individual therapy should be the preferred approach. The circumstances in which family therapy may be indicated are considered, together with the limitations of this therapeutic approach. The nature of the impact of child sexual abuse is explained using a framework of mental development derived from Piaget, and it is argued that a method of individual therapy which addresses the experience at different levels should be selected. Reasons for using one form of individual therapy, that of non-directive play therapy, are presented.