While psychotherapy is an individual process, there are certain overall themes that recur in treating and working with sexually abused adolescents. Such themes include: the extent of the abuse is rarely fully revealed initially and it may take many months to come to the fore; the anger and confusion around the victimization is first directed at the perpetrator, then those who could have or should have protected the victim, and finally at the victim herself—this phase is critical due to the increased risk of self harm at this time; and the various and very intense emotions that will occur throughout the treatment such as disgust, anger, and, usually at a later date, the excitement and pleasure involved in the experience. This CCB discusses these predominant themes in treatment, the impact of abuse on the developmental tasks of adolescence, and pitfalls in treatment. Participants are strongly encouraged to present their own cases and issues in doing this work.
Thursday, October 28, 2010: 7:00 AM-8:30 AM