A long-term grief counseling group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse

The purpose of this project was to propose a long-term, theoretically sound and research supported person-centered grief counseling group for adult women who were sexually abused as children. A review of the literature indicated that child abuse survivors can benefit from supportive group counseling; sharing a context of common experience seems to aid in their healing process. The proposed program recognizes the need to provide women who were abused with a trusting, social environment that helps to remove the secrecy and isolation, decrease the feelings of shame and self-blame, and increase self-esteem and self-worth. The integration of a nondirective approach with grief counseling creates a more comprehensive approach in which to support the development of social skills and healthy and trusting relationships. The group is structured for survivors to share their experiences, heal from their traumas, and find the tools to move forward into happier, healthier, and better functioning lives.

Dissertation/Thesis

English

Abbie Cohen

Cohen, A. (2012, May). A long-term grief counseling group for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Available from Proquest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI. No. 1514521)