SEXUAL ABUSE SURVIVORS - IDENTIFYING SYMPTOMS AND SPECIAL TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Because of the prevalence of child sexual abuse, many adult counseling clients will have sexual abuse in their histories. Counselors should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of sexual abuse survivors to assist with disclosure. Failure to address the abuse will interfere with the success of the counseling process. Special sensitivity is required of counselors to provide a safe environment in which survivors can examine the pervasive impact of the abuse on their lives, explore and ventilate their feelings, and resolve the trauma so it ceases to block their development. An eclectic approach, including group counseling, is recommended.