What Treatment Works for Victims of Sex Abuse?

This question from my perspective,as a psychologist treating hundreds of victims and also a victim myself of sex abuse is a rather trite answer. Anything, and everything within the comfort of the identified patient and with the ethical guidelines of treatment.

Strict, regimented treatment outlines are like fingernails on a blackboard for me. Many psychologists need to do research and measure outcomes,benefits,and failures. How can that be useful when there are so many variables? These variables to name a few are, the patients intelligence level, age of being abused, duration of abuse, relationship to the perpetrator, coping mechanisms,openness to treatment, peer support and the individuals motivation to seek treatment.

I have found that group work with other victims of abuse is very effective. It needs to be carefully timed, and vigilance to when the patient is ready is of the utmost importance.

Life presents many options and choices, we should not be closed minded to different treatment alternatives when it comes to healing the wounded soul. At the same time there are charlatan’s out there that claim resolution for a price. Beware that in any profession there are individuals with little integrity, I am sad to say.

Treatment for victims of abuse needs to be eclectic. The patient should be open as well as the therapist,to all perspectives of treatment. We do know that strict paradigms, such as psychoanalysis in it’s purest form is one of the least effective means of treatment for abuse. Cognitive-behavioral,hypnosis, re-framing,and spirituality plays role. A caring ,supportive therapist who also can hold the patient accountable is crucial. Not the superficial plastic personality of, “how does that make you feel” stereotype. The therapist needs to be REAL!  Be with the patient one hundred percent. Allow them to move at their own pace with timed confrontation. Do not drag them through years of therapy. I always tell my patients, that if there is no progress in five -six months, then I am doing something wrong or the patient is not working hard enough the other six days of the week.  I am not a believer in milking therapy sessions, and have learned more form my patients then I have ever learned from any text. Set goals with the patient, obtainable goals. They will see the progress and feel empowered to continue.

Victims of abuse need support, and a caring environment with true dedication from the therapist. The rewards are many for both therapist and patient. Treating patients is a privilege and with that attitude we can make a difference.

How Above His Shoulers will Help:

In writing the book I explain my traditional treatment as well as non-traditional treatment. I have learned as a victim and a psychologist that all types of treatment modalities have merit. We should always be open and not closed-minded to a variety of options. I believe we all have an inherent want to improve and find a path of health. I try to give the reader my re-framing of life and life trauma. Hope is a perspective, that all have the ability to see. We have to want to see it and strive to find it.

Become a fan on facebook. See the photographs of the actual oak tree and the authors home, as well as a sneak peak at the new book. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Above-His-Shoulders/274131107309?ref=nf