Liezel Anguelova - Working with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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Working with Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

This book provides a framework for addressing the extended treatment needs of adult survivors of child sexual abuse. It is based on a therapeutic intervention model that provides flexibility for therapists to work according to their training and skills set while incorporating practical techniques structured around the needs of survivors. The book begins by providing therapists with crucial information about sexual abuse survivorssuch as ethical considerations, types of abuse, the stages of abuse, and the effects of sexual abuse on the child and adult survivoras well as how to put together an abuse profile that assists in identifying treatment needs. The second part of the book provides client worksheets for treatment and covers working with memories and denial; problematic emotions such as guilt, self-blame, and shame; anger, depression, and anxiety; mental health; sexuality; and complicated life roles such as parental and partner roles. This accessible yet comprehensive guide will be of utmost use to mental health professionals who work with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Liezel Anguelova, PhD , is a counseling psychologist in private practice who specializes in working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Working with Adult Survivors
of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Liezel Anguelova

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First published 2018
by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN

Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business

2018 Taylor & Francis

The right of Liezel Anguelova to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
A catalog record for this title has been requested

ISBN: 978-1-138-62881-6 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-138-62884-7 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-21060-5 (ebk)

Typeset in Garamond MT & Futura BT
by Swales & Willis Ltd, Exeter, Devon, UK

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D EDICATION

This book is dedicated in respect and honour to the survivors who have worked through pain and tears to become thrivers. Your courage has made this possible.

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FIGURES

TABLES

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This deeply helpful book on the dynamics of sexual abuse and the treatment of adult survivors of sexual abuse is an attempt of the author to step into the space of people who dearly need the support and guidance of professionals who care for people in pain and discomfort. The decision to take on cases that professionals typically avoid or ignore is not only the correct way to go, but also an engagement with marginalized, disparaged people who have to face nearly impossible problems they present and must endure. The decision to write this book is not simply about values and temperament, but rather the pragmatics of knowing and a way for professionals in the field of sexual abuse to test themselves and their methods and vehicles of change and healing. This book has the potential to touch the lives of adult survivors of sexual abuse in such a way that it will contribute to wholeness in their lives. It may touch that part in their lives that have been walled off and silenced for many years. Some of them will even gain power to speak the words that they were unable to utter for so many years.

Professionals are often stunned by the number of people who have been sexually abused. Although one becomes, every time, deeply moved by the anguish adult survivors of sexual abuse had to endure, one becomes equally impressed by their integrity, their ability to love and their strength to survive. Everyone who supports these people needs brave and detailed books, like this one a book that will allow them to walk the walk, provide expert guidance, convey reassurance and form partnerships with the survivor to be healed and to face the world with new hope and dedication to take up self-nurturing.

This book has the potential to offer tools to the professional to support the healing journey of the adult survivor who will experience hope and miracles along the healing way. Healing is an ongoing process filled with many challenges and no finish line as the joy of healing will never stop after it has started in the life of the adult survivor. But it is more than that, it is a steady source of inspiration that can teach professionals to take on something so hurtful and help to turn it around.

Professor Vollie Spies

August 2017

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If it was at all possible for me to thank everyone that has contributed, supervised, participated in research, supported and encouraged me during this journey, which started in 2008 with my doctoral study, I would have to write another book.

A special thank you, to my family who have been in this together with me from the start to the finish line. Roumen, Marli, Stefan, Mom and Dad you have been a pillar of strength and enrichment. To my brother Carel and his family for constant support.

To all my mentors, friends and colleagues for guidance and inspiration.

Thank you!

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This book essentially contains a therapeutic intervention model to assist professionals working with survivors of child sexual abuse. The book provides resources and guidelines to be used by therapists to construct therapy plans taking into account the specific treatment needs and circumstances of each survivor. Below is a flowchart indicating how the book can be utilized.

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form Part I and are theory based. They include the definition of child sexual abuse, the therapeutic intervention model and the assessment of treatment needs.

. The second part of these chapters containing the therapeutic session structure (TSS) is explicated and tabularized in step form. The worksheets used as part of the TSS will be included in the final section of each chapter.

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Child sexual abuse (CSA) has been extensively researched and written about. It remains, unfortunately, to be a continuing reality, taking many victims, with devastating and often life-long debilitating consequences. Therefore continual progressive research on CSA is vital. Ongoing research plays an important role in assisting professionals working with victims and survivors of CSA to advance their therapeutic practice. Professionals should be knowledgeable about the complexity and controversy surrounding CSA. Knowledge about types of sexual abuse, including different definitions, the impact on the developing child, the effect on adult functioning and different therapeutic approaches effective in the healing process of the victims of sexual abuse should be continuously updated by topic specific research. For the purpose of creating a holistic picture of CSA, research from as far as two decades ago and current research will be integrated.