Citation

Gonzalez C. J. Child Sex. Abus. 2017; 26(7): 785-805.

Affiliation

Parenting and Family Support Centre, School of Psychology , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10538712.2017.1354954

PMID

28873043

Abstract

In recent times, strengths-based recovery approaches that focus on the present and build strategies that look toward the future have become popular. However, some cases require the consideration of experiences from previous stages of the clients' development. This single-case study explores the psychotherapeutic process of a middle-aged woman who presented with a history of child sexual abuse (incest) and a long-term adult diagnosis of depression that was treated in public health services. This psychotherapy involved an integrative approach to solution-focused therapy; specifically, the approach proposed by Yvonne Dolan to work with adult survivors of sexual abuse, in conjunction with techniques and strategies from the transtheoretical model. Measures incorporating therapeutic working alliance and outcomes were administered over sessions.

RESULTS showed positive outcomes from this therapeutic intervention, which remained at 3-month and 12-month follow-ups. Implications for practitioners' specialist practice in health services are discussed, given the complexity of comorbid mental health conditions with a history of child sexual abuse.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult psychotherapy; child sexual abuse; depression; incest survivor; posttraumatic stress disorder; solution-focused therapy