Highlighting the importance of a 'safe place' as the foundation of the healing process for those affected by child sexual abuse, this practical book details the factors that contribute to a secure therapeutic climate where recovery can take place. The book demonstrates how therapeutic services can be improved through feedback from service users and how creative activities such as storytelling, painting and drama can encourage the expression of experiences. The need for preventative work is also addressed. Of particular relevance to professionals is the exploration of some of the difficulties that may be encountered in this field of work, such as the tension that can arise between therapeutic work and the child protection system. Contents: Foreword, by Dr Mooli Lahad 1. Developing the Service. 2. Child sexual abuse - effects on the child. 3. Child sexual abuse - effects on the family. 4. Creating the safe therapeutic space. 5. Coming through the door. 6. Helping children through pictures and models. 7. Helping children through words and drama. 8. Sharon's story: a case study. 9. Helping adults to recover and change. 10. Helping families to recover and rebuild. 11. Working towards prevention of child sexual abuse. Postscript. Appendix 1. Looking after ourselves. Appendix 2. Tensions between therapeutic work and the child protection system. Appendix 3. The risk of dependency. Appendix 4. Gender issues. Appendix 5. Evaluation. Appendix 6. The Working Agreement. Appendix 7. Information for parents or carers whose child attends The Children and Families Project. References. Index. |