The therapeutic roller coaster : dilemmas in the treatment of childhood abuse survivors

J A Chu
1992 Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research  
Survivors of severe childhood abuse often encounter profound difficulties. In addition to posttraumatic and dissociative symptomatology, abuse survivors frequently have characterologic problems, particularly regarding self-care and maintaining relationships. Backgrounds of abuse, abandonment, and betrayal are often recapitulated and reenacted in therapy, making the therapeutic experience arduous and confusing for therapists and patients. Efforts must be directed at building an adequate
more » ... rapeutic foundation before undertaking exploration and abreaction of past traumatic experiences. This discussion sets out a model for treatment of childhood abuse survivors, describing stages of treatment and suggesting interventions. Common treatment dilemmas or "traps" are discussed, with recommendations for their resolution.
pmid:22700116 pmcid:PMC3330302 fatcat:5hu7mmr4rbathajufjzmfq2z5y