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June 2000Vol. 1, No. 4Group Work With Sexually Abused Children: A Practitioner's Guide

Grotsky, L., C. Camerer, and L. Damiano. Sage Publications, Inc. 2000. 313 pages. $39.95

Group therapy for sexually abused children has proven to be an effective, cost-efficient, highly rewarding, and creative treatment model. This manual has been designed as a resource for facilitators of both therapy groups and support groups. The opening chapters cover theory and literature of group work with children, setting up groups, format of group sessions, and screening group members. Suggested exercises are divided into 7 topic areas indicating treatment goals:

  • Building feelings of safety and trust
  • Building self esteem
  • Setting internal and external boundaries
  • Understanding the dynamics of abuse
  • Managing trigger responses
  • Creating healthy body image and building self-protection skills
  • Providing closure

Each session contains hints for making the exercise successful and some include sample materials written by group members. The guide concludes with sample outlines for conducting therapy and support groups for preschoolers, girls, boys, and adolescents, ranging from 8 to 15 weeks. A bibliography and contact information for each of the authors are also included.

To purchase a copy, contact:
Sage Publications, Inc.
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, California 91320
Email: order@sagepub.com

Related item

Children with Sexual Behavior Problems: Assessment and Treatment and three companion treatment manuals provide a resource for professionals who assess and treat children with sexual behavior problems. For more information, see "HHS-Funded Research on Children With Sexual Behavior Problems" in the March 2000 issue of the Children's Bureau Express.