Counselling Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

"There has been a large increase in awareness, knowledge and understanding of the issues that permeate childhood sexual abuse (CSA), both within the counselling field and the public. Much of this is down to the work of researchers and writers, such as Christiane. who strive to bring together and report into the public domain what life is, like, long term, for a survivor of CSA and the issues they have.

This book successfully juxtaposes data, current and previous research, and a comprehensive range of theory, providing the reader with a wealth of information and practical strategies that can be employed to best effect when working with CSA.
It frequently utilises case material from survivors, whose stories serve not only to complement research papers and theoretical aspects of counselling, such as erotic transference, but also to bring to life for the reader the impact CSA has on their lives. I particularly liked the section that looks at the effect such work has on the counsellor, the professional issues the counsellor needs to be mindful of. and the need for self care. Something we tell our clients to do, but often fail to heed.
There is much new material in this updated edition, such as in-depth chapters on self-harming behaviour, memory, sexuality and many more -- all serving to provide the reader with a book. that, despite the subject matter, is easy to read, follow and understand.
In my opinion this book will be of great value to those already working with CSA survivors and essential for those who are considering such work.

Reviewed by Harry Stoyles
Counsellor. Bradford Cancer Support Centre. private counsellor and school counsellor.
"
~ Written on 2007-03-12

"Impact and effects
Counselling Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (3rd edn)
CHRISTIANE SANDERSON
LONDON: JESSICA KINGSLEY: 2006; Ps £25.00 (ISBN 978 1 853 10 335

REVIEWED BY Miriam Landor
THE third edition of this helpful book is shaped by current research and the author's clinical experience and links current knowledge in
child sexual abuse (CSA) with its impact and long-term effects. The aim is to explore
how clinicians can best work with presenting symptoms. The key message is that
CSA and its impact will vary enormously between
individuals. and that each experience is unique. There is a wide range of CSA acts. and
the child's age and temperament,the relationship of the child to the abuser and the quality of the child's other interpersonal relationships will contribute to how CSA is experienced and processed and to what meaning is attributed.
There are therefore many different long-term effects of CSA some of which may contrast sharply with others. The author warns against making premature assumptions which could contaminate the survivor's material. Counsellors should develop a good understanding of recurring
themes whilst retaining the sense of each individual's experience.
The first four chapters of the book deal with general understanding of CSA and its impact and long-term effects,and of adult survivors and how
to work with them. Different therapeutic models are discussed, with a clear emphasis on the importance of communication and empathic
attunement. There follow chapters on key specific issues surrounding CSA - trauma, dissociation, memory. self-harm, the shattered self, shame and sexuality. Finally there is a
chapter on professional issues. There is a great deal to take in, as the book has over 400
pages, but the effort is well worthwhile.

Miriam Landor is an
educational psychologist.
"
~ Written on 2007-01-21