Abuse: Questions and Answers for Counsellors and Therapists

This book explores key areas of working with adult survivors of childhood abuse that in the author's experience as a practitioner, trainer, and supervisor are frequent concerns of those working in this field. Areas covered include an exploration of theoretical approaches and their relevance, definitions of abuse, ethical issues and questions, the impact of abuse on the child and on the adult survivor, the effects of working in this field on the worker and how to respond to these. Some of the specific areas covered relate to self harm, the recovery of memories, dissociative responses, the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship and many more. Throughout the book it is recognised that the questions covered are frequently contentious and arouse strong feelings. Every attempt is made to provide a measured, careful and thorough response based on many years' experience in this area. The book is aimed at all those in the care professions and voluntary sector who work with abuse survivors. It is written accessibly and with the recognition that this important and demanding area is one that increasing numbers of counsellors and therapists, social workers, nurses and many others are dealing with on a daily basis, and that working well and safely is an enormous concern to them. This book aims to be of real assistance to those people.