Goal-oriented Group Treatment for Sexually Abused Adolescent Girls

Abstract

This paper reports on goal-oriented group treatment for adolescent girls who have been sexually abused within the family. The treatment approach on which the therapeutic work was based and the treatment programme are described briefly. The group treatment was seen as part of a family approach to child sexual abuse in the family. The membership and structure of the group and the aims of treatment are described. Some characteristics of the specific group processes are detailed and illustrated by clinical examples. Clinical results on outcome and results from an independent follow-up study are described, and some relevant clinical issues are discussed.