A model of cognitive-behavioral treatment for sexually abased children
is presented. A brief review describes tbe definition, prevalence, an
d effects of child sexual abase as well as the treatment outcome liter
ature in this field. A treatment model is presented that includes the
following therapeutic components: gradually encouraging the child to t
hink and talk about Be abuse; helping child and parent cope with emoti
ons surrounding the abase; helping parents better manage their child's
behavior; and education regarding child sexual abuse, healthy sexuali
ty, and personal safety skills. A case example is presented involving
a 10-year old girl who was sexually abused by a paternal uncle. The ca
se depicts how the child's symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depressio
n, and anxiety were successfully treated through individual sessions w
ith the child and her mother as well as joint sessions that allowed th
e mother to serve as a therapeutic resource and support for her child.
(C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.