Citation

Gardner F. Br. J. Psychother. 1990; 6(3): 285-294.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1752-0118.1990.tb01288.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper explores issues raised in psychotherapeutic work with adult survivors of child sexual abuse. An analysis is made of the long-term psychological effects of the trauma and the psychic dilemma as experienced by the patient. Four themes relevant to the therapist are explored: the problems raised by the seduction theory, the dangers of interpreting the patient's experience as fantasy, the potential abuse of power and control, and the implications of the gender of the therapist.