Treating the Sexually Abused Child: A Recursive, Multimodal Program

Abstract

This article describes a recursive, multimodal therapy approach for children who have been sexually abused by members of their family. The different therapeutic modalities (family, group, and individual) are conceived of as different "communities" that provide a variety of relationships, information, and perspectives on the incest experience. The child's involvement in these different communities allows her or him to develop a multiplicity of self-accounts. Meaning is further expanded through the recursive transfer of material across modalities. By determining the content that is discussed in any particular session, and by participating actively in decisions about transferring material across modalities, the child both develops an enhanced sense of personal agency and a connection to trustworthy family members. This approach is designed to allow each child's unique experience with incest to emerge. Clinical examples are provided, along with a description of the program that provides the setting for our multimodal approach to incest.