Ideas for Therapy With Sexual Abuse: Invitations to Responsibility: The Therapeutic Engagement of Men Who Are Violent and Abusive

• Published in: Journal of feminist family therapy 1993-03, Vol.5 (1), p.91
• Main Author: Combrinck-Graham, Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Health; Preventive medicine; Sexuality
• ISSN: 0895-2833; 1540-4099

Finally, with the recognition and acknowledgment of the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse and their potential sequelae, we have an explanation for a range of complex symptomatology that has perplexed mental health professionals throughout history. Within the past 3 decades the diagnoses of difficult patients, mostly women, has evolved from "hysteria," to "borderline" to a more accurate understanding of what underlies and drives their challenging behaviors. Generally called "posttraumatic stress disorder," this recent formulation recognizes these individuals' efforts to cope with the challenge to survival and the definition of self posed by having been overpowered, threatened, and depersonalized, on the one hand, and on the other, not having received nurturance or investment in one's development as a healthy individual. The positive outcome of these developments has been the more accurate assessment and appropriate intervention. For a complete reprint of this article contact Haworth Press by telephone (1-800-HAWORTH) or EMail ([e-mail]). Article copyright The Haworth Press, Inc.