Cognitive-Behavioral Group Treatment for a Sexually Abused Child and a Nonoffending Caregiver: Case Study and Discussion

Authors

Grace S. Hubel, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rosalita C. Maldonado, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Poonam Tavkar, University of Tennessee
David J. Hansen, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mary Fran Flood, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

10-2011

Citation

Clinical Case Studies 10:5 (October 2011), pp. 360–375.

doi: 10.1177/1534650111422376

Comments

Copyright © 2011 Grace S. Hubel, Rosalita C. Maldonado, Poonam Tavkar, David J. Hansen, and Mary Fran Flood. Published by SAGE. Used by permission.

Abstract

This study presents the case of 11-year-old Amanda and her mother (Ms. Jones) who completed Project SAFE (Sexual Abuse Family Education), a manualized group treatment for sexually abused children and their nonoffending caregivers. Amanda experienced sexual abuse by her stepfather on multiple occasions over a 4-year period. Prior to treatment, Amanda reported symptoms of anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and fear related to victimization. Ms. Jones also reported clinically significant internalizing problems for Amanda. Ms. Jones presented with stress related to parenting as well as depression and anxiety. Both Amanda and Ms. Jones completed the entire 12-session protocol. Amanda and Ms. Jones’s progress throughout treatment are described, along with implications of the case and recommendations for clinicians and students. Results support the efficacy of the group modality, the importance of including nonoffending caregivers, and the necessity of broad treatment strategies when treating children who have experienced sexual abuse.