The Relational Trauma of Incest: A Family-Based Approach to Treatment

This book presents an innovative approach to navigating the painful confusions and dilemmas experienced by families in which incest has occurred. The authors show that while not all incestuously abused children experience the classic diagnostic symptoms of trauma, virtually all do experience "relational trauma" disruptions in the sense of safety, security, loyalty, and trust that may block connection and open communication with nonoffending family members. Integrating social constructionist, feminist, and systems thinking, the treatment model focuses on strengthening the child's protective relationships, mobilizing the family to help resolve the child's emotional and behavioral symptoms, and building the family's resiliency. Through rich, annotated cases, the book illustrates how to engage family members as full collaborators in treatment, thereby restoring their sense of control. The Therapist is guided in conducting individual and conjoint sessions not only with nonoffending family members, but also with the offending family member. Key clinical challenges and decision points are highlighted, and ways to resolve them effectively are described. Included are detailed recommendations on when, how, and why to involve the offending member in sessions with the child.