Children who are sexually abused undergo various experiences that harm them physically, emotionally and mentally. Physical impacts include bodily harm and injuries resulting from the abuse incident while emotional impacts include the mixed thoughts and feelings associated with fear, anger, guilt, sadness, hostility and shame. When left untreated, these effects can negatively affect a child in the long-term. Group therapy can be an effective way of facilitating healing after sexual abuse. Subsequently, the group therapy should create an environment in which children can address their issues and develop healthy relationships.
Rationale
Sexually abused children undergo various experiences that affect …show more content…
Screening helps to determine the children to consider for group counseling and when they are ready for therapy. Children who are ready to interact with others in group counseling tend to be playful, talk and spend time with other. On the other hand, children who are not ready for group therapy includes those that are shy, withdrawn and still traumatized. All the children in the group should be girls aged between 8 and 12 years and should be victims of sexual abuse by a family member.
The group will consist of 5 to 10 members who will be meeting for 45 minutes twice every week. Once the children meet these qualifications, it would be necessary to obtain a legal consent from the parents or guardians. The therapy sessions will take place in a playroom and open playground that allow various activities to take place. The space will hold therapeutic toys and play activities, art, pictures, water fountain, small garden, and other therapeutic features. The whole therapy program will involve 8 sessions that will run for two …show more content…
The children should be able to express themselves and openly share their experiences and problems. This implies that every child should be able to play, talk and interact with other children and the therapist. In addition, each child should understand physical and personal boundaries and how to respect them. Besides, each child should demonstrate self-esteem by being able to write about what makes him or her happy, safe people, safe places and positive memories. The group therapy program will be successful if all the group participants are able to consider themselves as part of the solution to their problems and realize the importance of adults in solving personal problems (Corey M, Corey G, & Corey C,