EXPLOITING DAILY EVENTS TO HEAL THE PAIN OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Abstract: Research and clinical experience indicate that the effects of sexual abuse can be both profound and long-term, sometimes affecting the quality of life for the victim/survivor forever. While the therapeutic benefits of traditional clinical interventions are well documented, it is important that direct caregivers also recognize that they have much to offer child victims in terms of supportive and healing relationships and interventions. Using the Redl model of life-space interventions, the author details specific areas of trauma that can be positively influenced by conscious, intentional, therapeutic day-to-day interactions and interventions by adults in the child/youth’s immediate environment. These potential healing agents include: child/youth care workers; support staff; foster parents; school personnel; volunteers; and family members. There are a variety of interventions that can be provided by a variety of people in different helping positions that can be effective in providing comfort, soothing, new learning and eventual healing for the wounds of abuse. Therapists, direct service Child/Youth Care Workers, Recreational Workers, Foster Parents, Cooks, Maintenance Personnel, and Volunteers each have something significant to contribute to the successful adaptation to life for hurt and hurting children and youth. No contribution is to be seen as “better”, or more useful. Working as a team, each member committed to the growth and healing of our wounded young people, can strive together to fill the gaps of love and care, reverse the trauma of betrayal, and teach effective coping skills which will enable a successful and fulfilling life as those we care for move from victim, to survivor, to victor. Fritz Redl, a pioneer in the elevation of para-professional roles to that of critical importance in the therapeutic life of children, initially coined th