This article explores the process of recovering from sexual abuse according to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused and have successfully completed psychotherapy. In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 20 participants from 8 to 18 years of age and then subject to narrative analysis. Results show that participants' narratives of recovery involve an improvement of psychological well-being. Moreover, they feel better equipped to overcome future challenges, feeling empowered and able to retake control of their lives. Factors that support and inhibit recovery are examined, as are developmental differences. Discussion underlines the valuable role of psychotherapy in helping children and adolescents in their healing process, changing the meaning of the abusive experience, and developing new capacities.

Introduction: In the field of child psychotherapy research it is common to evaluate psychotherapeutic change through the perspective of adults, such as the child’s parents or designated therapist. Research that actively includes children’s perspectives of psychotherapy generally turn to verbal methods of gathering information, such as interviews. It is important, however, to take into account non-verbal resources that better facilitate expression among children. Aim: This article explores the use of drawings in order to better understand how children view psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic change. It aims to contribute to child and adolescent psychotherapy research by proposing a new methodology. Method: This study presents a single case analysis of the “before and after psychotherapy” drawing of an eight year-old boy who was sexually abused and successfully completed the psychotherapeutic process due to this experience. Data collection methods include soliciting a drawing and carrying out an in-depth interview, both of which were examined using thematic and visual narrative analysis. Results: Participant drawing provided crucial insight into the psychotherapy process, such as perceived changes in emotional states and personal growth and empowerment, all of which allowed the child to make sense of the abusive experience. Meanings that emerged when analyzing the drawing complement verbal narratives. Discussion: The implications of these results are discussed, highlighting the importance of non-traditional research methodologies that are sensitive to children’s developmental needs. Methodologies that consider the developmental characteristics of children allow them to express themselves fully, articulate their narratives and voices, and allow us to reach an understanding of their meanings of their psychotherapeutic processes.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir las narrativas de padres y figuras parentales en torno al proceso de superación de las agresiones sexuales vivenciado por sus hijos (víctimas directas) y por sí mismos (víctimas indirectas). Se utilizó el análisis narrativo de entrevistas en profundidad realizadas a una muestra intencionada de 18 padres y/o figuras parentales de niños/as y adolescentes, luego del alta de su proceso terapéutico por agresiones sexuales en 3 centros especializados en Santiago, Chile. Los resultados del estudio permiten visualizar la vivencia y significados asociados a la superación según la perspectiva de los participantes, así como los elementos que la favorecen, estableciendo, al mismo tiempo, las similitudes y diferencias que observan entre su propia experiencia de superación y la de sus hijos/as. Además, dan cuenta de la manera interrelacionada y conjunta en que este proceso se desarrolla en padres e hijos. Junto con ampliar el conocimiento teórico relativo al fenómeno de la superación, los resultados permiten relevar la importancia de ampliar los espacios terapéuticos disponibles actualmente en Chile para los padres de quienes han sido víctimas directas.

Resumen: Este estudio se realiza en el marco de un proyecto de investigación mayor, que estudia cómo se producen los procesos de superación de la experiencia de agresión sexual, tanto para niños(as) y adolescentes, así como para sus adultos responsables y terapeutas. El presente artículo da cuenta de los resultados de los aspectos legales que favorecen y dificultan la superación, incorporando las miradas de niños(as), adolescentes y sus adultos a cargo. La investigación utiliza metodología cualitativa, realizándose entrevistas en profundidad a 27 niños, niñas y adolescentes que culminaron de manera exitosa su proceso terapéu-tico debido a una situación de agresión sexual y a 18 de sus padres o adultos a cargo. Los principales resultados aluden a que ambos grupos coinciden en visualizar el actuar del sistema judicial como obstaculizador de sus procesos de superación, realizándose distinciones solo en los casos en los cuales los resultados de estas acciones culminan con la condena del agresor, lo que es visualizado positivamente, como protector. Se discuten las implicancias prácticas para el sistema judicial y para las intervenciones psicosociales en estos casos. Abstract:This study was developed in the context of a larger research project, which examines the healing process of children and adolescent victims of sexual abuse, as well as their caregivers and psychotherapists. This research shows the results related to legal aspects that favour and hinder the healing process from sexual abuse, considering the opinion of children, adolescents and their caregivers. This study uses a qualitative methodology. Indepth interviews were carried out with 27 children and adolescents who successfully completed the treatment program, 18 of their parents or caregivers were also interviewed. The main results indicate that both groups, children and parents, consider the justice system as the main obstacle in the healing process, except in those cases where the offender is convicted which is positively visualized by the participants as an act of protection. Practical implications for the justice system and psychosocial interventions are discussed.Palabras clave: abuso sexual, reparación, proceso judicial, juicio, víctimas.

The purpose of this study is to understand how psychotherapists perceive the process of change in psychotherapy in children and/or adolescents who have been victims of sexual abuse and the influence therapeutic alliance has on this treatment. A qualitative research study was carried out through 24 in-depth interviews with psychologists, analysed from a narrative analysis framework. The results of this study highlight that the change in psychotherapy is gradual and progressive and develops in different stages: an initial one of connection with the therapeutic space, an intermediate stage of giving new meanings to their abusive experience and a final stage consolidating the changes. In each of these stages, the therapeutic alliance influences in different ways; it is essential in the process of psychotherapeutic change. The implications of these findings for child and adolescent clinical work are stressed by highlighting therapists’ narratives.

Adolescent sexual abuse is a pressing social issue worldwide, specifically for institutionalized population that lack access to alternative care such as family-based options. This study examines narratives associated with healing from sexual abuse among teenagers in long-term residential care programs who have successfully completed specialized psychotherapy. Using a qualitative research methodology and multiple case analysis, in-depth interviews were conducted with five adolescents and then analyzed using thematic narrative analysis. Results show two different narrative positions regarding the meanings of healing after an experience of sexual abuse: narratives of healing and in complete healing. In addition, factors that influence the healing process are observed, of which psychotherapy and therapeutic relationships are key. Study participants’ own voices show the possibilities for generating recovery narratives among adolescents in residential care who have been sexually assaulted, highlighting aspects of therapeutic intervention that may better orientate psychotherapy for this specific group.

Introduction: Change in psychotherapy research in cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) has mainly emerged from a symptomatologic view, which needs to be complemented by a subjective perspective of change. Thus, this article aim is to describe different outcomes and stages of change during psychotherapy in children and adolescents who have been sexually abused, from the subjective perspectives of those involved in the process. Methods: A longitudinal qualitative study was developed. Qualitative interviews were conducted at different moments of the psychotherapeutic process (at around 6 months of therapy, 12 months and at the end of therapy) with 28 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17, with their caregivers and therapists. All children and adolescents attended and then completed psychotherapy due to sexual abuse in natural settings, in public specialized centres in Santiago, Chile. Sexual abuse occurred mainly in an intrafamilial context or by acquaintances. Data analysis was conducted using narrative analysis. Results: Three stages of therapy were identified: (1) settling into therapy, (2) approaching CSA and (3) healing from abuse. Three different outcomes of psychotherapeutic change were also identified: (1) protective and psychosocial changes, (2) changes related to diminishing the effects of abuse and (3) changes related to healing from abuse. Psychosocial characteristics of the cases and features of the therapeutic process are described in each group. Discussion: The outcomes of change and the stages of therapy are interrelated in a dynamic and gradual process where change is linked with the case’s psychosocial characteristics and the features of the therapeutic process. Results allowed the authors to situate the voices of the participants within a proposed model of psychotherapeutic change for CSA, with clinical practical implications.

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir los mensajes que niñas, niños y adolescentes entregan a otros pares y psicoterapeutas acerca de la psicoterapia y el proceso de superación de las agresiones sexuales que han experimentado. Para ello se utilizó el análisis narrativo temático de las entrevistas realizadas a una muestra intencionada de 15 participantes, todos entre 7 a 17 años, que habían egresado de sus procesos psicoterapéuticos por agresiones sexuales en 6 centros especializados en Santiago, Chile. Los resultados destacan la visión de niños, niñas y adolescentes acerca de la superación de la agresión sexual, la valoración de la psicoterapia como un principal factor de apoyo en este proceso y la posición y esfuerzos personales que ellos y los psicoterapeutas necesitan para enfrentarlo. Se discute el aporte de los resultados para el quehacer clínico al favorecer que los psicoterapeutas puedan visualizar el impacto positivo que tiene su labor, entregando un suministro afectivo y emocional que permita equilibrar los efectos adversos del trabajo y aumentar su satisfacción laboral. Por otro lado, se destaca la posibilidad que trasmitir mensajes a otros sea una forma de apoyar la superación, pues permite un posicionamiento de agente en relación a la experiencia abusiva sufrida, relevándose la importancia de rescatar las voces de aquellos que han sido víctimas, enfatizando su agencia personal, más allá de la vulneración.