A play-based treatment paradigm for nonoffending caretakers: Evidence-informed secondary trauma treatment.

Abstract

Despite the growing clinical literature aimed at assisting children affected by potentially traumatizing events, little exists about individual treatment for nonoffending parents. Nonoffending parents' reactions to their children's traumatic events can be extensive and long-lasting and frequently include complex feelings about themselves, their children, the offender, and the judicial system. Furthermore, these feelings and reactions can impact their children's own healing. This article aims to provide an individual play therapy treatment paradigm designed for nonoffending parents. Additionally, this article will describe posttraumatic reactions of nonoffending parents and their effects on traumatized children.

Quand l’enfant révèle un abus sexuel : le vécu du couple, ses fonctions et conséquences

“…En effet, peu de place est faite à la souffrance parentale et conjugale dans les dispositifs en place actuellement autour de l'abus sexuel chez l'enfant. Myrick et Green [17] mettent en évidence que les parents d'enfants victimes sont aussi traumatisés, bien qu'ils minimisent les faits pour avant tout protéger les enfants. Il apparaît comme évident pour eux de faire passer la protection et le bien-être de l'enfant avant tout, en laissant ainsi, le couple de côté.…”

“…Kilroy et al [12] ajoutent que les parents évitent les moments d'intimité car cela fait référence à l'abus, ils marquent une distance émotionnelle. Une étude de Myrick et Green [17] avance les mêmes conclusions en ajoutant que les parents d'enfants victimes sont aussi traumatisés, bien qu'ils minimisent les faits, tout comme les professionnels, pour aider l'enfant avant tout.…”

Structured Therapeutic Games for Nonoffending Caregivers of Children Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse

“…The psychological barriers to caregiver involvement in treatment for CSA can be a result of a host of factors including feelings of guilt, concerns about judgment, worries about being emotionally overwhelmed, and fears about the therapeutic process itself (Myrick & Green, 2013). Clinicians can effectively get caregivers involved and invested in the therapeutic process by enhancing treatment by addressing concerns through the use of palatable and engaging therapeutic methods.…”

“…With caregiver treatment involvement, children are likely to feel a greater sense of support, are more likely to utilize therapeutic interventions at home, and caregivers are more likely to value the therapeutic process, prioritizing it over other competing activities (Bratton, Ceballos, Landreth, & Costas, 2011). Caregiver involvement is especially paramount for the treatment of child sexual abuse (CSA), because of which children's trust in others has been violated and sense of security has been shaken (Myrick & Green, 2013). Furthermore, the negative impact of abuse often extends beyond the child to the entire family, impairing caregivers' ability to function and be emotionally available for their children (Alisic, Boeije, Jongmans, & Kieber, 2012;Myrick & Green, 2013).…”

“…Caregiver involvement is especially paramount for the treatment of child sexual abuse (CSA), because of which children's trust in others has been violated and sense of security has been shaken (Myrick & Green, 2013). Furthermore, the negative impact of abuse often extends beyond the child to the entire family, impairing caregivers' ability to function and be emotionally available for their children (Alisic, Boeije, Jongmans, & Kieber, 2012;Myrick & Green, 2013). Moreover, the literature has shown that caregiver involvement and engagement in treatment is related to better treatment outcomes (Dowell & Ogles, 2010;Manassis et al, 2014).…”