Why you might need this book

Start of with the research about what goes wrong.

For example, during one of my internships, I met a young girl named Katie – whose name and presenting data I’ve changed to protect her identity. I met her early in my career, as an intern. Katie reported that her dad was sexually molesting her. “My dad touches me here” she said. I panicked inside. Realizing that I might alarm her I did my best tobecome very calm and attentive to Katie’s needs. After I finished the session with Katie, I wasted no time in going to my supervisor’s office for assistance onwhat to do next.

My supervisor listened, as I informed her of what had just happened and explained Katie’s background (i.e. mother had been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, etc.). “I guess we need to report this” I said. “Not really, the dad has a severe mental illness, he doesn’t know what he’s doing,” was my supervisor’s reply. Although I didn’t show I was alarmed, as it was my first internship I didn’t wasn’t to rock the boat but I was very concerned for Katie’s wellbeing. I kept my composure and calmly said, “but she is still being sexually abused.” I remember getting this image in my mind – oh no, if we don’t call this in, this little girl will continue to be abused. Not only that but what kind of message will I be sending her. Through debate back and forth, we did eventually call it in. It was during this time that I quickly learned that cases surrounding sexual abuse are multifaceted and complex. I also became very intrigued by my supervisors reaction.

It was not long after this, that I began my research. [CD1]I centered it around the counselor as a significant component in reducing the negative effects of sexual abuse and sexually-laden issues (i.e. sexual abuse, sexual behavior issues, etc.) in youth. It was around May 2007 that I received a grant to coordinate a Sexual Abuse Treatment Program monitored by the Department of Health: Children’s Medical Services. I became painfully aware of the need, so I developed the SATP into a full scale Family Safety & Awareness Program, housing the SATP and a Sexual Behavior Program. As a full-scale program I was given the opportunity to develop a model for therapy surrounding sexually laden issues in youth, to assist the practitioners.

Through providing practitioner and community trainings, supervision, program development and evaluations - amongst others - I was able to witness first hand the needs of most of the parties affected:

  • the youth
  • sexually abused
  • practitioners
  • families
  • community
  • and many others

Currently, in all my roles, I still witness the - sometimes painful - reactions that people have when addressing the topic of sexual abuse and sexuality of theirs and others. It is because of my career path and life experiences that I’m dedicated to helping professionals, the community, and the youth affected by the negative effects of sexual abuse.

The act of countertransference may perpetuate some of the sexual abuse dynamics that so many of these fragile clients are running from—the silence, avoidance, shame, and guilt. This secondary trauma—that is, not having a supportive adult giving them their right to rise to victory over sexual abuse—robs them of their power to become a victor and not a victim.

[CD1]You can access this at