Adult Survivors of Childhood Emotional, Physical, and Sexual Abuse

Book excerpt: In Adult Survivors of Childhood Emotional, Physical, and Sexual Abuse: Dynamics and Treatment, Francisco G. Cruz, M.D., and Laura Essen, L.C.S.W., two senior therapists with years of experience in treating this population, give the clinician the tools he or she needs to work with abused patients. In clear prose, the authors cover clinical assessment of adult survivors, a broad spectrum of multi-modality treatment strategies and techniques for clinical intervention (including dynamic and cognitive approaches), transference and countertransference issues, the therapeutic relationship, defense mechanisms, grief work, and special clinical problems in treatment with adult survivors. The book's eclectic approach makes it accessible to therapists across a wide spectrum of orientations.