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

Abstract

Game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy group model for nonoffending caregivers utilizes structured therapeutic games to assist parents following child sexual abuse. Game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy group model is a manualized group treatment approach that integrates evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy components with structured play therapy to teach parenting and coping skills, provide psychoeducation, and process trauma. Structured therapeutic games were designed to allow nonoffending caregivers to process their children’s abuse experiences and learn skills necessary to overcome trauma in a nonthreatening, fun, and engaging manner. The implementation of these techniques allow clinicians to address a variety of psychosocial difficulties that are commonly found among nonoffending caregivers of children who have experienced sexual abuse. In addition, structured therapeutic games help caregivers develop strengths and abilities that they can use to help their children cope with abuse and trauma and facilitates the development of positive posttraumatic growth. Techniques and procedures for treatment delivery along with a description of core components and therapeutic modules are discussed. An illustrative case study is provided.

KEYWORDS:

• game-based cognitive behavioral therapy (GB-CBT)
• trauma
• child sexual abuse (CSA) evidenced-based practice
• structured therapeutic games (STGs)

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Craig I. Springer

Craig I. Springer, PhD, was a supervising psychologist at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center when this manuscript was written. He has since become the director of the Psychological Services Clinic at Rutgers University. He co-developed game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, a therapeutic model that integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy with structured play therapy. His current research interests focus on evaluating and disseminating evidenced-based practices for treating childhood problems and disorders.

Giselle Colorado

Giselle Colorado, MS, is a doctoral candidate at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University and a psychology intern at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center. She is currently completing her dissertation research on supporting children’s social emotional skills and behavioral development through teacher–child interaction training.

Justin R. Misurell

Justin R. Misurell is the clinical director of The Child Study Center at NYU Langone Medical Center New Jersey Campus. He co-developed game-based cognitive-behavioral therapy and is currently working to expand applications of this transdiagnostic approach for addressing a wide range of childhood disorders and difficulties.