Retrospective Incest Group Therapy for University Women

Abstract

University life is marked by the challenges of separation/individuation, career life planning, and exploratino of relationships and intimacy. For women with a history of sexual abuse, however, typical developmental issues are complicated by the consequences of an abusive past. Retrospective incest therapy is an innovative treatment approach designed to address the serious and chronic aftereffects of child sexual abuse. A retrospective group treatment approach is outlined, specifically addressing the developmental, psychological and social needs of university women. Attention is given to realistic goals for an eight-week program, screening of members, the use of concurrent inividual treatment, specific content of the sessions, intervention strategies and transferrence/countertransference issues. While not without limitations, the use of retrospective group therapy offers a promising appraoch to the treatment of incest.