Life and Social Skills

Abstract

Some abuse survivors from closed systems need to learn life and social skills not taught within traditional programs. We begin this article by reviewing categories of skills training provided by most programs. Then we list skills that the survivors may also need to develop. Next, we encourage the incorporation of the strengths perspective to help clients redefine certain skills they had developed in the past. Further, we emphasize using a non-judgmental, cultural approach to help each client compare the former closed system with the mainstream culture. Finally, we underscore the importance of respecting each client's right to self-determination, particularly if the client chooses to become a member of a non-traditional subsystem or rejoins the abusive closed system.

Key Words:

• Life skills
• social skills
• closed systems