Group Therapy for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse: A Practical Guide for Mental Health Professionals

by Lorraine McColgan

Overview

This book presents the therapist with a reflective and robust framework for group treatment that promotes an end to the shame and secrecy so frequently experienced by survivors.

Through a series of tools such as visualisations and art exercises, the practitioner is guided through the process of establishing and running a group in this modality. The synthesis of both an educational and a process-based model is imbued with a sense of warmth and a deep understanding of this client group. Themes such as self-soothing, strengthening boundaries, inner-child work, making meaning of endings, and ways forward drive this therapeutic approach. Taking group work as the optimum matrix for change for this client population, this model provides a convincing rationale for the establishment of said work as best practice in the institutions that provide for their care.

Practicing therapists and mental health nurses will find this new model of therapy an instrumental resource in their approach to treatment for survivors of trauma and abuse.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367862565
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/21/2022
Pages:	146
Sales rank:	677,838
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Lorraine McColgan has a Masters in Counselling Psychology and a Diploma in Clinical Supervision from Trinity College Dublin. She works with the National Counselling Service in Ireland and in private practice as an individual and group therapist and as a clinical supervisor. She is a registered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. Please contact [e-mail] for all inquiries.

Table of Contents

Introduction Part 1: Forming a Group 1. Assessment 2. Mixed Gender Groups 3. The Virtual Group 4. Measuring Progress 5. Note Keeping Part 2: Therapeutic Co-Working 6. Therapeutic Co Working Part 3: Session Structure 7. Session Structure Part 4: Session Themes 8. Introductory Session: Confidentiality Contract and Codes of Behaviour, Safe Place Visualisation, Art Piece and Discussion 9. Self-Soothing 10. Boundaries 11. Trust and Intimacy 12. Self Assertion / Speaking Your Truth 13. The Family of Origin 14. Dealing with Tyrants 15. Anger and Rage 16. Grief and Depression 17. Loneliness 18. Shame 19. Sensuality and Sexuality 20. Fear 21. Suicidality 22. The Myth of Forgiveness 23. The Question of Evil 24. Brokenness and Healing 25. Inner Child Visualisation 26. Endings and Beginnings 27. Ways Forward 28. Closing Session

Editorial Reviews

"McColgan offers a practical guide to therapeutic group work for mental health professionals who work with adult survivors of abuse. Her therapeutic group work synthesises a psychoeducational approach with a dynamic process perspective ... I like this work. It is simple but profound. Unpretentious and eminently usable."

Jarlath F. Benson, Psychoanalytic Group Analyst, Trainer and Supervisor with the NHS, UK and in private practice, Ireland

From the Publisher