Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil.
The objective of this study was to describe, apply and evaluate the effect of
an integrated Ericksonian and ego state therapy intervention approach for the
treatment of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse rips away an invaluable inner resource from the victim and this
needs to be restored during the healing process. Every adult survivor
presents a unique pattern of symptoms and effects of having experienced
childhood sexual abuse. Therefore, it was necessary to plan an intervention
strategy individualised according to each sexually abused person's unique
experience. Therapeutic models and approaches developed to assist in the
treatment of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse are available but not
always comprehensive and often not evaluated. Thus, evaluated studies that
determine the effectiveness of distinct strategies and procedures for treating
sexual abuse, are required.
Psychological research regarding sexual abuse has tended to focus on
aspects related to pathology. This study aimed to explore the possibilities for
treatment plans for sexually abused individuals from the salutogenic/fortigenic
perspective. This focus emphasises the promotion of strengths, well-being
and wholeness. Accordingly, both the Ericksonian and ego state therapy
approaches acknowledge the existence of resources within an individual, and
therefore focus on the utilisation and mobilisation of strengths and resources
during psychotherapy. In 2002, Hartman integrated these two approaches and
proposed the Utilisation Model of Ego State Therapy, which included
principles of the SARI Model (Frederick & McNeal, 1999; Phillips & Frederick,
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1995), which was primarily developed for the treatment of trauma and
dissociative disorders. Therefore, this study described, applied and evaluated
the application of the Utilisation Model of Ego State Therapy as a broad and
integrated approach for intervention with adult survivors of childhood sexual
abuse.