Employing relational trauma therapy to lift hidden trauma out of personalisation into a collective container. It is not only mine – it is ours
Abstract
Silencing, minimising and denial often surround sexual abuse, impeding healing for all involved (Herman). This is especially true in cases of female-perpetrated sexual assault (FPSA), which remains underreported and lacks dedicated therapeutic approaches. Presenting a case of a woman abusing a young girl from the author’s own experience highlights the need to recognise FPSA in discussions of sexual victimisation. Addressing such events collectively, rather than individually, relates to systemic shame and identity formation theories, which help explain FPSA’s impact.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Child Abuse and Trauma
Military
Security
and Education Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Body Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 398–407
- Publication date
- 5 February 2026
- Language
- EN