Working With Childhood Sexual Abuse

Many children and adolescents experience childhood sexual abuse (CSA), which can result in significant mental and physical health challenges. Clinicians and play therapists who work with children and adolescents would benefit from education and training in evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions to serve the needs of clients who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. However, research reveals that only one in four doctoral programs offer trauma-informed courses, leaving many graduates with limited trauma-informed care knowledge and clinical skills. This chapter addresses the gaps in training mental health professionals and identifies steps to broaden their trauma-informed care skills. The authors share how play therapists and clinicians can increase their CSA competencies by developing their self-compassion, increasing their cultural humility, participating in intentional education and training, and adopting trauma-informed practices. This chapter highlights the need for a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach to address CSA survivors’ needs.