Using Narrative Therapy in the Treatment of Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in the Context of Couple Therapy

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a prevalent social issue that continues to be prevalent despite increased awareness. While many theoretical approaches have been applied to the treatment of CSA, these approaches predominately focus on the treatment of children and adolescents, with fewer focusing on adulthood and couples’ relations. This limited focus fails to address long-lasting relational implications CSA often carries for survivors. Due to the highly individual-focused nature of existing treatment and the lack of research suggesting treatment options for adult survivors, this paper proposes the application of a systemic therapeutic modality, Narrative therapy, when treating adult survivors of CSA in the context of couple therapy. Treatment of the associated symptoms of CSA in the context of couple therapy will be discussed using Narrative interventions including externalizing, mapping influence, remembering, and re-authoring. Clinical vignettes will be used to illustrate how Narrat