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

Abstract

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a prevalent social issue. Many theoretical approaches have been applied to the treatment of CSA, these approaches predominately focus on the treatment of children and adolescents, failing to address adulthood and couples’ relations. This limited focus fails to address long-lasting relational implications CSA survivors face. This paper proposes the application of a systemic therapeutic modality, Narrative therapy when treating adult survivors of CSA in couple therapy. The treatment of CSA in the context of couple therapy will be discussed. Clinical vignettes will be used. Implications for clinical practice and future research will be discussed.     

Longitudinal Test of Forgiveness and Perceived Forgiveness as Mediators between Religiosity and Marital Satisfaction in Long-Term Marital Relationships

Abstract

Substantial research has found relations between religiosity and martial satisfaction. More longitudinal studies are needed to understand the inner-workings of this relationship. Over a four-year period, dyadic data from 331 married couples was used to test the longitudinal mediating effects of spousal forgiveness and partners’ perceptions of spousal forgiveness between religiosity and marital satisfaction. Husbands’ religiosity was associated with increases in wives’ marital satisfaction but the measures of forgiveness were not significant mediators in this relationship. Wives’ religiosity was predictive of lower levels of wives’ perceptions of spousal forgiveness, which led to decreases in both wives’ and husbands’ marital satisfaction.     

The Use of Metaphor to Address Gender and Sexual Orientation Stereotypes in Counseling: A Feminist Perspective

The role of metaphor in psychology is reviewed, focused on gender and sexual orientation stereotypes. Feminist therapy principles are explored in relation to addressing the presence of stereotypes within a therapeutic context. Implications for working with clients presenting with disordered eating, agoraphobia, sexual violence, and sexual identity concerns are discussed.     

Miscarriage:

Miscarriage is the most frequent of all pregnancy losses, yet little is known of its impact on those who experience it. This exploratory study examines the relationship between the impact of miscarriage and nine variables: (a) length of pregnancy; (b) cause of miscarriage; (c) age at time of miscarriage; (d) intentionality of pregnancy; (e) duration of time since miscarriage; (f) other children; (g) other childbearing losses; (h) number of miscarriages; and (i) gender of expectant parent. Statistical analyses of data gathered from 120 participants indicated that gender, length of pregnancy, and one or more prior induced abortions contributed significantly to the prediction of current subjective distress. In a closer examination of the nature of that distress, gender and length of pregnancy were predictive of intrusive distress, while length of pregnancy and prior induced abortion(s) were predictive of predictive of avoidant distress. Implications for therapy with women who miscarry are discussed.     

What We Know About Women's Technology Use,Avoidance, and Abandonment

With the increasing availability of assistive technologies, persons with disabilities have unprecedented opportunities for full societal participation. But women, especially women with disabilities, have typically not had much exposure to and experience with technologies and can find them intimidating and frustrating. While many women use technologies regularly and with satisfaction, others use theminfrequently and with reluctance, avoid them entirely, or try them only to abandon their use. This article discusses factors associated with technology use, avoidance, or abandonment as being outcomes of the interactionof: (a) The particular technology (design, service delivery), (b) the person's abilities and personality (judgment, expectations), (c) characteristics of the disability (type, severity), and (d) the person's psychosocial environment (social support, training and education). Assessment instruments exist comprehensively profile individuals in the four areas so the most appropriate technologies can be recommended and needed modifications to technologies made.     

Counseling Women with Histories of Incest

No abstract available for this article.     

Sex Differences in Women's Mental Health Problems and Their Causes

No abstract available for this article.     

Two Poems

No abstract available for this article.     

A New Paradigm for Women's Sexual Orientation

Abstract

This paper critiques old models of women's sexual orientation that viewed heterosexuality as the norm for mental health, characterized lesbians as masculinized sexual “inverts,” and looked to biology to explain the development of homosexuality. A new paradigm for women's sexual orientation is presented. This paradigm emphasizes the importance of the social context and recognizes the multiple pathways that can lead a woman to identify as lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual. In addition, the main components of sexual orientation are considered as is the potential fluidity of women's sexuality. Throughout, implications of the new paradigm for psychotherapy with women are considered.