Clinical Decision-Making Strategies of Marriage and Family Therapists in the Treatment of Adult Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

The incidence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in the general population, as well as the greater prevalence of CSA survivors among those who enter therapy, mean that therapists are likely to treat sexual abuse survivors in their clinical work. A modified Delphi study was used to collect data to determine how American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisors make treatment decisions following client disclosures of CSA. Three rounds of data were collected. The results suggested that there are several issues to address in therapy regardless of treatment modality and disclosure type. Suggestions for treatment were provided depending on the disclosure scenario.