This article explores the process of recovering from sexual abuse according to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused and have successfully completed psychotherapy. In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 20 participants from 8 to 18 years of age and then subject to narrative analysis. Results show that participants' narratives of recovery involve an improvement of psychological well-being. Moreover, they feel better equipped to overcome future challenges, feeling empowered and able to retake control of their lives. Factors that support and inhibit recovery are examined, as are developmental differences. Discussion underlines the valuable role of psychotherapy in helping children and adolescents in their healing process, changing the meaning of the abusive experience, and developing new capacities.

The aim of this research was to identify the meanings of psychotherapeutic change of children and adolescents who have suffered sexual abuse and were in psychotherapy. In order to do this, a qualitative study was carried out in which in-depth interviews complemented with drawings were conducted with 10 children and adolescents, aged between 6 and 16 years, who were taking part in psychotherapy due to sexual abuse. The interviews took place between 6 and 10 months after the start of the therapy and before it ended. Thematic narrative analysis was used for the interviews and visual narrative analysis for the drawings. The main findings showed that children and adolescents visualized psychotherapeutic change as a process in which gradual progress is made. The participants notice changes from an initial state of sadness and distress, mainly describing a positive shift in terms of emotional well-being. In addition, in this phase of the therapy only a few participants identified changes in their feelings regarding the abusive experience. The participants identified aspects of the therapy and supportive relationships with significant others as elements that foster these changes. In their view, hindering elements include changes of therapist, legal factors, and not being believed by their family. It is discussed the importance of knowing the children and adolescents' perspective regarding psychotherapeutic change while participating in therapy processes, using multiple methodologies, to generate interventions that suit the needs of this population and match the pace of children and adolescents' change.

Introduction: In the field of child psychotherapy research it is common to evaluate psychotherapeutic change through the perspective of adults, such as the child’s parents or designated therapist. Research that actively includes children’s perspectives of psychotherapy generally turn to verbal methods of gathering information, such as interviews. It is important, however, to take into account non-verbal resources that better facilitate expression among children. Aim: This article explores the use of drawings in order to better understand how children view psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic change. It aims to contribute to child and adolescent psychotherapy research by proposing a new methodology. Method: This study presents a single case analysis of the “before and after psychotherapy” drawing of an eight year-old boy who was sexually abused and successfully completed the psychotherapeutic process due to this experience. Data collection methods include soliciting a drawing and carrying out an in-depth interview, both of which were examined using thematic and visual narrative analysis. Results: Participant drawing provided crucial insight into the psychotherapy process, such as perceived changes in emotional states and personal growth and empowerment, all of which allowed the child to make sense of the abusive experience. Meanings that emerged when analyzing the drawing complement verbal narratives. Discussion: The implications of these results are discussed, highlighting the importance of non-traditional research methodologies that are sensitive to children’s developmental needs. Methodologies that consider the developmental characteristics of children allow them to express themselves fully, articulate their narratives and voices, and allow us to reach an understanding of their meanings of their psychotherapeutic processes.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir las narrativas de padres y figuras parentales en torno al proceso de superación de las agresiones sexuales vivenciado por sus hijos (víctimas directas) y por sí mismos (víctimas indirectas). Se utilizó el análisis narrativo de entrevistas en profundidad realizadas a una muestra intencionada de 18 padres y/o figuras parentales de niños/as y adolescentes, luego del alta de su proceso terapéutico por agresiones sexuales en 3 centros especializados en Santiago, Chile. Los resultados del estudio permiten visualizar la vivencia y significados asociados a la superación según la perspectiva de los participantes, así como los elementos que la favorecen, estableciendo, al mismo tiempo, las similitudes y diferencias que observan entre su propia experiencia de superación y la de sus hijos/as. Además, dan cuenta de la manera interrelacionada y conjunta en que este proceso se desarrolla en padres e hijos. Junto con ampliar el conocimiento teórico relativo al fenómeno de la superación, los resultados permiten relevar la importancia de ampliar los espacios terapéuticos disponibles actualmente en Chile para los padres de quienes han sido víctimas directas.

Resumen: Este estudio se realiza en el marco de un proyecto de investigación mayor, que estudia cómo se producen los procesos de superación de la experiencia de agresión sexual, tanto para niños(as) y adolescentes, así como para sus adultos responsables y terapeutas. El presente artículo da cuenta de los resultados de los aspectos legales que favorecen y dificultan la superación, incorporando las miradas de niños(as), adolescentes y sus adultos a cargo. La investigación utiliza metodología cualitativa, realizándose entrevistas en profundidad a 27 niños, niñas y adolescentes que culminaron de manera exitosa su proceso terapéu-tico debido a una situación de agresión sexual y a 18 de sus padres o adultos a cargo. Los principales resultados aluden a que ambos grupos coinciden en visualizar el actuar del sistema judicial como obstaculizador de sus procesos de superación, realizándose distinciones solo en los casos en los cuales los resultados de estas acciones culminan con la condena del agresor, lo que es visualizado positivamente, como protector. Se discuten las implicancias prácticas para el sistema judicial y para las intervenciones psicosociales en estos casos. Abstract:This study was developed in the context of a larger research project, which examines the healing process of children and adolescent victims of sexual abuse, as well as their caregivers and psychotherapists. This research shows the results related to legal aspects that favour and hinder the healing process from sexual abuse, considering the opinion of children, adolescents and their caregivers. This study uses a qualitative methodology. Indepth interviews were carried out with 27 children and adolescents who successfully completed the treatment program, 18 of their parents or caregivers were also interviewed. The main results indicate that both groups, children and parents, consider the justice system as the main obstacle in the healing process, except in those cases where the offender is convicted which is positively visualized by the participants as an act of protection. Practical implications for the justice system and psychosocial interventions are discussed.Palabras clave: abuso sexual, reparación, proceso judicial, juicio, víctimas.