The Use of Therapeutic Stories in the Treatment of Abused Children

The Use of Therapeutic Stories in Counseling Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Survivors

“…Similar to Milton Erickson's approach to therapy, therapeutic storytelling is not limited to a certain stage in therapy and can be used with many divergent populations (Cook, Taylor, & Silverman, 2004;Davis, 1989). Its flexibility makes it a well-suited intervention for use with sexual abuse survivors of varied ages, and as previously mentioned, it can be integrated into a variety of theoretical frameworks.…”

“…These factors are particularly helpful with sexually abused children because of their characteristic resistance, denial, and self-blame (Creative Therapeutics, 1982;Davis, 1989;Gardner, 1990). When used in groups, stories can increase comfort level of participants, generate discussion, shift or deepen the focus, and provide experiential learning; they are also a helpful tool for working through altercations in group or individual settings (Van Lone, Kalodner, & Coughlin, 2002).…”

“…This can help children identify information that is significant to their own circumstances and make meaning of concepts that are perhaps otherwise difficult to conceptualize. Metaphors presented within a story may then assist the client with interpretation of such concepts (Davis, 1989;Gardner, 1990; J. T. Pardeck & Pardeck, 1993).…”

“…Through therapeutic stories, clients' perceptions can be altered and their interpretations of reality can become more positive; these strength-based solutions may be difficult to reach through the use of only traditional talk-therapy methods (Gardner, 1990). Davis (1989) suggested therapeutic storytelling as an effective intervention when treating young victims of sexual abuse. Davis (1989) suggested that therapeutic stories were even effective when working with distractible, young children because they connected with the child's unconscious processes and thus facilitated change.…”

“…Davis (1989) suggested therapeutic storytelling as an effective intervention when treating young victims of sexual abuse. Davis (1989) suggested that therapeutic stories were even effective when working with distractible, young children because they connected with the child's unconscious processes and thus facilitated change. Stories connect young survivors with interesting characters, and children can then-consciously or unconsciously-translate these ideas into their own personal experiences (Creative Therapeutics, 1982; J. T. Pardeck & Pardeck, 1993).…”