ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the family-of-origin work that is conducted during the midphase of therapy with the survivor and her family. It details the goals of the family-of-origin work, which include the survivor’s disclosure of the secret and its destructive effects, along with her rage and shame; the perpetrator’s and nonprotective family members’ acknowledgment of guilt and heartfelt apologies; the development of a reparation process that feels right to the survivor; and the survivor’s development of a new relationship with the family that is healthy and safe psychologically. The chapter describes the evolution of the survivor’s identity as she moves away from the family, and how this creates the opportunity to move closer to her partner or to date more successfully. The therapist must also voice his or her concern for the safety of the survivor’s children. It closes with a discussion of the impact of the individuation process on the survivor’s intimate relationships.
