ABSTRACT
An international social epidemic, childhood sexual abuse wields a multitude of deleterious outcomes including psychological, emotional, physical, and interpersonal consequences. In the United States alone, childhood sexual abuse is estimated to impact approximately 1 in 10 children before their 18th birthday. Given the vast number of victims, it can be difficult to find resources to provide trauma-informed services for treatment of childhood sexual abuse. This chapter explores play therapy group work to address the treatment needs of sexually abused children and adolescents. An overview of the impact of childhood sexual abuse, including common posttraumatic reactions and sequalae, will be examined. Research and theory on group work with victims of childhood sexual abuse will be reviewed. Core components of trauma treatment will be explored as potential treatment targets in play therapy group work for childhood sexual abuse victims. A case example will be provided to illustrate how the power and process of play therapy group work can be used to address the impact of childhood sexual abuse.
