ABSTRACT
There is a widely recognized body of literature regarding the known effects of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on CSA survivors, most survivors and their partners are unaware that these effects are common to survivors. In therapy, psychoeducation is recognized as an effective treatment intervention through organizing and normalizing symptoms and experiences related to a specific diagnosis or presenting problem. The process of discussing common CSA effects and identifying effects specific to the survivor and their couple relationship allows the couple to view their problems in a new light. Research on childhood sexual abuse indicates that there are predictable effects associated with being a CSA survivor, including individual effects on the survivor and effects on relationships. It is important that the therapist recognize significant factors that impact the severity of the CSA effects. Partners may suffer secondary trauma as a result of being exposed to the traumatic material and distressing symptoms associated with the survivor’s trauma.
