The Relational Trauma of Incest A Family-Based Approach to Treatment

This volume presents a groundbreaking understanding of incest and an innovative, family-based approach to treatment. The authors show that while not all incestuously abused children experience the classic diagnostic symptoms of trauma, virtually all do experience "relational trauma" --disruptions in the sense of safety, security, loyalty, and trust that may block connection and communication with nonoffending family members. Systematically combining individual and family sessions, the relational treatment model focuses on strengthening the child's protective relationships, mobilizing the family to help resolve the child's emotional and behavioral symptoms, and building the family's resiliency. Filled with annotated case material that illuminates the challenging treatment choices and dilemmas facing the clinician, this book offers essential guidance for anyone working with families in which incest has occurred.

Marcia Sheinberg, MSW, is Director of Training and Clinical Services at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. She is a cofounder of its Gender and Violence Project and the founder and Director of the Incest Project. An advisory editor for Family Process and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Feminist Family Therapy, she has published widely in professional journals. She maintains an active private practice in which she treats and consults with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of clinical issues.

Peter Fraenkel, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology in the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the City College of the City University of New York. At the Ackerman Institute for the Family, he is a member of the Teaching Faculty, Director of Research and Clinical Member in the Incest Project, and Director of the Center for Time, Work, and the Family. In addition, Dr. Fraenkel is Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York University Medical School and Director of the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program at the NYU Child Study Center. An Ad Hoc Editor for Family Process and Advisory Editor for the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Dr. Fraenkel has published and lectured extensively. He also maintains a private practice.