Abstract: Therapeutic Services that focus on the synthesis of research and clinical practice are
vital in providing efficacious change for the individuals who have been victims of childhood
sexual abuse. This presentation will address what processes have been helpful in being a catalyst
in changing one's inner life as well as providing meaningful applications and fulfilling
experiences.
Those that has been victimized quite frequently finds themselves stuck in an emotional impasse
where they are not able to move forward in their life and find themselves repeating a pattern of
self-defeating decisions and actions. The key to amelioration is helping the person become
aware and cognizant of their habitual choices and interrupt this cyclic repetition and acquire a
more productive framework to advance the quality of their life. This process can be simply
described as "reframing". Reframing in therapy is used to help clients view a situation, thought,
or emotion from a different perspective—often a more positive or constructive one. The goal is
to shift how the client interprets or understands their experiences, which can lead to changes in
emotional responses and behavior.
In this presentation, initially focusing on the MYTHS regarding childhood sexual abuse.
Subsequently, addressing the MESS that follows from not recognizing the adverse and
impairments that could result from Childhood Sexual Abuse. Finally, concluding by looking at
the MASTERY that could arise from moving from being a Victim, to a Survivor and possibly a
Thriver.