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A Dance/Movement Therapy Clinical Model for the Treatment of School Aged Children Who are Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Literature Based Study
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http://hdl.handle.net/1860/2989
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| Title: | A Dance/Movement Therapy Clinical Model for the Treatment of School Aged Children Who are Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Literature Based Study |
| Authors: | Converse, Tara Elisabeth |
| Keywords: | Dance Therapy
Sexual Abuse
Children |
| Issue Date: | 26-Mar-2009 |
| Abstract: | This literature based study was a review of theoretical, practice, and research
literature regarding the effects of sexual abuse on children and their subsequent
treatment. The review was focused on psychotherapy literature that addressed the trauma
of sexual abuse specifically and other forms of childhood trauma. Foundational models
for using dance/movement therapy (DMT) to treat abuse in children were developed in
the 1980’s during an increased societal awareness of this problem. An explosion of
research and literature in many fields since the 1980’s, was directed toward
understanding and treating this population. In addition to the work done in DMT, much
of the literature by other professionals recommended using body-based treatment
approaches. However, there were updated DMT models for treating sexually abused
children that incorporated recent literature and research in other psychotherapy fields.
The objective of this research study was to create a comprehensive DMT clinical model
for therapy with children who were victims of sexual abuse. Based on preliminary
literature review, the model was directed toward a long term, group therapy format for
school aged children, approximately 6-12 years of age. The literature review was focused
on the past ten years however foundational sources were reviewed to provide a context
for recent developments in the field. Relevant information from all sources was
abstracted and organized into four review matrices (Matrix 1-3 non-DMT, Matrix 4
DMT): 1) Effects in sexually abused or otherwise traumatized children, 2) Treatment
concerns and overall guidelines for therapy, 3) Specific treatment models and methods,
and 4) DMT methods for treatment of sexually abused or otherwise traumatized children
and adult survivors of trauma including childhood sexual abuse. An analysis of matrices
1-3 identified the central effects observed in therapy with this population and the key
treatment techniques used. The selected effects and treatment techniques were
synthesized into eight essential treatment categories. An analysis of Matrix 4 was
completed to summarize supporting DMT techniques for use with abused children.
These DMT treatment concepts and other DMT theory and practice information were
used to create a clinical DMT model to address the eight treatment categories within a
three phase format; beginning, middle and ending treatment phases. The model was
presented as full text and in a summarized table format. The model can be adapted for
short term therapy and specific categories can be selected based on the needs and
progress of children in therapy. This model can be effectively used by dance/movement
therapists and other psychotherapists. This literature review and completed model
provides strong support for DMT as a primary tool to help sexually abused children
regain their sense of self and progress toward becoming healthy adults. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1860/2989 |
| Appears in Collections: | Health Sciences Theses and Dissertations
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