Title
Anger as a vehicle in the treatment of women who are sexual abuse survivors: Reattributing responsibility and accessing personal power
Abstract
Some clinicians view client anger as a problematic symptom to be reduced, whereas others view it as an opportunity for therapeutic development. The present authors describe how client anger, a fitting emotional response to abuse, can work as a vehicle to help sexual abuse survivors reattribute responsibility and develop personal efficacy. The role of anger in the healing process of the sexual abuse survivor is explored through 2 case studies. It is suggested that by reframing anger as a vehicle for recovery rather than a symptom, therapists can learn to effectively incorporate anger work (which involves successfully negotiating any dynamics that cause therapist discomfort) into the treatment of survivors.
Department(s)
Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7028.32.6.618
Publication Date
1-1-2001
Recommended Citation
Van Velsor, Patricia, and Deborah L. Cox. "Anger as a vehicle in the treatment of women who are sexual abuse survivors: Reattributing responsibility and accessing personal power." Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 32, no. 6 (2001): 618.
Journal Title
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice
