Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Susan Parlier

Abstract

Licensed social workers and counselors provide services to children who experience child sexual assault (CSA), which disrupt their normal childhood developmental processes. Trauma outcomes include symptoms related to somatization, inability to cope, feelings of helplessness, decreased self-esteem, difficulty expressing proper emotions, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) combined with play therapy can be helpful for CSA survivors. Still, it is not yet fully understood how therapists perceive the combined approach or how it fosters resiliency in children who experience sexual assault. The purpose of this action research study was (a) to explore the experiences and perspectives of trauma-informed licensed social workers and counselors who use a combined approach to TF-CBT and play therapy in treating children who were sexually abused and (b) to understand factors that increase resiliency in CSA survivors. The research question was guided by resilience theory, a strengths-based conceptual framework. An action research study with a qualitative research design was used with expert sampling to conduct a focus group with six participants. The data were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. In vivio and descriptive coding, methods were used to identify themes. Findings revealed that alleviating trauma outcomes was possible with appropriate psychotherapy treatment, thus increasing resiliency outcomes. This study's results promote positive social change and efficacy on integrating TF-CBT and play therapy, strategies to increase resilience and vicarious resilience.

Download

Share

 
COinS