“Just listen to me”: Experiences of therapy after childhood sibling sexual abuse

Abstract

Background: Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) is considered to occur more frequently than other types of intrafamilial sexual abuse and is related to numerous detrimental outcomes. Despite this, the literature on SSA is limited, which results in a knowledge gap on the effects of this type of abuse and specifically on survivors' experiences of therapy and challenges for interventions. Objective: This study extends current knowledge by qualitatively investigating experiences of therapy of adults who experienced childhood SSA, to identify specific challenges and considerations for therapeutic interventions. Methods: Four small-scale online focus-group meetings were conducted. In total, 12 participants shared and discussed their experiences of therapy for SSA. Results: Qualitative thematic analyses revealed three central themes and several subthemes that provided important insights. First, many SSA survivors experience difficulties disclosing the abuse and fully engaging in therapy. Second, SSA is embedded within the family and is associated with changes in all family relationships, which needs to be addressed in therapy. Third, trust in and acceptance of the client's narrative are important to provide a secure base. In addition, therapists should acknowledge clients' strengths. Finally, because recovery from trauma is a long process, therapy should be tailored to the specific client and the specific point in their journey of recovery, as several types of therapy are only beneficial under certain conditions. Conclusions: The findings inform therapists about challenges SSA survivors may experience during therapy, allowing therapists to better finetune their focus in supporting SSA survivors.