| Abstract: | As children enter therapy, they form beliefs (conceptualizations) about the reasons for their attendance. Some of these conceptualizations may lead to premature termination of therapy or impede its progress. Four of these conceptualizations are explored in this paper: therapy as an indication of illness, therapy as punishment, therapy as an accusation, and therapy as another form of abuse. The process of the formation of these conceptualizations is outlined. The ways in which sexually abused children's experiences may make them particularly prone to form these conceptualizations are discussed. The benefits of exploring the child's resulting opposition to therapy are also explored. |
