Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 25 no. 2 (2024)

Her Heart Listens: Exploring the Counseling Experiences of Childhood Sexually Abused Victims

Medlyn Love Magbanua | Noe Garcia

Discipline: Applied Psychology

 

Abstract:

This qualitative single-case study explores the counseling experiences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) victims from the Home for Girls XII, Department of Social Welfare and Development in Tantangan, South Cotabato, Philippines. The study aims to gain insights into how victims confront their past, navigate their journey toward healing with counseling, develop newfound perspectives and beliefs about themselves, and cultivate a desire to reconstruct their lives more positively. Additionally, the research investigates the influence of cultural and contextual factors on the counseling experiences of these victims. The study is guided by various theories that shed light on the consequences and effects of child sexual abuse, a severe problem that has gained prominence. The research seeks to address the existing gaps in the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the counseling experiences of CSA victims, including the long-term implications on their mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. By examining the firsthand experiences of CSA victims, the researchers aim to contribute to developing more effective and tailored support systems for this vulnerable population. The findings of the study have the potential to guide the creation of evidence-based practices, policies, and interventions that offer the necessary support and facilitate healing for childhood sexual abuse victims.



References:

  1. Ackerman, C. (2018). What Is self-expression? Positive Psychology, 1-2. https://positivepsychology.com/self-expression/.
  2. Acosta, P. (2022). Consent in sexual abuse. Metro Manila.The Manila Times, 20-21. https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/15/legal-advice/consent-in-sexual abuse/180321
  3. Adams, K. (2019). Attuned treatment of developmental trauma. Routledge, 328 https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003262367.
  4. Addatu-Cambri, J. (2023). Filipino youth's self-efficacy in sexual health: implications on sexuality and reproductive health education and services. Journal for Educators,Teachers and Trainers,14(3):697-691 https://dx.doi.org/10.47750/jett.2023.14.03.079.
  5. Adetunji, J. (2023). People who experience childhood sexual abuse tell us it affects their entire life – and research backs them up. The Conversation, https://theconversation.com/people-who-experience-childhood-sexual-abuse-tell-us-it-affects-their-entire-life-and-research-backs-them-up-19545.
  6. Aguirre, N. W. (2017). The struggle that no one sees: The lived experiences    of children who were sexually abused. Health Research and Development Information Network,1-2 https://registry.healthresearch.ph/index.php?view= research&cid=64922
  7. Arellano Law Foundation. (2022). The lawphil project. Philippines Law and Jurisprudence Databank,56https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/repacts.html
  8. Azevedo-McCaffrey, D. (2022). States should use new requirement to improve TANF for domestic violence survivors. Washington DC.Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 22, 28-31 https://www.cbpp.org/blog/states-should-use-new-requirement-to-improve-tanf-for-domestic-violence-survivor
  9. Barnum, E. L., & Perrone-McGovern, K. M. (2017). Attachment, self-esteem and subjective well-being among survivors of childhood sexual trauma. Journal of Mental Health and Counseling, 52, 39-55. https://doi.org/10.17744/mehc.39.1.04
  10. Bengwasan, P., & . Bancual, M. E. (2020). The developmental status of abused and neglected children in the Philippines. Children and Youth Services Review, 110 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104756.
  11. Bulut, S. (2019). Freud’s approach to trauma. Psychology and Psychotherapy Research, 3(1) http:10.31031/PPRS.2019.03.000554.
  12. Cabbigat, F. K., & Kangas, M. (2017). Help-seeking behaviors in non-offending caregivers of abused children in the Philippines. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, 8,555-573. https:// doi.org/ 10.1080/10926771.2017.1410745
  13. Capella, C., Gutiérrez, C., Rodríguez, L., & Gómez, C. (2018). Change during Psychotherapy: The perspective of children and adolescents who have been sexually abused. Research in Psychotherapy, 2, 12-13. https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2018.288.
  14. Castro, A., Ibáñez, J., Maté, B., Esteban, J., &Barrada, J. R. (2019). Childhood sexual abuse, sexual behavior, and revictimization in Adolescence and Youth: A Mini Review. Frontiers in Pyschology, 44, 214-218. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02018.
  15. Chan, S. L. (2020). Counseling childhood sexual abuse survivors: A case study of challenges experienced by professional counselors and childhood sexually abused clients in Malaysia. Journal of Asia Pacific Counseling, 69-77 https://doi.org/10.18401/2020.10.2.9.
  16. Cherry, K. (2022). What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Very Well Mind, 54, 22-23.  https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-behavior-therapy-2795747.
  17. Child Protection Network Foundation (2022). Manila, Philippines:.1-  2  https://www.childprotectionnetwork.orgs/
  18. Corey, G. (2017). Behavioral Theory. Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy,28,315319.https://books.google.com/books/about/Theory_and_Practice_of_Counseling
  19. Council for the Welfare of Children (2018). National Baseline Study on Violence against Children; Executive summary, Manila, Philippines, 3, 8-10, https://www.unicef.org/philippines/reports/national-baseline-study-violence-against-children-philippines.
  20. Cowan, A., Ashai, A., & Gentile, J. P. (2020). Psychotherapy with survivors of sexual abuse and assault. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 22-26 .
  21. Crawford-Jakubiak, J. E., Alderman, E. M., & Leventhal, J. M. (2017). Care of the adolescent after an acute sexual assault. Pediatrics, 139 https://doi.org/:10.1542/peds.2016-4243.
  22. Creswell. J.W. and Creswell, J. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage.
  23. Crivatu, I. M., Horvath, M. A., & Massey, a. K. (2023). The impacts of working with victims of sexual violence: A rapid evidence assessment. National Library of Science, https://doi.org/: 10.1177/15248380211016024.
  24. Crowe, S., Cresswell, K., Robertson, A., Guro Huby, Avery, A., & Sheikh, A. (2017). The case study approach. BMC Medical Reasearch Methodology, 30, 124 125.https://bmcmedresmethodol.biomedcentral.com/articles/ 10.1186/14712288
  25. Dimaano, G. M., Clores, A. C., Iloco, A. M., & Javier, L. J. (2018). Prevalence of domestic violence against women and children in the Philippines. Humanities and Social Sciences Research, 78, 91-93 https://doi.org/10.30560/hssr.v1n2p52.
  26. Downey, C., & Crummy, A. (2022). The impact of childhood trauma on children's wellbeing and adult behavior. Europian Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 6(1) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100237.
  27. Dudleya,Melissa J., A. B. (2022). School‐based child abuse prevention: The role of school climate in intervention outcomes for teachers. Psychology in the Schools, 59(2) http//doi.org/:10.1002/pits.22674.
  28. Edoh-Torgah, N. A., & Matafwala, M. (2021). Counseling sexually abused children: Lessons from Ghana and Zambia. Health Sciences, https//:doi.org// 10.5772/intechopen.97413.
  29. Ensink, K., Bégin, M., Normandin, L., & Fonagy, P. (2017). Parental reflective functioning as a moderator of child internalizing difficulties in the context of child sexual abuse. Psychiatry Research, 257 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.07.051.
  30. Foster, J. M. (July 2017). A survey of student's knowledge about child sexual abuse and perceived readiness to provide counseling services.  Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 23(5) ,538-557  https://doi.org/10.7729/91.1165
  31. Fry, D., & Blight, S. (2018). How prevention of violence in childhood builds healthier economies and smarter children in Asia and Pacific Region.BMJ Global Health, 2, 3-11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2016-000188
  32. Gaille, B. (July 2018). 12 Case study method advantages and disadvantages. Brandon Gaille Small Businesses and Marketing Advice, 1,3-8. https://brandongaille.com/12-case-study-method-advantages-and-disadvantages
  33. Garrido-Hernansaiz, H., Rodríguez-Rey, R., & Alonso-Tapia, J. (2020). Coping and three clinical samples and the general population. International Journal of Stress Management, 27(3), 304–309. https://doi.org/10.1037/str0000156
  34. Goodman, S. (2018). The Difference between surviving and not surviving; Public benefits program and domestic and sexual violence victim's economic security. National Research Center on Domestic Violence, 9(2), 122-123. https://vawnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/files/201805/TheDifferenceBetweenSurvivingandNotSurviving_Jan2018.pdf.
  35. Guerra, C. F.,Farkas C.& Moncada L. (2018). Depression, Anxiety and PTSD in Sexually Abused Adolescents: Association with Self-efficacy, Coping and Family Support. Child Abuse and Neglect, (76)310-320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.11.013.
  36. Guy-Evans, O. (2023). What Is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)? Simply Psychology, 1-4 https://www.simplypsychology.org/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy.
  37. Halvorsen, Solberg, & Signe, H. (2020). To say it out loud is to kill your own childhood.” – An exploration of the first person perspective of barriers to disclosing child sexual abuse. Children and Youth Services Review, 113 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104999.
  38. Hancock, D. R., Algozzine, B., & Lim, J. H. (2021). Doing case study research. Teachers College Press, 4(2), 100-103. https://www.tcpress.com/doing-case-study-research-978080776585
  39. Hanson   , R. F., & Wallis, E. (2018). Treating victims of child abuse. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 1064-1070 https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.18050578.
  40. Heale, R., & Twycross, A. (2018). What is a case study? BMJ Journals Evidence- Based Nursing, 2, 3-9.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/eb-2017-102845
  41. Ishii, M., Honda, J., Shimizu, A., Mitani, R., Uchimura, R., Hashimoto, M, Takada, S. (2020). Interprofessional collaborative practice for child maltreatment prevention in Japan: A Literature Review. Kobe Journal of Medical Sciences, 66(2): E61–E70.
  42. Kennedy, A. C., & Prock, K. A. (2018). “I still feel like I am not normal”:A review of the role of stigma and stigmatization among female survivors of child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.Trauma,Violence and Abuse, 19(5):512-527. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1524838016673601.
  43. King, A., Wardecker, B. M., & Edelstein, R. S. (2015). Personal mastery buffers the effects of childhood sexual abuse on women’s health and family functioning. Journal of Family Violence, 30(7), 887-897. doi:10.1007/s10896-015-9728-4.
  44. Kress, V. E., Haiyasoso, M., & Zoldan, C. A. ( 2018). The use of relational-cultural theory in counseling clients who have traumatic stress disorders. Journal of Counseling and Development, 106-114 https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12182.
  45. Kuykendall-Rogers, V. (2023). Wounded attachment: Relationships of survivors of childhood sexual assault. Good Therapy, https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/wounded-attachment-relationships-of-survivors-of-childhood-sexual-assault-0627135.
  46. Levenson, J. S., & Grady, M. D. (2019). Preventing sexual Abuse: Perspectives of minor-attracted persons about seeking help. Sexual Abuse, 31(8) 991–1013.  https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063218797713.
  47. Levenson, J. S., Willis, G. M., & Vicencio, C. P. (2017). Obstacles to help-seeking for sexual offenders: Implications for prevention of sexual abuse. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 26(2):99-120. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2016.1276116.
  48. Lilley, M. H.-J. (2017). More than support to court: Rape victims and specialist sexual violence services. SAGE, (24) 3 https://doi.org/10.1177/0269758017742717.
  49. Madrid, B. J., Lopez, G. D., Dans, L. F., Fry, D. A., Duka-Pante, F. G., &Muyot, A. T.(2020). Safe Schools for teens: Preventing sexual abuse of urban poorteens,proof-of-concept study - Improving teachers' and students’ knowledge, skills.Heliyon, 6(6) 40-80. https:// 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04080
  50. Mambrol, N. (2018). Trauma Studies. Literary Theory and Criticism, 1(2) https://literariness.org/2018/12/19/trauma-studies/.
  51. Mathews, B. (2017). Optimising implementation of reforms to better prevent and respond to child sexual abuse in institutions: Insights from public health, regulatory theory, and Australia’s Royal Commission. Child Abuse and Neglect, 86-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.07.007.
  52. McGill, L., & McElvaney, R. (2022). Adult and adolescent Disclosures of Child Sexual Abuse: A Comparative Analysis. National Library of Medicine, 38(1-2) https://doi: 10.1177/08862605221088278.
  53. McKibbin, G., Humphreys, C., & Hamilton, B. (August 2017). Talking about child sexual abuse would have helped me”: Young people who sexually abused reflect on preventing harmful sexual behavior. Child Abuse and Neglect, 210-221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.06.017.
  54. Meinck, F., Cluver, L., Loening-Voysey, H., Bray, R., Doubt, J., & Casale, M. (January 2017). Disclosure of hysical, emotional and sexual child abuse, help-seeking and access to abuse response services in two South African Provinces.Psychology,Health and Medicine, 94-106. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2016.1271950.
  55. MindWell. (2024). What are the possible long-term effects of experiencing child sexual abuse? NHS West Yorskshire, https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/.
  56. Mwakanyamale, A. A., Wande, D. P., &Yizhen, Y. (2018). Muti-type child maltreatment: Prevalence and its relationship with self-esteem among secondary school students in Tanzania. Child and Adolescent Pyschiatry and Mental Health, 6,35.  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-018-0244-1
  57. Naranga, J., Schwannauera, M., Quaylea, E., &Chouliarab, Z. (2019). Therapeutic interventions with child and adolescent survivors of sexual abuse: A critical narrative review. Children and Youth Services Review,107, 104-109 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104559.
  58. Navaei, M., Akbari-Kamrani, M., Esmaelzadeh-Saeieh, S., Farid, M., &Tehranizadeh, M. (2018). Effect of group counseling on parents’ self-efficacy, knowledge, attitude, and communication practice in preventing sexual abuse of children Aged 2-6 Years: A randomized controlled clinical trial. International Journal of Community-based Nursing and Midwifery, 285-292. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30465001
  59. Nelson, K. M., Hagedorn, W. B., & Lambie, G. W. (2019). Influence of attachment style on sexual abuse survivors posttraumatic growth. Journal of Counseling and Development,227-237.https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12263.
  60. Newsom, K., & Myers-Bowman, K. (August 2017). “I am not a victim. I am a survivor”: Resilience as a journey for female survivors of child sexual abuse. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 26(8), 927-947. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2017.1360425.
  61. Paca, B. O. (2021). From vulnerability to security: A journey of survival from childhood sexual abuse. Journal of Educational and Human Resource Development, 9(9) https://doi.org/10.61569/0rvewh94.
  62. Paine, M., & Hansen, D. (2020). Factors influencing children to self-disclose sexual Abuse. Clinical Psychology, 22(2),271-295. https://doi: 10.1016/s0272-7358(01)00091-5.
  63. Perandos-Astudillo CM, Bolor AIJ, Concha A.S. (2019). Experiences of child sexual abuse clients in a women and children protection unit: Policy notes. SPMC J Health Care Service (1):8. https://n2t.net/ark:/76951/jhcs88p6pj.
  64. Poirson, L., Robin, M., Shadili, G., Lamothe, J., Corruble, E., Gressier, F., & Essadek, A. (2023). Male victims of sexual abuse: Impact and resilience processes, a Qualitative Study. Healthcare, 11(13) https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11131868.
  65. Quines, Lyndon A., M. C. (2022). The mediating effect of school climate on the relationship between teacher communication behavior and student engagement. Europian Journal of Education Studies, 9(11) http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v9i11.4521.
  66. Reingold, O. H., & Goldner, L. (2023). “It was wrapped in a kind of normalcy”: The lived experience and consequences in adulthood of survivors of female child sexual abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect, 139 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106125.
  67. Ridder, H.-G. (February 2017). The theory contribution of case study research designs. Asia Pacific Journal Management, 10, 281–305. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40685-017-0045-z.
  68. Rizcalla, N., Zeevi-Barkay, M., & Segal, S. P. (October 2017). Rape crisis counseling: Trauma contagion and Supervision.  Journal of International Violence, 26, 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0886260517736877.
  69. Roche, S. (January 2017). Child protection and maltreatment in the Philippines: A systematic review of the literature. Asia and Pacific Policy Studies, 4(1), 102-128.  https://doi.org/10.1002/app5.167.
  70. Roche, S. (March 2020). Conceptualizing children’s life histories and reasons for entry into residential care in the Philippines: Social contexts, instabilities and safeguarding. Children and Youth Services Review, 110, 2-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104820.
  71. Rossouw, J. (2022). REBT-CBT in the treatment of trauma among children and adolescents. Psychology, https://doi.org/:10.1007/978-3-030-53901-6_9.
  72. Sawrikara, P., & Katz, I. (2017). Barriers to disclosing child sexual abuse (CSA) in ethnic minority communities: A review of the literature and implications for practice in Australia. Child and Youth Services Review, 302-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.11.011.
  73. Schaefer LM, H. K. (2018). A concurrent examination of protective factors associated with resilience and posttraumatic growth following childhood victimization. Child Abuse Negl., 85:17-27https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.08.019.
  74. Schomerus, G. (2021). Stigma as a barrier to addressing childhood trauma in conversation with trauma survivors: A study in the general population. National Library of Medicine, 16(10) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258782.
  75. Selva, J. (March 2018). What is Albert Ellis’ ABC Model in CBT Theory? Positive Psychology, 126-129. https://positivepsychology.com/albert-ellis-abc-model-rebt-cbt/.
  76. Seshadri, S., & Ramaswamy, S. (January 2019). Clinical practice guidelines for child sexual abuse. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(Suppl 2): 317–332. http://doi: 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_502_18.
  77. Pulverman, C., D.Kilimnik, C., &M.Meston, C. (2018). The impact of childhood sexual abuse on women's sexual health:A comprehensive review. SexualMedicineReviews,188200https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.12.002
  78. Tal, R., Tal, K., & Green, O. (2018). Child-Parent relationship therapy with extra-familial abused children. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 386-402 https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2018.1451420.
  79. Toussaint, L., Shields, G. S., Dorn, G., and Slavich, G. M. (2017). Effects of lifetime      stress exposure on mental and physical health in young adulthood: how stress degrades and forgiveness protects health. J. Health Psychol. 21, 1004–1014. https//dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359105314544132.
  80. Varghese, K. ,. (2020). Family Interventions: Basic principles and techniques. Indian J Psychiatry, 62 192-200. http://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_770_19.
  81. Wade, D. (2022). Healing from sexual abuse: Recovery tips for survivors. Psych Central, 3-5 https://psychcentral.com/health/healing-from-childhood-sexual-abuse.
  82. Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (2023). The effects of sexual assault. For Survivors, https://www.wcsap.org/help/about-sexual-assault/effects-sexual-assault.
  83. Wei, M. (2021). The implications of attachment theory in counseling and    psychotherapy. Society for the Advancement of Psycotherapy,22-28 https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/.
  84. WeProtect Global Alliance (2019). Working together to end the sexual exploitation of children online. Global Threat Assessment 2019, 23-24 https://violence.org/sites/default/files/paragraphs/download/Global%20Threat%20Assessment%20201
  85. Wirihana, Welch, Williamson, Christensen, Bakon, & Craft. (2018). Using Colaizzi's method of data analysis to explore the experiences of nurse academics teaching on satellite campuses. Europe PMC, 25(4), 30-34 https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.2018.e1516.

Tools


Copyright © 2026  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic