Posted by Craig Steinberg Regarding being a male therapist, I believe it can be clinically powerful and healing for children with abuse and trauma issues to work with a male therapist. Of course, each child must be looked at individually whether working with a male or female therapist would be best for them at that particular time. Regarding the group, one thing I do to both "cover myself," as well as provide safety to the children is I am never alone in the darkroom with the children when they are developing pictures, I will always have a female co-therapist or female member of our treatment team with me. In fact, I have always had a female co-leader doing the group with me, which has benefits in many ways. Regarding your second important point about the therapist being affected by the kids' issues as well as the need for supportive clinical supervision, I have three words to say to that, YES, and YES! I do get affected by what has happened to these children and share with the kids my feelings of anger, sadness, and hurt regarding what happened to them. I have learned to present this in such a way as to empathize with them, rather than have them take care of my feelings. I also share that the abuse that happened to them was not their fault, that they did not do anything to cause it, and that it should have never happened to them. Finally, I share my admiration and awe about their incredible bravery and resiliency. Mine and the co-leaders' personal sharing appears to build on the safety of the group and helps validate their experience as well as role model for the kids supportive and safe adult figures (particularly me being a male). It also helps me tremendously to share how all of their trauma affects me. I have a beautiful and scenic 25-minute drive home each day from work, which also helps me greatly to unwind from the day's work. Needless to say, on group days I am particularly drained, both physically and emotionally, when I get home from work. These nights are a total veg night with my wife, our cats and dog, and the TV. It highlights the absolute need that clinicians need to take care of ourselves and have interests outside of our work including ones that maintain our physical and emotional health in order to be of service to our clients. Thanks again for your reply, Mark, and I look forward to reading your chapter, and the rest of the book. Craig
on 10/29/2004, 8:02 am, in reply to "Re: Using Phototherapy in a group format to help children heal from abuse and trauma"
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Mark, Thank you for your response to my posting. I am indeed interested in reading your chapter in Murphy's book. I have not seen that book so I look to you to direct me as to how I can get it. Your addressing issues about male therapists working with children having sexual abuse histories, as well as the countertransference issues that can arise from doing this work, are important ones in my opinion.