Relación terapéutica inicial en agresión sexual infantil: Perspectivas de niñas, niños y sus terapeutas

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to characterize, from the perspective of the children and their therapists, the initial therapeutic relationship and to identify the elements that facilitate or hinder it. Participants were six psychologists and six children between five and eight years old who were starting psychotherapy in a specialized child sexual abuse and maltreatment program. Semi-structured interviews with participants, plus the drawing "My therapist and I" with the children, which were later subjected to a narrative analysis. Findings indicated that positive initial therapeutic relationships are marked by play and positive feelings between the children and their therapist; play, a playful and close attitude of the therapist are identified as facilitators; mentioning as hindering factors, a not very attuned therapeutic attitude, interventions focused on talking and relational difficulties of the children. We discuss the relevance of play, the impact of CSA on the children's relational dynamics, and the importance of a playful offer to build a good relationship in CSA psychotherapy.