Contenidos de cambio y estancamiento en psicoterapias humanistas con adultos que han vivido abuso sexual infantil

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a prevalent phenomenon in various parts of the world, including Chile, generating multiple effects on the mental health of adults. This research is situated in a hermeneutic phenomenological paradigm, with qualitative methodology, which seeks to understand the change in psychotherapy with adults who have experienced CSA, from humanistic-existential therapies, emphasizing the concepts of episodes of change and stagnation. Data collection was carried out through case interviews with therapists, interviews with patients on the effects of therapy, focus groups with therapists and interviews with experts in the field. Data analysis was carried out under Grounded Theory principles. The results show the dynamic and particular character of the changes with these patients, where the episodes of stagnation are related to deep traumatic cores. Specific changes around CSA also emerged, such as the understanding of relational patterns and link with the abuse, dis-blame, recognition and contact with one's own vulnerability, new vision of the people who have violated them and changes in the way of remembering CSA, giving it a new meaning in their life.