This timely book provides for the therapist working with cases of intrafamily child sexual abuse both a theoretical background and practical information for the treatment of incest and gives new insight into the complex problems associated with incest. With the enactment of more stringent child abuse reporting laws nationwide and increased public education about the problem, there has been a dramatic increase in the need for incest-related psychotherapy. Treating Incest is an important source of information about the assessment and treatment of the family that will enable clinicians to provide appropriate crisis intervention for families and make informed judgments about referrals, if necessary. The book's central theme is that effective treatment of incest requires a systemic approach because incestuous activity is the product of a problematic family, rather than the cause. The book is divided into two helpful sections: assessment issues and treatment issues and techniques.

ContentsIntroduction