Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in situations of Sexual Abuse: a Case Study

Abstract

The consequences of sexual abuse are manifold, and can range from changes in patterns of psychological responses to negative impacts on the development process. For the most part, psychological impacts are translated into cognitive distortions that are characterized by how the individual perceives self and others, producing behavioral, cognitive and emotional changes. Furthermore, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is endowed with a theoretical-practical contribution, with substantial evidence, which focuses on specific problems with the purpose of generating functional solutions to these individuals, including in cases of sexual abuse. The objective of the present study is, therefore, to describe an intervention performed through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to reduce fear, guilt and anticipatory anxiety in a patient who has been sexually abused. It is a qualitative research of an exploratory nature, organized through a descriptive structure guided by the information collected and based on theoretical propositions, with monthly evaluations through an Anxiety Inventory. As results, substantial improvements were observed regarding the cognitions, behaviors and feelings of the patient, with expressive increase in the quality of social interactions and decrease of feelings of guilt, fear and anxious symptoms.