AbuseConsultants.com - Survey - A Survey about the Effectiveness of Therapists who Work with Sexual Abuse Issues and Dissociative Disorders

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A Survey about the Effectiveness of Therapists who Work with Sexual Abuse Issues and Dissociative Disorders

AbuseConsultants.com is interested in knowing what trauma survivors want or need to say to therapists. Please complete this survey on behalf of your experience directly, or indirectly, with therapists who work with trauma issues and dissociative disorders.

Your responses will be totally anonymous and confidential. We will not know who you are unless you provide that information in the box below.

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1. What are the five most helpful things that a therapist can do for their clients?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

2. If you have had the misfortune of knowing about a negative therapeutic experience, what are the three least helpful or even harmful things that a therapist has done with any client that you know?

a.
b.
c.

* Please Note: The answers to next four questions can be individualized to a specific therapist. If you have had a mixture of positive and negative experiences, please comment on these differences in Question 7.

3. Do the therapists you know appear to be sufficiently knowledgeable in the areas of sexual abuse and severe trauma?

Absolutely - I have learned a lot with them and recommend them highly
Average - ok enough, but there is plenty of room for improvement
Sub-standard - not nearly enough, just entry level basics, unsatisfactory
Not at all - so lacking in understanding that it was a waste of time

4. Do the therapists you know appear to be sufficiently knowledgeable in the areas of dissociative disorders (multiple personality disorder)?

Absolutely - I have learned a lot with them and recommend them highly
Average - ok enough, but there is plenty of room for improvement
Sub-standard - not nearly enough, just entry level basics, unsatisfactory
Not at all - so lacking in understanding that it was a waste of time

5. Do you think therapists understand the depths of the issues you are presenting?

Absolutely - I have learned a lot with them and recommend them highly
Average - ok enough, but there is plenty of room for improvement
Sub-standard - not nearly enough, just entry level basics, unsatisfactory
Not at all - so lacking in understanding that it was a waste of time

6. Do the therapists you know check out the issues of safety – ie: safety from self harm or self injury, safety from current external abuse, safety from ongoing involvement with violent organizations, etc?

Absolutely - many steps have been taken to improve my personal safety
Average - occasionally we discuss this, but I am still being hurt too much
Sub-standard - these issues are hardly ever discussed and not accepted as realistic or as part of my current life
Not at all - dangerous elements in my life are being totally ignored

7. What can those of us in the therapeutic community do to improve our role as genuine and effective helpers for people who have suffered from severe trauma and abuse?

8. In what areas do you find that therapists are lacking in skills and need to specifically work on improving their knowledge and effectiveness? Click as many that apply:

AREAS	Yes, they lack
Knowing how to talk to and connect with the internal system
Understanding the dynamics of sexual abuse and severe trauma
Dealing with self abuse, self injury, and safety issues
Dealing with ongoing external abuse and external safety issues
Working with addictions and their implications with dissociation
Understanding the dynamics of organized perpetrator groups
Working closer with the legal field to improve protection issues
Knowing how to relate to children and work effectively with young ages
Informing clients about the types of support available between sessions
Using a variety of approaches, modalities, and expressive therapies
No specific improvements necessary or recommended
Other:

9. Out of the many choices you see below, in your opinion, what are the five most important roles played by the counselor / therapist in the recovery process for survivors of extreme sexual abuse and severe trauma?

ROLES	Should be...
Healer
Educator/teacher
Comforter
Confidante
Confronter
Motivator
Partner in problem solving
Detective – to solve the riddles of an unclear history
Social worker for community resources and external needs
Deprogrammer – for mental freedom
Doctor – for medication needs
Supporter
Explorer – of new areas, of the internal system, etc.
Boundary setter – teaching appropriate limits, etc.
Encourager
Skill developer
Cheerleader
Comedian – bringing a smile into such painful work
The role model for healthy emotions
The role model for appropriate touch
The role model for safe, healthy behavior
Giver of directions and instructions for healthy behavior
Spiritual leader
Other:

10. What are the biggest “falsehoods” and / or misconceptions you have heard from the therapeutic community?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. You are helping to improve the quality of treatment for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and severe trauma.

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