Exploring Therapeutic Approaches & Complexities in Sexual Abuse Treatment for Children and Adults Sexual abuse is a pervasive trauma that transcends socio-economic and racial boundaries, impacting individuals across diverse demographics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights alarming statistics, revealing that more than half of women and one in three men experience sexual violence at some point in their lives. Similarly, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an American falls victim to sexual assault every 68 seconds.
Sexual assault is often the impetus for therapy whether it’s immediately following an incident or years later, when the enduring effects of trauma have become deeply entrenched.
Many clinicians find themselves inadequately equipped or hesitant about addressing such complex trauma. Consequently, due to a lack of specialized training or apprehension regarding navigating the systems involved, clinicians may opt to refer these cases to other practitioners, potentially disrupting the continuity of care and impeding the healing journey of survivors.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This training was created to provide social workers with insight into the intricate dynamics of the systems surrounding the client, the familial dynamics influencing their experiences, and the multifaceted factors complicating treatment. Additionally, various theoretical approaches applicable to both children and adults will be explored.
By the conclusion of the program, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of systemic influences, treatment modalities, methods for mitigating secondary trauma, and ideally, develop a newfound confidence in conducting trauma-informed work with individuals impacted by sexual assault or abuse.
TOPICS COVERED- Sexual abuse definition
- Statistics
- Dynamics of grooming, secrecy, denial
- Signs and symptoms
- Laws and reporting
- Definitions of abuse in family and criminal law, what and how to report
- Working with District Attorneys, advocacy centers, DFPS, and law enforcement
- Required documentation
- Treatment goals
- Strategies for building rapport
- Case conceptualization
- History-taking guidelines
- Strategies for staying in the Window of Tolerance
- Complicating factors in treatment
- Theoretical approaches: trauma-focused CBT, Polyvagal Theory, EMDR/Adaptive Information Processing Theory, expressive therapies
- Avoiding secondary trauma and practicing self-care
6 CEUs, including 2 Ethics CEUs
Registration Information
Preregistration is available online at NASWTX.ORG until Thursday, March 26 at noon. Zoom link will be coming from Virginia Cantu (NASW Texas) at vcantu.naswtx@socialworkers.org. Keep an eye out in your email a few days before the webinar.
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Fees
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NASW Members
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$109
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NASW Retired or Transitional Members
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$79
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| NASW Students | FREE |
| Not Yet Members |
$129
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Note: If you are unable to attend the workshop for any reason, please notify the chapter office immediately if the invoice has not been paid so that we may have an accurate count for attendance. If it has been paid, please notify the chapter office no later than the date listed in the cancellation policy.
Cancellations will be refunded less a $35 processing fee if made by March 13, 2026. Registrations are nonrefundable after that date.
Registration fees must be paid by March 26, 2026. Workshop link will only be sent to paid registrants.
Not an NASW Member?
Sign up today at https://www.socialworkers.org/nasw/join and enjoy discounted registration on this and many other great events! Please allow up to 24 hours for us to receive your new member information. You can then use the same username and password at naswtx.org to access member rates for this event.
Meet the presenter: Karen Sullivan, LCSW 
Karen Sullivan, LCSW, began her 30-year career working for Children’s Protective Services in a variety of positions from investigator to supervisor. Realizing she wanted to have more sustained relationships with those she served, Karen began working as a therapist at two different advocacy centers. In 2012, Karen opened her private practice where she specializes in working with children and adults who have experienced trauma and attachment issues along with providing supervision/consultation to other clinicians. On a personal note, Karen can often be found camping and observing the wonders of nature in her free time.
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