Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Date of Graduation
Spring 2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Educational Specialist (EdS)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Advisor(s)
Debbie C. Sturm
Abstract
The purpose of this research project is to explore how novice counselors develop competency in working with survivors of sexual assault and rape. The project contains a review of current literature on aspects of sexual assault that are important to be aware of when counseling survivors. This includes a definition of applicable terminology, the contemporary prevalence of sexual assault in the United States of America, unique aspects of working with survivors of sexual assault, and a review of symptoms and typical problems commonly presented by this population. This research project also includes firsthand accounts of the experiences of three clinicians who specialize in working with survivors of sexual assault. The accounts address how these clinicians developed competency in providing treatment to this population and suggestions that they have for beginning counselors. Finally, this project provides specific recommendations for inclusion in the curriculum and training of novice counselors by integrating findings from current literature and the accounts of clinicians.
Recommended Citation
Meyer, Grace, "Developing competency in counseling survivors of sexual assault" (2013). Educational Specialist, 2009-2019. 56.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/edspec201019/56
