Example two

A young boy who had previously been sexually abused by a family member was struggling because the abuser had reappeared in the area. The boy had not had the situation fully explained to him and he was very frightened that he might have contact with this person.

The first time the man’s name was mentioned in the session he dissolved into floods of tears. Although he was distressed, his mother felt she had been treading on eggshells, not knowing what to do for the best, and she was glad it was out in the open.

Joined-up conversations meant he could be reassured that this person was not coming back and, although he was still upset, he was talking more to her.