Our responses to sibling sexual abuse continue to emphasis and promote an approach of separation to achieve safety and healing.  Consequently, therapeutic interventions with children prioritize individual therapy with the child who has engaged in the harmful behaviour and the sibling victim, and reparative interventions, if delivered at all, tend be introduced late in the treatment process and typically focus on an apology letter or a statement of responsibility.

This seminar will introduce you to an innovative treatment approach that focuses on promoting accountability, communication, and reparation through a joint therapy process, which is introduced early in treatment and involves both the sibling who has engaged in the harmful behavior and the sibling victim.

Three stages of therapeutic contact will be explored: (1) Naming the problem (acknowledgements) (2) Learning about the problem (clarification) and (3) Being healthy and safe (consolidation).

Using the images, words and stories of children and families, you will be introduced to a range of therapeutic interventions to engage children and parents in a process of change and to promote healing and recovery of sibling and family relationships.

BIO – Linda Valenta

Since 1995, Linda Valenta has committed her professional work to the prevention of sexual abuse through the provision of assessment and treatment services to children and youth who engage in harmful sexual behaviour.   Linda’s Social Work and Couple and Family Therapy training reflect strongly in her approach to responding to sexual harm by children with her focus being on providing interventions that support children and families in Being Safe (managing risk), Being Well (reducing risk) and Being Okay (minimising harm and impact).  Linda is a sought after speaker and trainer and she has presented her work at conferences around the globe and she regularly trains professionals and agencies across Australia.  In 2003 Linda established her own clinical practice, SAIFF – Support, Assessment & Intervention For Families in Sydney, Australia.