The case of Ryan: A child who suffered multiple episodes of sexual abuse Original Research Article

The case of Ryan presents the history of a 12-year-old male who was sexually abused on multiple occasions, first by his biological father at 6 years of age and later by a female cousin. The child, no longer in contact with his biological father, is accompanied to the initial assessment sessions by his biological mother and stepfather. Ryan reports symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression, and he exhibits behavioral difficulties, including age-inappropriate sexual behaviors both at home and at school. The response papers that follow this case presentation suggest assessment and treatment plans that reflect the diverse theoretical leanings of the respondents. These clinicians describe how they might design assessment and treatment plans that integrate cognitive-behavioral approaches with ideas and interventions derived from other theoretical orientations, including humanistic, family systems, and psychodynamic models.