Sherri

Sherri was 10 years old at the beginning of her therapy. She suffered from depression and anxiety as a result of sexual abuse by her father over many years and physical abuse by her older brother.

Sherri's teacher described her as poorly socialized, lethargic and feeling worthless. It turned out that Sherri's mother had also been sexually abused and she was very much in need of help herself. As Sherri's anger and protests against her maltreatment emerged in therapy, Mom's own feelings of anger and protest were stimulated – as well as intense feelings of guilt that she had failed to protect her little girl.

With support, mom learned to understand her daughter's feelings and to recognize both of their needs to be treated with respect.