Use of an interactional model with survivors of incest

Psychiatric mental health nurses are increasingly recognizing the traumatic effects of childhood incest on adult survivors. This article discusses a long-term group therapy that specifically deals with unresolved familial issues as a treatment for adult women who are survivors of incest. An interactional family model is described, as well as its use by nurse specialists who act as facilitators and surrogate parents in a long-term group process. Specific focus is on the use of the model in working through dysfunctional communication patterns and boundary and survival issues.