Superkids: short-term group therapy for children with abusive backgrounds

Many children who are hospitalized have a history of physical or sexual abuse. A short-term therapy group for children with abusive backgrounds, called Superkids, was led by nurse therapists using a combination of active role playing, masks, picture drawing, and discussion. The group was structured and covered five topics over a 2 1/2 week period: shame, anger, fear, trust and love. Clinical observations suggest that the Superkids group structure helps children talk about their feelings and the abuse they have suffered. Through a brief intervention group, members learn they are not alone and that they are accepted by their peers.