Individual Practice SWES Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Relieving guilt associated with the abuse is a crucial treatment goal in clinical work with sexually abused children because these children often internalize feelings of shame and blame, believing they are at fault for the abuse experienced. This misplaced guilt can hinder their healing process and negatively impact their self-esteem and emotional well-being. By helping them understand that they are not responsible for the abuse, therapists can facilitate a sense of safety and support that is essential for recovery. This process encourages the children to express their feelings, process the trauma, and rebuild a healthy self-image, which is vital for their psychological development.

The other options would not contribute positively to the healing process. For instance, encouraging self-blame would reinforce harmful beliefs, while avoiding the discussion of the abuse or discouraging the expression of feelings would prevent the child from properly addressing and processing their trauma, which is essential for recovery.