Therapeutic Work with Perpetrators and Survivors of Female-to-Female Child Sexual Abuse

Lea Getu, PhD, is an integrative psychotherapist and a registered member of UKCP who has worked within primary care, colleges, and in private practice for over 20 years. She is also an Assistant Professor and the foundation course leader of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Foundation Certificate at Regent's University, London.

‘It is rare to find a book that is both profoundly courageous, personal and authentic whilst also bringing academic rigour and research. Getu has managed this difficult navigation, perhaps comparable to her metaphor of the passage between Scylla and Charybdis, with grace. A combination of personal experience as a survivor and as a therapist alongside her extensive interviews of other therapists brings this difficult topic alive in a manner that reflects the complexities, ambiguities and inherent uncertainty one must hold in the work. Despite the difficulty of the topic which encourages a denial and turning away, Getu faces this bravely and well. Her elucidation of the psychoanalytic theories which can be drawn on in the understanding of these women and their actions is put to good use in her final chapter of essential recommendations in the therapeutic work and for future research.’ Dr Joanne Stubley, Consultant Medical Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst, Tavistock Trauma Service Clinical Lead‘Lea Getu's work offers powerful insights into the taboo of female sexual abuse and clearly outlines the impact on therapists who encounter survivors and perpetrators. Based on her meticulous research, this beautifully written and highly original book should be essential reading for clinicians.’Dr Anna Motz, Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, working for CNWL Health and Justice Services, Author and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist ‘This is a groundbreaking and urgently needed book. I was struck by how clearly and compassionately it tackles a subject so often left in the shadows. The author brings in-depth clinical insights to the complex dynamics of female-to-female child sexual abuse, offering guidance that is illuminating, practical and thought-provoking. It challenges how we think about survivors and perpetrators alike. A very important read for anyone working in this field.’Richard Curen, Forensic Psychotherapist and Chair of the Forensic Psychotherapy Society ‘Getu’s compelling work shines a light on a what many may view as a taboo subject. Her sensitive and courageous exploration of female-to-female child sexual abuse, interweaving the professional and the personal, and formulating the concept of bold empathy as central to the therapeutic work, makes a significant and original contribution to a little researched area.’Dr Jessica Yakeley, Director, Portman Clinic, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust‘This is a powerful and bold work in which Dr Getu courageously explores a domain of therapy that is not often discussed; namely psychodynamic psychotherapy with female perpetrators of sexual abuse of children. The book is unique in that it offers accounts of what makes women abuse children this way; and also offers accounts of what it feels like to be a therapist doing such work. Getu rightly emphasises the importance of boundaries in the work; and the value of supervision and working in teams. This work will be essential reading for any therapist thinking of working with female perpetrators of sexual violence.’Dr Gwen Adshead, Forensic Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist‘This powerful and courageous book offers a rare blend of emotional depth and theoretical clarity. A must-read for clinicians and students alike, it introduces ‘bold empathy’—a vital, fresh lens for working with complex clients.’Heidi Ahonen, PhD, RP, Trauma psychotherapist, Professor, coordinator of PhD Programme, Wilfrid Laurier University Canada

• PART I - THE CONTEXT CHAPTER ONE Can anyone see? Can anyone hear? CHAPTER TWO An exploration of why some women sexually abuse children CHAPTER THREE Baby Berta: trapped in the duck decoy PART II – CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS SECTION 1: BETWEEN SCYLLA AND CHARYBDIS CHAPTER FOUR Ruth struggles with the Five-Headed Monster: the relational splits CHAPTER FIVE The breaking and making boundaries = the whirlpool feels like enmeshment CHAPTER SIX Working process and progress = between the devil and the deep blue sea SECTION 2: HORROR AND SORROW: REQUIRES COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING CHAPTER SEVEN Do we see? Do we hear? CHAPTER EIGHT The mind-blowing venom of the FCSA CHAPTER NINE Many faces, many levels SECTION 3: WAY FORWARD CHAPTER TEN Bold empathy CHAPTER ELEVEN Conclusions and recommendations: guidance for clinicians Epilogue