Family Problems Regarding Incest -Attempting an Integrated Approach for A Female College Student

Abstract

　　The aims of this paper are, based on a case of a female college student dealing with the problem of incest, to clarify this family problem and at the same time examine an integrated approach as a form of intervention. The following 4 points were examined: (1) If the client's family is functioning relatively normally, then they will be asked to undergo a psychological interview, however caution is needed with regard to when to do so. This is because a family member is the abuser, therfore the client worries about if one or both parents will abandon her and fears destroying the shared illusions that the family has a “sense of togetherness/unity” and that “everyone is getting along.” (2) Approaches to incest share common traits with approaches to PTSD and must integrate a variety of approaches. With a self support approach as a foundation, different techniques like promoting awareness of one's feelings and incrementally adjusting exposure to frightening situations are combined. (3) There are issues particular to the problem of incest. It creates a sense of wishing to avoid the problem itself in those around the victim. In addition, if the client received physical pleasure when she was abused, she may become self-condemning and fear losing her status as a victim. (4) Traumatic memories must be dealt with, but caution is needed with regard to when to do so.