Emotional abuse in childhood, in contrast to physical or sexual abuse, is a form of maltreatment which has been slow to receive widespread discussion. Categorizing emotional abuse highlights the ongoing realities of emotionally abused individuals. The five categories introduced here help to classify developmental problems, create treatment plans, and identify preventive opportunities. After a discussion of these categories, representative case histories from therapy groups are presented. These case histories are then traced through major phases of group therapy conducted within a structured setting and occurring on a timelimited basis.
SaraKay Smullensm, the author of the article, developed a new approach such as Structured Group Therapy for coping and treatment of emotional abuse, based on insight, its resulting positive attitudes and behaviors, and experience in respectful relationships, provides a haven where clients can feel valued and understood, often for the first time in their lives. Once clients experience authenticity, kindness, compassion, and mutual respect in the treatment setting, it becomes far easier for them to recognize opportunities for expressions of sincerity, humanity, and creativity in the outside world. In this way the group experience leads to the birth of confidence and hope.