Understanding & Healing Children Who Act Out Sexually Second Edition

Why do some children sexually act out? What is what is age-appropriate exploratory play and problematic behavior that requires intervention?

            This book is divided into three parts.

Part One (Chapters 1–8) presents case examples of children acting out sexually in which each example illustrates a different reason for the sexual acting out behavior. As well, each case illustrates different psychological dynamics.

Part Two (Chapters 9–11) considers the assessment of child sexual behavior as developmentally appropriate or inappropriate. It also provides practical guidelines for caregivers and professionals on how to manage a child’s sexual acting out behavior.

Part Three (Chapters 12–24) provides theory, research, information, and resources related to working with children. Information regarding: trauma, trauma-informed interventions, working with children who sexually abuse others, related themes such as memory impacts, dissociation, and issues related to interviewing children are also included.

            In short, the book is about what we need to know in order to help children heal and move forward in their lives in a healthy and appropriate way.

            Parents, daycare staff, and other caregivers might want to read only Parts One and Two. Therapists, students, lawyers, or professionals working with children will find more research-based information in Part Three.

            Adults who survived child trauma have  commented on how healing this book was for them to read.