Clinical assessment of sexual trauma: Interviewing adult survivors of childhood abuse

Clinicians often feel reticent about exploring sexual trauma and its aftermath too soon. The author contends that, properly implemented, early exploration can actually foster the treatment of patients who have experienced sexual trauma. Appropriate clinical assessment can promote a therapeutic relationship and help both clinician and patient develop a comprehensive view of how the past trauma continues to influence the patient's current life. The author presents a detailed assessment outline and suggests that the findings from such an assessment can serve as an effective guide for further therapeutic work.