WEBINAR: Healing Family Systems After Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse

Webinar overview

This webinar brings forward four decades of systemic practice wisdom to inform the future of work with families impacted by intrafamilial sexual abuse. Drawing on the Bouverie Centre’s long and influential history of therapeutic care with individuals and families experiencing the complex and pervasive impacts of sexual abuse, the session presents the evolution of innovative systemic practices designed to create safety and support relational repair in the aftermath of abuse.

Integrating the clinical contributions of past and present Bouverie therapists, the lived wisdom of victim/survivors and their families and kinship networks, and key developments across the trauma field, the webinar distils the core practice knowledge that has shaped this work over the last 40 years. It highlights the clinical insights and ethical foundations captured in influential practice‑based literature, and examines why these remain essential for contemporary trauma‑informed work.

By revisiting and critically reflecting on this accumulated learning, the webinar explores what must be preserved, what needs to evolve, and how this body of knowledge can continue to guide future systemic family therapy and healing practices with families affected by sexual abuse.

In this webinar, you will:

• Present a narrative map that traces the development of systemic sexual abuse work at the Bouverie Centre within the broader evolution of trauma theory and practice.
• Hear first‑hand reflections through video excerpts from past Bouverie family therapists who shaped this work.
• Work through a case example to translate ideas and clinical developments into your current practice context.
• Participate in a synthesis of learning that examines key challenges and growth areas for the future of systemic trauma recovery and healing.

Content warning:
This webinar includes a discussion of sexual assault and its impacts on individuals, families and relationships. The content is presented in a trauma‑informed, professional context; however, some participants may find aspects of the material distressing. You are encouraged to prioritise your wellbeing, take breaks as needed, and access appropriate personal or professional support.

Who should attend

This webinar is suited to therapists, supervisors and service managers working with sexual abuse trauma across individual, family and systemic contexts.

Presenters

Martin Pradel is a clinical social worker and family therapist, and Head of Family Therapy Services at The Bouverie Centre – La Trobe University. He co-leads the family therapy service, rapid access family therapy innovation (RAFT) and the Walk-In Together translation project. His clinical expertise includes restrictive eating disorders, child and youth mental health, sexual abuse trauma and refugee health

Tara Schintler is a Clinical Family Therapist and Mental Health Social Worker. She works in the Clinical Program at the Bouverie Centre. She has worked in the areas of family violence, sexual assault and private practice where she has worked with individuals, couples and families as well as providing supervision to clinicians working in the area of trauma. Tara has a specific interest in the area of complex trauma and has extensive experience in EMDR and Havening techniques.