Families Impacted by Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse: Reconnecting with our Systemic Practice
Presented by Martin Pradel and Tara Schintler
Contributors: Kate Cordukes, Colleen Cousins & Robyn Elliott
Abstract
The Bouverie Centre has a long and rich history of therapeutic care with individuals and families in the area of complex sexual abuse trauma. This has led to innovative systemic practices that create safe opportunities for relational repair in the aftermath of abuse and a catalogue of influential clinical papers authored and informed by the work of family therapists at The Bouverie Centre.
This presentation is a commentary that reconnects and integrates the clinical work of past and present Bouverie family therapists, the wisdoms of victim/survivors and their families and the practice-knowledge development across the trauma field. It will reflect and capture the essence of this practice wisdom that has evolved over the last 40 years and consider key questions and possibilities for what it can offer future systemic family therapy and healing practices with families.
Our presentation includes:
- A narrative map outlining the development of this work and in the context of broader trauma practice-theory development
- Video clips of a group interview with past systemic family therapists
- Case examples that demonstrate the application of ideas, practices and clinical developments
- Findings from the literature that inform our work
- Synthesis of our learnings and questions for the future.
Presenters
Martin Pradel
With around 30 years of experience in youth and family services as a clinical social worker and family therapist, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to this vital role. Whilst working at the Bouverie Centre, Martin has undertaken roles in both the clinical and academic programs as a therapist, team leader, trainer and master’s student group supervisor. He has also taken on the Walk-In Together Project Lead role and contributed to the implementation of clinical research across the Bouverie Centre.
His career experience prior to working at Bouverie includes Coordinator Lead, the Royal Children’s Hospital – Eating Disorders Service (2014-2023) and Eating Disorders Clinician (2009-2014) at the Victorian Centre of Excellence for Eating Disorders. His other relevant clinical and work experience is in generalist child and adolescent mental health, adolescent and adult sexual assault and refugee family health and trauma. His career experience has also included leadership participation in service development and research design and implementation.
Tara Schintler
Tara Schintler is a Clinical Family Therapist and Mental Health Social Worker. She works in the Clinical and Academic Programs 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.