‘Young children are always the most challenging’: therapists’ narratives of working therapeutically with young children who have experienced sexual abuse

Although several studies have explored the perspectives of children, caregivers, and therapists participating in therapy following sexual abuse, there is a lack of attention towards the therapeutic processes of young children aged three to six. This study employed a qualitative approach to explore psychotherapists’ views on their experiences working therapeutically with young children in the aftermath of sexual abuse at public child protection centres in Chile. The study involved interviews with eight professionals. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis, informed by a psychosocial perspective and childhood studies. Our findings show that the therapists perceive this type of therapy practice as highly challenging compared to their work with older children. They report feeling less skilled and comfortable working with very young children, and express a concern that they may negatively affect the child by addressing the events that led them to participate in this type of therapy. They highlight the challenges of navigating young children’s predominantly non-verbal ways of communication, as well as their agentic and spontaneous expressions within the therapeutic space. This study provides insights that may support the needs of practitioners working with young children in the aftermath of sexual abuse. Additionally, it offers valuable perspectives to inform public policies aimed at supporting young children affected by these experiences.