Talking to your child when you suspect sexual abuse

Clinical Psychologist Chris Fulton, PhD, shares advice for parents on how to approach and talk to your child if you think he or she has been sexually abused
Talking To Your Child If You Suspect They've Been Sexually Abused
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Talking to your child when you suspect sexual abuse

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If you think that your child was sexually abused, you have to make sure to get help. Even if your child says, "No, absolutely not," after you have asked them. Make sure that you followup with a professional because, just how you ask the question can change how they answer it. If you think that your child has been abused, look for the signs. Are they getting depressed? Are they avoiding a particular person? You can ask a particular question, like, "Hey, is anything strange happened? Has anything bad happened? Have you been harmed in any way?" Then you get into the more specific, "Has anyone touched your in your private parts?" Depending on the age of the child, make sure it is developmentally appropriate. You can ask direct questions. You need to make sure that they know that you are there to keep them safe. No matter what they say, that you are there to keep them safe and there won't be anyone to retaliate.

Clinical Psychologist Chris Fulton, PhD, shares advice for parents on how to approach and talk to your child if you think he or she has been sexually abused

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Chris Fulton, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Christopher Fulton is a licensed clinical psychologist and has been in private practice for over ten years. He received his doctorate in 1994 from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. Dr. Fulton has clinical training and experience in a variety of settings, and also has administrative, teaching, supervision, consulting, research and psychological testing experience. Dr. Fulton provides consultation and ongoing therapy for children, adolescents and adults. He conducts group, individual, couples and family therapy and actively works with a variety of childhood disorders, including: adjustment disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant and other emotional-behavioral disorders. Among his most frequent areas of concentration is divorce, for which Dr. Fulton offers therapy for all involved.

Utilizing research-supported methods in treatment, Dr. Fulton's approach to therapy involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral, family systems and interpersonal interventions. In his work with children, Dr. Fulton involves parents and assists them in developing appropriate responses to their children, since he believes that ultimately the parent will make the most significant impact on the child. Dr. Fulton helps parents establish appropriate boundaries, communication and methods of discipline in order to increase positive relationships with their children.

 
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