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This study examined the impact of childhood sexual abuse history (CSA), gender, and theoretical orientation on treatment issues related to childhood sexual abuse. A survey of 501 clinicians found that 32% reported CSA histories. Sexually abused therapists were more likely to report some countertransference issues, especially boundary issues, than nonabused therapists, but gender differences were more important in determining differences in clinical practice. Female clinicians reported that CSA was more difficult to treat, that they screened more regularly for CSA, and that they utilized more coping strategies than male clinicians. Dissimilarities were also found between self-identified feminist therapists and psychoanalysts in their clinical practices, including the use of personality disorder diagnoses, reported countertransference issues, and coping strategies. Greater recognition of these issues in training programs is recommended. The assessment and treatment of child and adult victims of sexual and physical abuse poses complex challenges for professionals. Despite the fact that 40-60% of all psychiatric patients have histories of significant trauma, clinical controversies in treatment perspectives and practices are common (Ganzarain Wilson Demetral, 1984, Doughty Elliott Howe, Herzberger Pope Pruitt Swingle, 1987). Ideally, a clinician's personal history, gender, or theoretical orientation should not further confound these issues. Despite a growing awareness of the importance of the therapist's reactions and countertransference processes in the treatment of trauma-related issues, however, there has been little empirical examination of the influence of therapist variables on clinical practice in the treatment of childhood sexual abuse (Nathan, 1986). The purpose of this study
Little et al. (Sun,) studied this question.