Slaying the Dragon

Controversy exists whether survivors of childhood sexual abuse are better served in group treatment by therapists who share their gender. The experience of a male/female co-therapy team is described working with single gender groups of males and females. The themes discussed in therapy directly impacted by therapist gender included initial joining, trust, anger, sexuality, and competence. The process of the therapists working as a mixed gender team is also addressed. The authors conclude that mixed gender cotherapy has a definite role in the treatment of adults sexually victimized as children.