[Aspects of group therapy with sexually abused children--symbolic processing and construction of the initial phase].

This study deals with aspects of group therapy with traumatized children. Various examples from a children's therapy group with sexually abused girls at the age of nursery and primary school enlighten the theoretical explanations. With a reflexion about traumatization by sexual abuse as a starting point a catalogue of therapeutical ends is set up including a methodic realization in exemplary form. A central point is marked by reflexions on the featuring of the initial phase: according to the high level of fear in the children and their minimal abilities to set up limits, there has to be a procedure of absolutely clear structuring; considerations on means establishing security are being focussed. Moreover, this study describes the use of forms of coping by symbols. With the help of theoretical considerations on the role of symbolic function and the games children play the use of the former is explained. Concrete proceeding and the efficacy of coping by symbols are made obvious throughout a treasure of examples. The central motive of this study is to give concrete impulses for practical work with traumatized children and not to discover new continents through scientific research.