As part of a research project, the Counseling, School and Educational Psychology Department is offering free group therapy for women who were sexually abused as children.
A free psychological evaluation and 12 group sessions will be given by the department as part of a project to create better treatment for victims of abuse. The sessions will be conducted by licensed counselors, including graduate students, from both the university and the community.
To allow the participants a greater opportunity for confidentiality, those who attend the group sessions will also be required to go to an individual counselor.
Deborah Gerrity, an assistant professor in the department, will be heading the project with a group of graduate and undergraduate students.
Gerrity said she hopes the research will serve a dual purpose.
"There are two benefits to (participants)," Gerrity said. "They get the treatment, and they have the opportunity to help other people by letting us see what works. It will allow us to make better treatments for other survivors of sexual abuse."
Gerrity is looking for approximately 40 women over the age of 18 to be a part of the study. The sexual abuse they have experienced must have occurred before they turned 18. The participants cannot show any homicidal or suicidal tendencies. Women who are currently pregnant or abusing drugs will also not be permitted.
Once 40 participants have been found, the study will get underway.
Lisa Jaremka, a senior psychology major, was contacted through the honors program by Gerrity and asked to join the team. Although she won't be conducting the counseling, Jaremka helped design the study.
"Dr. Gerrity really reached out to me," Jaremka said. "I've learned a lot and it's been a great experience."
The researchers are most interested in issues concerning post-traumatic stress, trust, comfort with touch, depression, and anxiety. The project is the beginning of a hopefully larger study that will be expanded to men, different racial groups, and sexual orientations.
"I think it's great," said Amanda Haimson, a senior psychology major. "It's really important because sexual abuse affects so many women."
Qualifying women should contact Gerrity at 645-2484 ext. 1053 or e-mail her at dgerrity@buffalo.edu.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
