Heidi: A case of resilience to child sexual abuse

Abstract

In this study the role of resilience is considered in overcoming sexual abuse in childhood. In the case presented in this article an adult female patient had to face the long-term effects of abuse that appeared in the form of somatizations, depression, agoraphobia and suicidal attempts. Another aspect that was considered during the therapeutic process was the affective dependency that characterized all her loving relationships. After a long therapeutic work the physical and psychological symptoms disappeared and a greater autonomy capacity was reached.