Many people seeking help from the mental health system have histories of childhood trauma from sexual and physical abuse. Little literature is available for counselors, mental health workers, and other professionals on the topic of specialized therapy for abuse survivors. Counselors have a crucial role in helping these clients heal and recover. The learning needs of these counselors are not the same as those of other trauma treatment professionals. This book provides mental health counselors with the knowledge and skills they need for their direct practice. Although each chapter can be read independently, the book is designed as a progression, with each part building upon the previous one. Chapter One reviews the barriers that inhibit the acknowledgment of child abuse as an important factor in clients' backgrounds. Chapter Two presents a multidimensional model that unites factors such as the specific nature of abuse, values, genetic, and sense of self. Chapters Three and Four review the research about the prevalence of childhood trauma and its potential impact on adults. Chapter Five discusses the issues of recovered memory and false memory syndrome. Chapter Six introduces the topic of asking about child abuse. Chapter Seven focuses on client-professional relationships and active practice strategies. Chapters Eight, Nine, and Ten highlight issues such as the full recovery process, credible treatment models, and ways to listen to client's stories in order to better understand their concerns. In the remaining chapters, special topics are addressed by utilizing the expertise of three guest authors. They consider the abuse survivor who is overwhelmed by crisis events, men's concerns, and concerns of survivors of war. Personal and professional self-care is also considered. (Contains 2 figures; 1 table; 2 appendixes; and 338 references.) (JDM)