Overview
This book provides a guide to working with survivors and perpetrators of female-to-female child sexual abuse (F-FCSA), examining the clinical challenges of treating perpetrators and survivors of F-FCSA and how to overcome them. Divided into two parts, the first part of the book sets F-FCSA in its historical, societal, and intra-psychic context, reviewing why some women abuse children, the barriers to recognising this, and the prevalence of F-FCSA. The second part sets out ways to work more effectively with survivors and perpetrators by drawing from in-depth interviews with prominent therapists working in the field. Topics addressed include working with extreme splitting, enmeshment, and integration; complex countertransference and transference; recognising embodied feelings; and processing the extreme impacts of the work on the therapist and the therapeutic relationship. Through the heartfelt voices of the therapists and clinical case studies, this book teaches clinicians how to manage the extreme emotions evoked by difficult narratives and behaviours of the clients and how to have a new and deeper understanding of empathy as the key within this difficult work. This is an important read for clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, forensic psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, and other professionals working with this client group.
Full Product Details
Author: Lea Getu
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint: Routledge
Weight: 0.490kg
ISBN: 9781032999807
ISBN 10: 1032999802
Pages: 158
Publication Date: 08 December 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
‘Lea Getu's work offers powerful insights into the taboo of female sexual abuse and clearly outlines the impact on therapists who encounter survivors and perpetrators. Based on her meticulous research, this beautifully written and highly original book should be essential reading for clinicians.’ Dr Anna Motz, Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, working for CNWL Health and Justice Services, Author and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist ‘This is a groundbreaking and urgently needed book. I was struck by how clearly and compassionately it tackles a subject so often left in the shadows. The author brings in-depth clinical insights to the complex dynamics of female-to-female child sexual abuse, offering guidance that is illuminating, practical and thought-provoking. It challenges how we think about survivors and perpetrators alike. A very important read for anyone working in this field.’ Richard Curen, Forensic Psychotherapist and Chair of the Forensic Psychotherapy Society ‘Getu’s compelling work shines a light on a what many may view as a taboo subject. Her sensitive and courageous exploration of female-to-female child sexual abuse, interweaving the professional and the personal, and formulating the concept of bold empathy as central to the therapeutic work, makes a significant and original contribution to a little researched area.’ Dr Jessica Yakeley, Director, Portman Clinic, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust ‘This is a powerful and bold work in which Dr Getu courageously explores a domain of therapy that is not often discussed; namely psychodynamic psychotherapy with female perpetrators of sexual abuse of children. The book is unique in that it offers accounts of what makes women abuse children this way; and also offers accounts of what it feels like to be a therapist doing such work. Getu rightly emphasises the importance of boundaries in the work; and the value of supervision and working in teams. This work will be essential reading for any therapist thinking of working with female perpetrators of sexual violence.’ Dr Gwen Adshead, Forensic Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist ‘This powerful and courageous book offers a rare blend of emotional depth and theoretical clarity. A must-read for clinicians and students alike, it introduces ‘bold empathy’—a vital, fresh lens for working with complex clients.’ Heidi Ahonen, PhD, RP, Trauma psychotherapist, Professor, coordinator of PhD Programme, Wilfrid Laurier University Canada
‘It is rare to find a book that is both profoundly courageous, personal and authentic whilst also bringing academic rigour and research. Getu has managed this difficult navigation, perhaps comparable to her metaphor of the passage between Scylla and Charybdis, with grace. A combination of personal experience as a survivor and as a therapist alongside her extensive interviews of other therapists brings this difficult topic alive in a manner that reflects the complexities, ambiguities and inherent uncertainty one must hold in the work. Despite the difficulty of the topic which encourages a denial and turning away, Getu faces this bravely and well. Her elucidation of the psychoanalytic theories which can be drawn on in the understanding of these women and their actions is put to good use in her final chapter of essential recommendations in the therapeutic work and for future research.’ Dr Joanne Stubley, Consultant Medical Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst, Tavistock Trauma Service Clinical Lead ‘Lea Getu's work offers powerful insights into the taboo of female sexual abuse and clearly outlines the impact on therapists who encounter survivors and perpetrators. Based on her meticulous research, this beautifully written and highly original book should be essential reading for clinicians.’ Dr Anna Motz, Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, working for CNWL Health and Justice Services, Author and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist ‘This is a groundbreaking and urgently needed book. I was struck by how clearly and compassionately it tackles a subject so often left in the shadows. The author brings in-depth clinical insights to the complex dynamics of female-to-female child sexual abuse, offering guidance that is illuminating, practical and thought-provoking. It challenges how we think about survivors and perpetrators alike. A very important read for anyone working in this field.’ Richard Curen, Forensic Psychotherapist and Chair of the Forensic Psychotherapy Society ‘Getu’s compelling work shines a light on a what many may view as a taboo subject. Her sensitive and courageous exploration of female-to-female child sexual abuse, interweaving the professional and the personal, and formulating the concept of bold empathy as central to the therapeutic work, makes a significant and original contribution to a little researched area.’ Dr Jessica Yakeley, Director, Portman Clinic, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust ‘This is a powerful and bold work in which Dr Getu courageously explores a domain of therapy that is not often discussed; namely psychodynamic psychotherapy with female perpetrators of sexual abuse of children. The book is unique in that it offers accounts of what makes women abuse children this way; and also offers accounts of what it feels like to be a therapist doing such work. Getu rightly emphasises the importance of boundaries in the work; and the value of supervision and working in teams. This work will be essential reading for any therapist thinking of working with female perpetrators of sexual violence.’ Dr Gwen Adshead, Forensic Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist ‘This powerful and courageous book offers a rare blend of emotional depth and theoretical clarity. A must-read for clinicians and students alike, it introduces ‘bold empathy’—a vital, fresh lens for working with complex clients.’ Heidi Ahonen, PhD, RP, Trauma psychotherapist, Professor, coordinator of PhD Programme, Wilfrid Laurier University Canada
Author Information
Lea Getu, PhD, is an integrative psychotherapist and a registered member of UKCP who has worked within primary care, colleges, and in private practice for over 20 years. She is also an Assistant Professor and the foundation course leader of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Foundation Certificate at Regent's University, London.
