Sibling Abuse: Hidden Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Trauma Book

I was lucky to have a course with the author in graduate school several years ago and looked forward to reading his book. As Dr. Wiehe was a kind and thoughtful instructor, I am not surprised to find that his book is a thoughtful and patient introduction to the topic of sibling abuse, its forms and effects on victims and families.

Especially helpful in working with victims and families is Chapter 8, "Distinguishing Abusive Behavior from Normal Behavior"in which the author lays out guidelines for distinguishing between normal sibling conflict and sibling abuse and between sexual interactions that fall within the range of normal and those which victimize. His breaking down of the "everyone does it" defense of sibling hostilities is spot on and provides new clinicians with an easily understood analogy for defusing this defense from parents or perpetrators.

The author's research with adult respondents is well developed, with respondents reflecting on their sibling relationships and family dys/functions, victimization, parental responses and affects of childhood sibling abuse on their adult relationships. These examples and Dr. Wiehe's modeling for breaking down motives and methods of abuse provide new clinicians with a reality-based foundation for helping child and adult clients come to grips with their experiences.

Recommended reading for counselors and psychotherapists in any field, working with adult or child clients, but especially for new clinicians who may not have received specialized training in sibling abuse during clinical training.