What issues would I attempt to address first and why?

I would want to find out about the masturbation and the sexual acts with the dolls.

Formal assessment I would undertake.

'We must therefore be cautious in using defining terms which a child may carry throughout childhood and beyond' (Bannister, 1990: pg.118)

In the beginning I would like to just observe Sarah in her play, see what she talks about when she is playing with the dolls and just observe her body language, the way she uses the dolls whether it is very graphic and detailed with what is going on.

Sarah uses the dolls to act out these sexual acts, so the dolls would not be too confronting for her and with being able to watch what she is doing would help me to get a better understanding of what may be happening.

'For endeavouring to discern whether abuse has taken place, one must test in both realms of personal and projected play- that is in physical

I as the counsellor would have to be open and not make too many judgments early on in the session.

3. Was the behaviour age inappropriate? (What had Sarah's parents taught her about her body?)

Your chance is gone to help the child.

I would involve Sarah's parents and her teacher at school.

4. Did the child attempt to ensure secrecy?

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Approximate Word count = 1448
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)