From Deseret News archives:

Utah jettisons holding therapy

State orders last practitioner to end the controversial practice

Published: Friday, Feb. 11, 2005 9:14 a.m. MST
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Killpack was allegedly killed by her adoptive parents, who forced her to drink water until she passed out as punishment for taking a sibling's soft drink.

The Killpacks said they learned the punishment technique at Cascade, a charge that cast the therapy center into the national spotlight. VanBloem and Gwilliam denied involvement, and Cascade was not implicated in an investigation by the Utah County Attorney's Office.

Supporters of holding therapy believe that through physical poking and prodding, usually to the abdomen, children who have suffered severe physical or sexual abuse are able to release pent-up rage and frustration.

VanBloem and Gwilliam say they never hurt children during holding therapy sessions.

Gwilliam has moved to St. George, where she plans to continue practicing as a therapist.

Her therapy sessions must be monitored by a supervisor approved by the state, and physical contact with clients must be "brief and not repeated in the course of a clinical session ." Such contacts might include a hug, a pat on the shoulder or holding hands.

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Gwilliam must also complete 20 hours of classes in "boundary violations and ethics approved by the Social Worker Licensing Board," must meet with the board periodically, and must inform the board of where she's working as a therapist.

Snyder said Gwilliam plans to work as a therapist for a state-approved agency that treats children in St. George's juvenile justice system.


E-mail: jhyde@desnews.com

Recent comments

I went through holding therapy as well, and it was very helpful,...

Elise | Sept. 29, 2009 at 4:53 p.m.

My name is Derrick and I have personally been through holding therapy...

Derrick M. Tuning | Aug. 14, 2007 at 11:34 p.m.

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