This paper examined the behaviors of 27 incest victims (12-18 yrs) to show how these behaviors are self-destructive & how the victim’s understanding can be used in therapy. Findings show that subjects responded to the incest experience with substance abuse, suicide attempts, perfectionism, isolation, or depression. It is suggested that when therapists view such behaviors as logical survival responses rather than cues to sexual abuse, the prognosis of the victims is hopeful.