Sexual Offenders Therapeutically Treatments

Sexual Offenders Therapeutically Treatments

Introduction

Many researchers and therapists have documented that the single most important dynamic in the entire therapy process is the therapeutic relationship itself. Each client brings to each session a unique set of problems and vulnerabilities, as well as strengths and weaknesses. In order to gain clinical insight into these areas, effective therapists must begin the treatment process in an expedient and skilled fashion, while simultaneously exhibiting an omnipresent and unconditional human kindness. This is especially true for the sex offender therapist, as it assists in developing the therapeutic alliance. Nonetheless, many talented and well-seasoned therapists become so repulsed or angry toward the offender that they are unable to maintain their unconditional human kindness and therefore, are unable to effectively assist the person in need. If the therapeutic relationship is of paramount importance for effective therapy to occur, then the focus should be on the sex offender therapist, as he or she is primarily responsible for initiating and developing the relationship with the client (Petrunik, 2003).

Personality

Sex offender therapists must possess a dynamic personality that is flexible enough to evolve with each client through the entire therapeutic process. They must not allow themselves to become too rigid in their thinking. Effective therapists also present themselves in a genuine manner, and do not appear to be forcing kindness or interest. They must have strong professional and personal boundaries, as well as possess a number of effective coping skills. Sex offender therapists should be both friendly and caring, and maintain a healthy level of skepticism towards life. Furthermore, they must be able to be direct, confrontational, and authoritative, while at the same time remaining compassionate, nurturing, and empathic.

Values and Morals

Sex offender therapists must share in the core belief that people are essentially good and are not born evil or bad. They must also possess the belief that therapy can and does work toward producing positive change. They must recognize that in every family system there are strengths, and it is these strengths that can assist the client in perpetual change. They must believe that although the sexual offender is their client, public safety takes precedence over confidentiality. Further, they must believe in the dangers of secrecy, particularly familial, and do their best to denounce and work through the negative secrets. They must share in the common belief that a victim's statement or allegation is more valid and ...