NCJ Number
142200
Journal
Journal of Strategic and Systemic Therapies Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 33-43
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes some of the clinical and theoretical ideas three therapists used in their therapeutic conversations with a habitual child molester; their technique is an example of a systemic approach to human problems.
Abstract
The therapeutic strategy consisted of conversations with the offender about the nature of his problem and how it might be solved. Apparently, the client was motivated to change and therefore freely entered into discussions of what might have caused his sexual attraction to children and how he could free himself of this attraction. The therapeutic conversations consisted of a mutual search and exploration through dialogue, a two-way exchange, a criss-crossing of ideas in which new meanings are continually evolving toward the "dis-solving" of problems, and the dissolving of the therapy system. Change is viewed as the evolution of new meaning through dialogue. The authors note that systemic and dialogic approaches to therapy with sex offenders have been criticized by some as insufficiently concerned about the protection of potential victims through the control of the offender. The authors acknowledge that in not using coercive intervention such as medications, behavioral conditioning, and group confrontation, there is the appearance of collusion with the offender to avoid responsibility for change. The authors, however, argue that their technique of therapeutic conversation is but one aspect of a variety of intervention strategies that widen the battery of treatment options. It can help meet offender needs not met by coercive methods. 42 references