NCJ Number
243128
Date Published
2011
Length
16 pages
Annotation
After presenting a brief history of group therapy, this chapter reviews the relevant literature on group therapy with sex offenders; identifies effective group characteristics; and discusses assessment, ethics, and therapist issues.
Abstract
Although the research on the evidence of effective sex offender treatment has assessed many group-based programs, few studies have focused on the group processes that are linked to effective treatment. The studies that have examined group processes were based on group theory postulated by Yalom or Moos, and they support the hypothesis that therapeutic factors attained through relationships within the group are the key to achieving maximum benefit from the group mode of treatment. Drawing on relationship interactions, cohesion, individual contribution, and other factors identified by numerous authors is the most strongly supported approach in maximizing group therapy. Although many programs treat sex offenders in a group, not all programs attend to the group processes and relationships. There is potential to strengthen relationship skills, communication skills, and empathy through group cohesion. Cohesion can be strengthened by working with the group relationships within the goal-oriented structure of most sex offender treatment programs. When the group relationships matter to each group member, interpersonal caring facilitates disclosure. Fear of judgments by group members dissipates and honest sharing addresses cognitive distortions and the cycle of offending. There is a need to study what constitutes group therapy, how groups are facilitated, and how and why the group venue is effective. 39 references