NCJ Number
209920
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 13 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 193-213
Date Published
2004
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article describes an integrated (holistic) method of treating juvenile sexual offenders (JSOs).
Abstract
The integrated (holistic) approach to treatment is a blend of traditional and nontraditional approaches, with a focus on healing and well-being. This approach incorporates and modifies, while moving beyond the traditional cognitive-behavioral and relapse prevention models most often used by the majority of JSO treatment programs. It cultivates in clients the universal needs for generosity, belonging, mastery, and independence. The therapeutic relationship is sensitive to the distinctive characteristics of the client and refrains from imposing labels on the client. The therapy also varies according to the assessed learning style most suitable for the client. Seven types of learning styles are described in this article. A disorder often found in JSOs is reactive attachment disorder (RAD), which may present in two ways. In inhibited RAD, the child does not initiate or respond to social interactions in a developmentally appropriate manner. In disinhibited RAD, the child has diffuse attachments, indiscriminate sociability, and excessive familiarity with strangers. Experiential treatments such as integrated (holistic) treatment can be used in conjunction with most cognitive-behavioral treatment models that address empathy, anger management, perspective-taking, cognitive restructuring, decisionmaking, education, life skills development, and interventions for problems experienced by the client. Methods include psycho-education, social and life skills development, competency-skills building, and coping skills. Some basic principles of experiential exercises are to be creative, involve all staff and patients, do not tell patients what to think and feel, and be careful about telling them what to do. Types of treatment exercises are outlined, and sample exercises are described. 6 tables and 19 references