NCJ Number
208620
Journal
Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 249-263
Date Published
2004
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of experiential exercises in the treatment of adolescents with sexual behavior problems.
Abstract
Although the assessment and treatment of adolescents with sexual behavior problems is not a new field, there is no research literature pertaining to “best practices” in treatment for this population. The majority of treatments addressing juvenile sexual offenders (JSO's) have adhered to traditional adult-based sex offender treatment models and strategies, which may not be appropriate for the ways in which adolescents learn. Traditional models of treatment can be enhanced with the incorporation of experiential treatment methods, which can help adolescents open up thinking and emotions when traditional talk therapies fail. Experiential exercises take into account four crucial components: (1) adolescents are resilient, (2) adolescents display a variety of learning styles, (3) adolescents can be motivated to explore personal issues through the use of experiential exercises, and (4) experiential treatments can effectively treat adolescents with sexual behavior problems. Experiential exercises allow clinicians to use a variety of learning styles within treatment delivery, which is not generally achieved with more traditional talk therapies. Following a description of the seven learning styles common to adolescents, guidelines and principles for using experiential treatments are provided and include the advice to be creative and to avoid telling patients what to do. In closing, it is important to understand that adolescents are not miniature adults and, as such, treatments designed for adult populations may not translate well to the treatment of adolescents. Tables, references