This is the fourth module in this mini course, which takes a deep dive into the heart of compassionate communication. Motivational interviewing is an excellent way to connect with people on a deeper level, helping them to make positive changes while becoming a more compassionate and empathetic person yourself. This module focuses on critical questions that will help you refine your approach and make a lasting impact

There is growing recognition that many adults with a sexual attraction for children are motivated not to cause harm. Referred to as minor-attracted persons (MAPs), these individuals have not committed sexual offenses and the primary goal is to provide support to help them remain free of offending. Yet, these clients, and those who treat them, face the additional challenge of apprehension among lay persons and other professionals who do not understand the complexities of this issue, conflating these well-intentioned MAPs with people who have harmed. Implementing the right treatment approaches is crucial in safeguarding children and helping clients build better lives for themselves.

This training explores how stigma, social norms, moral panic, and sexual attraction act as barriers to those seeking help in preventing themselves from committing their first offense. Dr. Spooner provides a comprehensive understanding of minor-attracted people, as well as the inaccurate narratives about MAPs that result in strained relationships between providers and clients. Lastly, participants are encouraged to identify and reflect on their personal biases, explore effective approaches to meeting the needs of MAPs, and consider alternative approaches to current practices.

This training offers an in-depth exploration of Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies for identifying and exploring client motivations that may not seem evident, particularly among those who seem resistant to treatment. Presenter David Prescott reviews four micro-skills and specific techniques involving scaling questions and options menus for engaging clients and focusing on personally meaningful and relevant goals. Some of these skills review a new examination; this includes differentiating between simple and complex affirmations. Prescott also reviews the less-obvious ways that clients indicate that they are considering making changes to their lives and offers skills for strengthening commitment to treatment goals.

By effectively applying these MI principles and techniques, clinicians can significantly enhance treatment outcomes and empower clients to make meaningful and lasting life changes.

Across her 24-year career, presenter Katie Gotch has researched, assessed, and treated numerous men convicted of crimes related to sex trafficking. Katie developed this training to provide information on domestic and international human trafficking, with a focus on the perpetration of sex trafficking, followed by an overview of the current research related to perpetrators of domestic sex trafficking in the United States. The session also provides practical guidance and strategies for the assessment, treatment, management, and supervision of those who perpetrate domestic sex trafficking.

Diagnosing paraphilias can be challenging due to the evolving definitions and criteria across diagnostic manuals, leading to discrepancies in classification and diagnosis. Additionally, distinguishing between paraphilic interests and paraphilic disorders—as well as addressing the potential misuse of diagnostic criteria—further complicates the process.

During this training, Dr. Michael Miner, Emeritus Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, addresses the criteria and processes of diagnosing paraphilias and paraphilic disorders as described in the DSM-5-TR. He covers historical and current definitions, clarifies the differences between paraphilias and disorders, focuses on pedophilia considerations, and guides attendees through diagnosing various paraphilias, such as sexual sadism and voyeurism, with insights on applying DSM-5-TR criteria effectively.

The SAPROF-SO is a tool for assessing protective factors for individuals with a history of sexual offending, integrating with strengths-based therapeutic approaches. This tool comprises 14 items across three key subscales: Resilience, Adaptive Sexuality, and Prosocial Connection & Reward, with an optional fourth subscale, Professional Risk Management.

Renowned for its strong reliability and predictive validity for reduced sexual recidivism (e.g., Nolan et al., 2023; Willis et al., 2020), the SAPROF-SO is instrumental in guiding therapy planning and risk management strategies (Kelley et al., 2022). This workshop, presented by Gwenda Willis, David Thornton, and Sharon Kelley, offers a training opportunity for clinicians interested in learning how to score and interpret the SAPROF-SO. Participants will also have the option of becoming certified SAPROF-SO users by completing a post-training calibration scoring exercise. All attendees will receive the SAPROF-SO manual and associated materials, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement this tool effectively in their practice.

The code of ethics of every mental health profession emphasizes the importance of treatment planning in ensuring successful treatment. However, for professionals who treat people who have harmed others, training on the process of treatment planning is minimal. Due to this lack, newer practitioners enter the profession with unanswered questions. For example, what is the best way to customize treatment when using empirically supported protocols? How does treatment planning occur in settings where each client gets similar treatment?

This training brings together three established experts to provide over-arching guidance and practical tips for establishing treatment plans. They discuss common pitfalls that can occur in treatment programs and offer insights on navigating complex scenarios.

The need for trauma treatment with adolescents has reached nearly unprecedented levels, necessitating an increased demand for effective therapeutic interventions. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment method designed to help children and adolescents recover from traumatic experiences. This introductory training offers mental health professionals a comprehensive overview of this gold-standard therapy model. Anette Birgersson—a certified TF-CBT trainer—brings a wealth of expertise to this training, which extends beyond TF-CBT to include: (1) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), (2) Prolonged Exposure, (3) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and (4) Emotional Regulation Group Therapy. Birgersson is highly regarded for her work with adolescents in the USA and Europe and for her engaging training approach for professionals interested in helping traumatized youths.

Viewing time measures provide an unintrusive way to assess sexual interests among people who have sexually abused. It can be used in risk assessments and to assist in diagnosing Pedophilic and related conditions. Presenter Mervyn Davies, co-founder of the LOOK Assessment, developed this training to help evaluators and treatment providers use a viewing time instrument in their professional activities with clients who have sexually abused others.

Clinical supervision is a crucial component in the field of psychotherapy. It can involve educating newer clinicians on methods and models, helping them improve their practice in different directions, providing support and encouragement, and helping supervisees manage the inevitable reactions they have to clients’ historical behaviors.

Dr. Must and Mr. Prescott’s training provides supervisors with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles within the field, ultimately contributing to improved client care and clinician development.

During this introductory training, presenter Nathan LaChine offers a comprehensive overview of CSEC, with a specialized focus on the unique experiences of male survivors. Participants join Nathan in exploring the full scope of this critical issue, beginning with essential terminology, definitions, and an understanding of the key dynamics that contribute to the exploitation of minors. The training sheds light on male victimization within CSEC, including risk factors and pathways of entry that uniquely affect boys and young men, such as dysfunctional familial dynamics, homelessness, and vulnerabilities unique to LGBTQIA+ youths.

Additionally, participants acquire the skills to identify early warning signs and risk indicators that could suggest a youth is being groomed, targeted, or actively exploited. LaChine incorporates real-life case studies and survivor testimonials to illustrate the complex experiences of male youths within the larger framework of CSEC.

The benefits of culturally informed treatment practices are profound, as they create a safe and trusting environment, help clients cope with racial disparities in the systems with which they are involved, enhance the effectiveness of treatment, lead to more accurate assessments and helpful interventions, and ultimately foster resilience in clients.

Dr. Tyffani Monford’s training is designed to focus on how professionals can best practice in a culturally informed manner. It covers several key areas such as cultural frameworks and intersectionality, the impact of culture, race, and privilege in working with individuals who have been abused and their families, critical issues within child welfare, law enforcement, and the juvenile justice system, and varied meanings of “family” and “community” among clients of color, and Cultural perspectives on mental health, the systems they interact with, incarceration, disclosure of harmful behaviors, and healthy sexuality.

By providing a safe environment for reflection and discussion, this training fosters the development of culturally responsive and effective mental health care practices.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.

In this training, Certified Trainer Katie Gotch provides a thorough overview of the Static-99R, including its development, scoring system, and application in various settings. Participants learn how to score each of the ten items, with scores ranging from -3 to 12, and understand how these scores categorize individuals into five distinct risk levels: very low, below average, average, above average, and well above average risk.

The training also covers the predictive validity of the Static-99R and its appropriate use in forensic settings. Case studies are utilized to enhance understanding and facilitate skill development throughout the training.