This is the second module in this mini course, which takes a deep dive into the heart of compassionate communication. We have all felt two ways about making difficult changes in our lives. This module examines the components of intrinsic motivation, which plays a key role in our ability and willingness to enact meaningful change.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who cause sexual harm present unique challenges that often go unaddressed by well-intentioned treatment providers and programs. This training, led by Dr. Kim Spence, a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in this field, equips attendees with techniques to effectively support clients with ASD who have exhibited sexually harmful behavior.
Through case examples, the training emphasizes common vulnerabilities and co-morbid conditions experienced by clients with ASD, highlighting the intricate interplay between their neurodivergence and the manifestation of sexually harmful behavior. Attendees gain teaching methods that foster appropriate social interactions between clients with ASD and their peers, paving the way for positive behavior change.
Since 2014, the Impact of Race and Culture Assessment (IRCA) has been assisting Canadian courts in arriving at more just sentences for people of African descent. IRCAs are assessments that consider an individual’s experience with racism, discrimination, and cultural factors in the context of their offending behavior. By systematically gathering information on the historical and contemporary impact of race and culture, IRCAs provide a richer, multi-dimensional understanding of individuals that can inform more effective rehabilitation and reintegration strategies. They were originally designed to address “race blindness” in sentencing, which has resulted in the overrepresentation of Blacks in the carceral system—best viewed as a symptom of systemic racism. Since the introduction of IRCA, the implications of having culturally competent assessments at sentencing have been felt in other settings.
During the training, Mr. Wright explores the history and context behind the development of IRCAs and how they are being increasingly adopted by the criminal justice system. Through interactive discussion and case examples, participants gain practical knowledge on how to interpret and apply the information gathered through IRCAs to build cultural competence at both an individual and organizational level. Specific implications for culturally informed assessment and treatment of Black people who have committed sexual offenses are examined. The training also provides considerations on the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview.
This is the third module in this mini course, which takes a deep dive into the heart of compassionate communication. Research has found that the way clients talk about change can be the best predictor of treatment outcomes. This module explores the often-subtle language that indicates a client’s growing readiness to undertake challenging changes.
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.
