Best Practices in Treatment Planning for Adults Who Have Sexually Abused

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.

Co-Facilitation in Group Therapy: Foundations for Effective Sexual Offense Treatment

This training summarizes the origins of co-facilitation, its benefits, and the issues and opportunities of it with those who have sexually abused. Ms. Crowder and Mr. Sawyer, two established experts in group therapy, highlight common mistakes among co-facilitators and considerations for developing the most effective relationships. They also discuss the research behind its effectiveness and ways in which this relationship can be improved to further expand the growth and progress of the group members.

The Influence of Race on Detected and Undetected Sexual Offending

How much do we know about undetected sexual offending? This question remains a critical concern for practitioners, courts, and policymakers alike. In this webinar, Dr. Kelley and Dr. Zaw discuss their recent study on the influence of race on detected and undetected sexual offenses among individuals deemed to be at high risk of re-offense. Their research compares White and Black adult males, revealing significant findings pertinent to understanding the actual prevalence of sexual offenses. This study is relevant to those seeking to understand the true rate of sexual offending and its implications for justice and policy development.

Dr. Kelley and Dr. Zaw’s study is the second of a series aimed at understanding how to best account for undetected sexual offending—those that could have led to a criminal charge or conviction if detected—in risk assessments. Their earlier research findings led them to ask what could affect the detection rate, with racial differences being a focus. While existing studies and publications highlight disparities in victim reporting rates, policing practices, and judicial system responses for White versus Black men, questions remain about the differences in crimes, motivations, detection rates, and potential biases throughout the process.

Dr. Kelley and Dr. Zaw’s findings are as complex as they are helpful. Their discussion focuses on areas that include antisocial processes and offense-related sexual interests. After presenting their study and findings, they explore the implications for risk assessments and evaluators, offering valuable perspectives for professionals in the field.

Working with Non-Traditional Sexual Interests in Sexual Offense Treatment

Nikole Nassen, Ph.D., a distinguished clinical psychologist and the director of the Sex Offender Treatment Program at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, brings her wealth of experience in working with individuals who have expressed non-traditional sexual interests to the forefront. During this training, Dr. Nassen first presents data on BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism) and other practices in the kink community, unveiling surprising insights from research studies. Dr. Nassen then examines “kink culture” and illustrates how many of its strongest values are antithetical to abuse. Enhanced comprehension of non-traditional sexual preferences among professionals can significantly enhance the effectiveness of treatment interventions.

Treating Intimate Partner Violence

This training looks at important considerations when working with clients who perpetrate IPV while ensuring the safety of those suffering the abuse. The session will explore the definitions and dynamics of IPV and domestic violence and review the guiding principles of effective intervention. It provides prevalence statistics and dispels myths about IPV. Treatment approaches will be introduced, intended to end the harmful behavior, but always with the goal of applying measures that will protect the victim from further harm.

Building Culturally Competent Assessment and Treatment

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.

Using the American Psychological Association’s Guide for Inclusive Language 

In October 2023, the American Psychological Association (APA) released the second edition of its Inclusive Language Guide. In support of cultural inclusivity, it outlines the differences between person-first and identity-first language and challenges all professionals to consider how they use respectful and culturally sensitive language with their clients and in communications about their clients.In this training, Molly Shepard and David Prescott review the APA recommendations and discuss their implications for practice in assessment and treatment. The training offers specific recommendations for criminal justice and related settings.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Treating Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Sexually Harm

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.