Treating Harmful Sexual Behaviors from a Strengths-Based Approach: A Case Study Exploration

Strengths-based services for children, adolescents, families, and adults have become far more widely used in recent years. While much of this practice has been in response to trends in research, many professionals simply prefer to take a more positive, strengths-focused approach, particularly when working with adolescents who have caused sexual harm.

Dr. Kevin Powell has been a leading light in strengths-based work throughout his career, with an extensive record of publications and presentations on the subject. In this training, Dr. Powell describes a challenging case involving an adolescent mandated to receive sexual offense-specific treatment.

Our Safe Haven: Promoting Healthy Intimate Relationships in Clinical Practice

Developing and maintaining healthy relationships is a central aspect of treatment for sexual offending. Relationships shape how individuals see themselves, connect with others, and find meaning and accountability in their lives. Yet for many people who have caused harm, the path toward genuine intimacy, trust, and empathy can be filled with obstacles. Professionals working in this field face unique challenges in helping clients develop their capacity for closeness while addressing fears, misunderstandings, and past traumas that affect connection. This work invites both professionals and clients to rethink what healthy relationships can look like in all their diversity and complexity. Building on these ideas, we invite you to join us for this series of professional dialogues moderated by Jay Herman, LCSW, and David Prescott, LICSW.

Jay Herman, LCSW

Jay Herman, LCSW, has worked in the field of sexual violence prevention and education since 2013. Jay has worked with teens and adults in various settings including residential, educational, occupational, policy, and clinical, serving people impacted by sexual violence, domestic violence, and systemic oppression.