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.

Preventing and Treating Adolescent Violence and Delinquent Behavior

This training provides insight into how and why some adolescents engage in violence and other delinquent behavior. It describes empirically based pathways to offending and examines its sociocultural context, specifically addressing how individual development unfolds within an ecological niche and how this affects behaviors such as juvenile delinquency and violence.