Footprints
Steps to a Healthy Life
by Krishan G. Hansen & Timothy J. Kahn

Individuals with developmental disabilities experience significantly higher rates of sexual and physical abuse—50 to 60 percent more than the general population—and are more prone to exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors. The Footprints: Steps to a Healthy Life workbook is designed to provide tools and strategies for individuals and their therapists. This structured resource aims to facilitate the development of healthier behaviors and relationships, empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to navigate social situations, understand appropriate boundaries, and cultivate positive interactions.

Structure and Approach

The workbook is organized into 16 steps, each focusing on different aspects of personal development and behavior management. This structured approach helps individuals build self-awareness and improve their relationships gradually, with each step building on the previous one.

Practical Tools and Features

Footprints uses a workbook format that includes assignments, progress charts, and self-reflective exercises. These features emphasize practical strategies to help manage behavior and emotions. Notably, the workbook introduces tools like the "healthy fantasy scrapbook" and "Thought STOP” cards, which are designed to help individuals redirect negative impulses and foster positive thinking.  A set of 48 pocket-sized, perforated flashcards are bound into the back of the book, which clients can personalize and carry with them for reference and reinforcement. A separate Clinician's Guide helps clinicians make the most effective use of Footprints for treating clients.

Chapter 3, Right and Wrong Touching, is typical of the kinds of resources provided in the workbook. Important concepts such as boundaries, rules for touching, and the importance of permission and consent are discussed. Then, in addition to text, the workbook conveys these ideas to readers using multiple assignments, tests, commitment statements, “Old Me and New Me” cards to fill out, a final test of understanding, and flashcards to reinforce what has been learned.

Intended Audience

This workbook is tailored for individuals with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, attention deficits, or below-average cognitive abilities who are undergoing treatment for inappropriate sexual behaviors. It is particularly suited for implementation within counseling or therapeutic environments. It also serves as a resource for counselors working with these individuals, providing tools for managing triggers, understanding personal boundaries, and developing empathy. Some therapists have also found that Footprints is a good resource for their clients who have poor reading skills.

Author Expertise

Authored by Krishan Hansen and Timothy J. Kahn, Footprints benefits from the insights of professionals specializing in sexual behavior treatment. The workbook’s guidance is informed by established practices and research. This foundation in professional knowledge allows Footprints to serve as an effective resource for both individuals with developmental disabilities and the clinicians working with them to address sexual behavior problems.

Footprints - Supplemental Materials 
Included with the purchase of this workbook. Downloads will be accessible in your order confirmation email.

• Footprints 2 Clinicians Guide
• Words to Know - Extended Format
• Sexual History Form