Using Forensic Compassion Focused Therapy to Help Adults with Sexual Interest in Children
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Forensic compassion focused therapy (FCFT) is a therapeutic approach that applies the principles of compassion focused therapy specifically to individuals within the criminal justice system. FCFT aims to address their behavioral and mental health issues by cultivating their compassion for others and themselves. This approach can help clients to understand, accept, and manage their sexual interest in children. It addresses shame and guilt and assists clients in developing self-regulation skills.
Jon Taylor, a consultant forensic psychologist and psychotherapist with nearly three decades of experience in various forensic settings, developed this training to offer a framework for addressing harmful sexual interests. This involves directly addressing four key areas:
Grief
Which involves:
- Coming to terms with one’s own victimization
- Addressing learned justifications for offending
- Processing experiences of betrayal
Acceptance
Which focuses on:
- Coming to terms with one’s sexual interest in children
Containment
Which emphasizes:
- Managing the attitudes and beliefs that supported offending
Developing a harm-free lifestyle
Which includes:
- Reflecting on harm prevention strategies
- Interrupting problematic communication that could lead to offending
Additionally, this training explores the physiology of early sexual excitement and the development of internal sexual scripts and narratives. It offers ideas for facilitating a sense of guilt—as opposed to shame—and experiencing compassion for others when the client has been the source of their distress.
1) Explain four core interacting domains of human nature
2) Describe forensic compassion-focused therapy
3) Differentiate among the various components of human sexuality
4) Describe a four-part framework for working with harmful sexual behaviors and interests
Audience
This training is primarily for professionals who work directly with adults who have sexually abused children. This includes mental health counselors, social workers, clinical psychologists, forensic experts, and paraprofessionals. It will also benefit professionals working with clients outside the criminal justice system who have sexual interests in children.
Content Level
Who's Presenting
Jon Taylor
Dr. Jon Taylor is a consultant forensic psychologist and psychotherapist who has worked in range of prison, secure hospital, and community forensic settings for almost 30 years. With a keen interest in developing a rich understanding of the role of trauma in the lives of those who develop offending behaviors, Jon is committed to promoting and modelling a compassionate and co-operative approach to all aspects of forensic service provision. Jon is a member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation and cofounder of the CFT forensic special interest group.