NCJ Number
140436
Journal
Journal for Specialists in Group Work Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1990) Pages: 75-82
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Group therapy is perhaps the most common form of treatment for sex offenders, although it is often offered in combination with various forms of individual therapy.
Abstract
Group treatment offers several advantages with sex offenders, including self-disclosure in a safe context, modeling of appropriate behavior, and reducing the likelihood of client deception of the therapist. At the same time, sex offender treatment poses unique professional and ethical problems, especially in the group setting. Ethical considerations in providing such treatment include special knowledge and experience on the part of the therapist, therapist reactions to the nature of the offense, client risk assessment, confidentiality, and the therapist's relationship with criminal justice agencies. Specialized therapist training is essential for assessment, treatment, and expert testimony, and therapists should be especially willing to seek peer consultation on cases. Given that sex offenders have committed antisocial and often abhorrent acts, clinicians must monitor themselves for countertherapeutic responses to clients. In addition, therapists must be willing to work cooperatively with various criminal justice system agents. The treatment of sex offenders referred before and after trial and self-referred sex offenders is considered. 14 references