NCJ Number
105329
Journal
Journal of Social Work and Human Sexuality Volume: 4 Issue: 1-2 Dated: (Fall 1985-Winter 1985-86) Pages: 109-123
Date Published
1986
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Many sex offenders can be helped by making use of fantasy as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy.
Abstract
Sex offenders are characteristically action-prone, aggressive, impulsive, socially deviant, and often exhibit meager fantasy skills. Others may be given to a repetitive obsessive fantasy that spills over into action. Because there is a linkage between fantasy and behavior, fantasy training can be used to reduce acting-out behavior of these individuals. The goal of fantasy training with an individual given to thoughtless action is to use actionless thought as an additional coping style. In cases of repetitive, obsessive thought, elements may be introduced into the fantasy that alter or interrupt its idosyncratic meaning (i.e., arousal, feelings of superiority) to the client. Fantasy is taught by structuring and encouraging individuals' imagination skills through exercises that help them to visualize and regroup images into a personalized scenario. Constructive alternative behavioral responses can be incorporated into clients' behavior repertoires through fantasy. 38 references.