Rehabilitating Sex Offenders: Our Approach

Offenders must learn responsible ways of behaving, and our treatment programs use various techniques to rehabilitate these individuals. Through treatment, sex offenders come to understand the damaging effects of their behavior and develop empathy for the victim. They offer restitution to whatever extent possible.

Contrary to popular belief, sexual offenders can be treated and they can learn how to reduce the risk of re-offending.

The Goals of Our Sex Offender Treatment Services:

The ultimate goals of the Sex Offender in the Treatment Program are:

  1. NO MORE VICTIMS
  2. Acceptance of personal responsibility for all deviant acts
  3. Understand the victims are never responsible for acts committed upon them
  4. Control deviant arousal
  5. Handle non-sexual problems in a non-sexual manner
  6. Lead a productive life

The Sex Offender Treatment Program:

The Treatment Program is an extensive program with five major phases

  1. Assessment Phase: A set of psychosexual tests are administered and a psychosexual history is obtained, along with a review of offense-related reports, substance abuse history, and self-report measures to assess empathy, cognitive distortions, attitudes, and sexually deviant behavior. The offender is administered a PPG.
  2. Pretreatment Phase: (3-6 months) The Offender must complete a Personal Treatment Plan, Autobiography of the Offense, Assignments on Thinking Errors, Assignments on Denial and other Defense Mechanisms, and a Sexual History. He must show a beginning understanding of the goals of treatment and pass a Polygraph before qualifying for and being accepted into Active Treatment.
  3. Active Treatment Phase: (usually 24-36 months) Offender actively participates in weekly two-hour group therapy sessions, and individual therapy sessions working to:
    • stop re-offending
    • stop denial
    • control deviant arousal
    • understand thinking errors
    • develop victim empathy
    • understand his abuse cycle
    • know high-risk situations
    • take responsibility for his actions
    • develop healthy boundaries
    • learn communication skills
    • develop an anger management plan
    • develop healthy sexuality
  4. Relapse Prevention Phase: Group and Individual Therapy continues, focusing on enhancing tools learned to avoid re-offending. In this phase, the offender must complete a Relapse Prevention Plan and several other exercises to solidify their treatment goals. Family members are encouraged to be a part of the offender’s treatment support team. Family therapy is offered and recommended. The development of healthy sexuality and intimate relationships is a major focus.
  5. Maintenance Phase: The offender may continue group and individual therapy sessions to focus on the continuation of treatment goals and addressing high-risk situations that could potentially impede their treatment progress.

Treatment in the Program consists primarily of groups using cognitive behavioral therapy with psycho-educational treatment modules. These include lectures, audio, and guided group discussions about topics such as sexual addiction, power and control, anger, managing stress, resolving conflicts, building self-esteem, and the development of empathy and healthy sexuality.

If you are interested in learning more about our sex offender treatment services, contact us: Bruce W. Cameron, M.S., LPC-S, LSOTP-S @ 214-431-2032 or use the button below