Treating Sex Offenders in Correctional Institutions and Outpatient Clinics

Successfully treating sex offenders is a major sexual-abuse prevention task and more necessary than ever with today's rising victim rates. Based on William Prendergast's nearly 30 years of experience in the field, this book addresses two major components of treatment: the "who" of sex offenders - principal characteristics of various types of sex offenders; and the "why" of sex offenders - clients' motives for seeking treatment. Professionals who have desperately wanted information in the identification and treatment of both sex offenders and the survivors of sexual abuse should find "Treating Sex Offenders in Correctional Institutions and Outpatient Clinics" a thorough and helpful book. This book features principles and facts of treating offenders, illustrated by one or more case studies pertinent to the issue. These profuse case examples support the practice findings and treatment principles throughout the book. One of the more intriguing topics addressed is the need for developing the practice of recognizing sex offender development in young children and adolescents and treating the young person before they commit, or attempt to commit, sex crimes. This would drastically reduce the number of active sex offenders. Practical topics include therapist qualifications and cautions, clinical interviewing techniques, comparisons of different types of sex offenders, treatment considerations and caveats, specific treatment techniques for each type, and aftercare considerations. "Treating Sex Offenders in Correctional Institutions and Outpatient Clinics" assists new individuals in the field from making serious treatment mistakes and possibly jeopardizing their client's successful therapy. A wide selection of readers should find this book a welcome addition to the available literature, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors new to working with sex offenders. Correctional administrators, probation and parole officers, judges, and other court personnel can better understand the offenders with which they work. Parents and significant others involved in the lives of sex offenders and survivors of sexual abuse or assault who are trying to understand their abuser and his motives should find the case studies especially intriguing and enlightening.