NCJ Number
243124
Date Published
2011
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes and discusses the exercises and therapeutic interventions that are used in a therapeutic community (TC) for adults referred for sexually abusive behavior.
Abstract
TC learning experiences are relevant for sex offenders who exhibit pathological social and emotional immaturity related to their abusive behavior pattern, personality style, developmental disability, age, or some combination of these factors. Extensive research has been conducted on TC treatment. Significant decreases in criminal behavior have been attributed to TCs. The basic learning activities described in this chapter are common to most traditional TCs; however, TCs may vary in their emphasis, frequency, and intensity. The "house meeting" involves all residents gathering to discuss important "community" problems that affect everyone in the TC. This not only gives residents a sense of their involvement in decisions affecting the community, but also a sense of responsibility to live by community norms. "Job function" pertains to learning a work ethic. Job assignments serve the TC community in some way. "Pull up" is the term for informal peer feedback. Various other TC practices provide a structure or label for efforts designed to identify and correct behavior and attitudes that violate TC norms. One of these practices is called "the contract," which is a criminal-abuse-cycle interruption method typically applied to maladaptive roles that lead to treatment failure and relapse. There is no behavior by residents that warrants expulsion from the TC, since this becomes a way for residents to avoid difficult behavioral and attitudinal change. Instead, treatment intensity is increased, and renewed commitment in the face of failure is emphasized. The chapter's other sections consider the "theoretical underpinning of selected TC learning experiences" and "treatment provider issues, experience, and therapeutic characteristics." 108 references