Download Sexual Challenging Behaviors Series

This is the second in a series of articles that look at specific goals and treatment
methods that have been found to be valuable and successful in working with disabled
youth and adults who engage in sexually intrusive and aggressive behavior. Part 2 of
this series will focus on goals 3 and 4.
Goal 3
Each person with sexually intrusive/aggressive behavior needs to acquire skills to
intervene in the cycle of offending behavior and to utilize whatever strategies,
procedures and methods he has learned in order to stop the behavior.
The first step in breaking the pattern of behavior that is
inappropriate/intrusive/aggressive is to recognize the steps in the chain of feelings,
actions and thoughts (F.A.T.) It is imperative for all persons to have a strong
foundation in order to be able to recognize all behaviors within the context of F.A.T.
Techniques that are helpful to intervene include relaxation methods and stress
management to thought stopping, cognitive restructuring and removing oneself from
high-risk situations or having others monitor removal.
Other interventions may include but not limited to covert sensitization techniques
(website: www3.telus.net/cfsg/newsletter), masturbatory satiation, and all methods
at suppressing deviant arousal. Most community programs targeting sexually intrusive
and aggressive behavior will utilize a range of therapeutic techniques and assist the
person to use all or as many as he chooses. In the past, we have been successful at
assisting persons’ with sexually intrusive behavior by integrating narrative approaches
like externalization with cognitive behavioral techniques.
Goal 4
Each person with sexually intrusive and aggressive behavior will need to participate in
sexual re socialization to address a) inappropriate thoughts and actions with more
appropriate ones; b) to improve social and sexual skills; c) to improve self concept
and attitudes/expectations for himself ; d) to secure and maintain new social
relationships, satisfying pleasurable and nonthreatening relationships.
The reeducation and resocialization aspect of the treatment program consists of a
wide array of program choices that takes into consideration cultural needs and
deficits. Most socio-sexual group programs will highlight a number of areas. These
include appropriate sexuality terminology, boundaries, assertiveness skills, self-esteem,
positive expression of feelings, anger management and appropriate social
relationships, building caring relationships and sexually transmitted diseases.
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As noted earlier elsewhere, there are individuals who exhibit sexually intrusive
behavior that have a strong sexual understanding and knowledge of appropriate
sexuality. Conversely, there are many developmentally disabled persons who equally
have an excellent understanding of sexual behavior yet have never engaged in sexually
intrusive/aggressive behavior. It is equally plausible that there are individuals who
may have experienced very limited sexual experiences due to structural restraints who
are now engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior due primarily to lack of
knowledge rather than a sexual deviance. Yet still others have been victimized and
taken advantage of by persons in power and authority whose behavior has left scars.
Recognizing that many individuals with sexual difficulties have themselves been
victimized, it is imperative that treatment be afforded to these individuals to address
their own victimization. This is one area where the focus on victimization will bridge
for the individual an understanding of victim empathy and others’ perspective on their
own behavior.
Any group program targeting sexuality education/training must take into
consideration this issue and focus on areas of intervention which are likely to assist in
this regard. It is also very important to remain aware of the fact that having been
victimized does not mitigate the circumstances of their offending behavior. There are
many individuals who have been victimized who do not engage in any sexually
abusive behaviors toward others. Equally important is to recognize that one’s sexual
abuse is NOT an excuse or rationalization for engaging in sexual offending behavior.
In the third installment of this series, we will consider the process of after treatment
safety and a relapse prevention program for individuals to remain problem free in the
community.
http://www3.telus.net/cfsg