Cognitive Behavioural Treatment of Sexual Offenders

Book excerpt: Cognitive Behavioural Treatment of Sexual Offenders William L. Marshall, Dana Anderson and Yolanda Fernandez Queen's University, Ontario, Canada, and Bath Institution Sexual Offender's Program, Ontario, Canada Sexual offending is an extensive problem in our societies causing untold harm to many innocent victims. Sexual offenders typically have a personal history of abuse of various kinds and it seems that most of them would prefer to live offence-free lives. It takes courage for these offenders to face their own problems and to deal with the consequences of their actions on their victims, the victim's families, and their own families and friends. This book describes a treatment program which presses these offenders into facing the facts and taking responsibility for their actions, in a firm and supportive manner. The book's aim is to present what is currently known about the treatment of sexual offenders from both a practical and an empirical perspective. The authors describe the features that are assumed to need change and appraise the evidence in support of these assumptions. The authors present an approach to treatment which is unique and the evidence for effective treatment outcome, generally from Correctional Services of Canada programs, is among the most convincing available. Each treatment component is described and the available evidence is outlined to support the value of each component. Finally the authors consider overall evaluations of treatment outcome. All professionals involved in the treatment of sexual offenders will find this book essential for its * comprehensive review of the development and implementation of sexual offender treatment * evidence-based approach to selecting clients for treatment and to selection of treatment components * practical, detailed and research-based guidance on conducting and monitoring treatment * unique approach to treatment supported by good outcome evidence This book is published in the Wiley Series in Forensic Clinical Psychology Series Editors: Clive R. Hollin and Mary McMurran, both of the Centre for Applied Psychology, The University of Leicester, UK