Systemic approach to the treatment of sex offenders

Abstract

Abstract The treatment of sexual offense and sexual addiction addresses the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects of persons as they live in a comprehensive system of intra- and interpersonal relationships. Types of therapy and therapeutic interventions are integrated and tailored to the specific needs of the individuals, couples, and/or families in treatment. Authentic intimacy is nurtured and encouraged through individual, group, and 12-step work in which persons are challenged to more fully live, trust, and develop self-worth, positive regard for others, inter dependency, and tolerance for conflict, ambiguity, and imperfection. By situating recovery from sexual addiction and/or sexual offense in the relationship between the person and the Divine, unnecessary shame can be avoided and recovery and treatment can be experienced as a spiritual journey.