Treating individuals who have sexually offended
Abstract
The aim of this thesis was to contribute to our understanding of the therapeutic
relationship between clinicians and individuals who have committed sexual offences
against children and adults. To do this a systematic review was carried out which
explored the relationship between attachment styles and types of sexual offending to
investigate whether there is an association between types of sexual offences and
types of insecure attachment styles. 16 articles were identified and evaluated. The
results of this review indicated that individuals who have sexually offended against
children demonstrated more insecure childhood maternal and paternal attachments
alongside higher rates of insecure adult attachment styles whereas individuals who
have sexually offended against adults demonstrated a more variable pattern of
maternal and paternal attachments. Types of sexual offending did appear to be
related to different insecure attachment styles with child molesters predominantly
identified as preoccupied and fearful and rapists classified as dismissing. A separate
qualitative study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was also
completed which explored the experiences of therapists involved in the delivery of
group treatment for sexual offenders. Some of the experiences reported were similar
to those outlined in previous studies (the importance of collegial support, the
experience of intrusive cognitions, managing challenging characteristics of sexual
offenders and the perception of being involved in protecting the public) but some
were not (the prestige felt from belonging to a niche profession, the pride of pushing
professional boundaries and the perception of protecting the patient and managing
professional challenges) offering further insight into the possible types of
experiences encountered. An awareness and appreciation for the integral role
attachment status plays in sexually deviant behaviour enables clinicians to anticipate
the relational dynamics that may emerge during treatment and modify interventions
appropriately to facilitate effectiveness and maintain the therapeutic alliance. In
addition by exploring the experiences of sex offender therapists an understanding of
the ways in which the therapeutic relationship and a therapist’s sense of self may be
impacted can be garnered (Hernandez, Engstom & Gangsei, 2010; Lyn & Burton,
2004) assisting individuals and organisations in ensuring that the rewards are
maximised and the challenges supported and reduced.