1st Edition
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Sex Offenders A Treatment Guide
This treatment guide allows clinicians to effectively integrate dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as a psychological treatment with men who have committed sexually motivated offenses.
It provides clinicians with the most current, evidence-based research about sex offenders' risks and treatment needs, and draws upon the therapeutic techniques of DBT and cognitive behavioural therapy. This guide is divided into five parts that provide practical, evidence-based skills for clients to apply to their lives and reduce their likelihood of recidivism. It explores numerous skill sets that target all major areas of dysregulation commonly seen among men who have committed sexual offences. Worksheets, images, group discussion ideas, and role-play scenarios are used throughout to help clients practice their skills within the group setting and on their own.
This guide is essential for all mental health professionals who work with men who have committed sexual crimes.
Part 1: Introduction to Skills Training & Mindfulness
Chapter 1: An Overview of DBT
Chapter 2: Preparing Your Client for DBT Skills Training
Chapter 3: Group Dynamics and Expectations, and the Bio-psycho-social Model of Sexual Offending
Chapter 4: Core Mindfulness Skills
Part 2: Sexual Regulation Skills
Chapter 5: Healthy Sexuality, Intrusive Thoughts, and Compulsive Behaviors
Chapter 6: CALM and CLASP Skills
Chapter 7: Thinking Errors & Risk Factors
Chapter 8: Understanding My Offence
Part 3: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills
Chapter 9: Intimacy, Relationships, and Interpersonal Myths
Chapter 10: DEAR MAN & GIVE FAST Skills
Chapter 11: Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills in Relationships and Relationship Barriers
Chapter 12: Empathy
Part 4 Emotion Regulation Skills
Chapter 13: Acknowledging, Identifying, and Regulating Emotions
Chapter 14: Changing My Emotional Responses and Conditioning Wise Mind
Chapter 15: Coping Ahead
Part 5: Distress Tolerance Skills
Chapter 16: STOP and CABB Skills
Chapter 17: Self-Soothing, Wise Mind ACCEPTS and RAW PAR Skills
Chapter 18: Dialectical Abstinence, Relapse Prevention, and Sexual Safety Plan
Biography
Dr Abigail Kolb, Ph.D., is an associate professor of criminology at the University of West Georgia. Her research has primarily focused on gender and offending. She is also a licensed social worker and has worked in forensic mental health for over a decade, focusing on the treatment of sexual offenders. As a trained DBT practitioner, she hopes to help other clinicians implement this treatment modality for sex offenders.
“Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is an empirically validated treatment that has been used with diverse populations. However, there has been minimal guidance for clinicians wishing to use this approach with men who have committed sexually motivated offences. Dr. Kolb’s treatment guide remedies that oversight. Clinicians and clients will benefit from the careful application of DBT to the criminogenic needs relevant to sexual offending. The reader will find clear direction, structure and ample handouts and exercises. A much needed treatment guide grounded in the latest empirical research and best practice.”
Dr. Anton Schweighofer, R. Psych, Canada
“Dr. Abigail Kolb has written a groundbreaking book proposing a new and unique approach to working with sexual offenders. The pairing of CBT principles with DBT concepts and skills for this population is superb. Dr. Kolb has synthesized complex theories and material into an understandable, easy to use manual. The author’s use of compassion and balance while maintaining therapeutic boundaries is lovely. Dr. Kolb may have revolutionized sex offender therapy for both clients and clinicians. I truly believe that this book will quickly be considered an essential sex offender treatment manual for many years to come.”
Dr. Lyne Piché, Registered Psychologist, British Columbia, Canada
“Dr. Kolb has done extensive work to progress the use of DBT in sexual offender treatment. She has taken such work to a new level! Clinicians and researchers would gain tremendous insight into utilising a more novel and exciting approach that can hopefully address the limitations of the CBT- Relapse Prevention Model in the treatment of sexual offenders.”
Dr Joseph Sakdalan, Sexual Offender Treatment and DBT specialist
