A process of cross-fertilization: What sex offender treatment can learn from dialectical behaviour therapy

Abstract

This paper describes how a treatment technique designed for use with a specific client group could have applicability to sex offenders. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was developed by Marsha Linehan for borderline personality disordered self-harming clients. It is argued that there are many clinical similarities between these clients and sexual offenders and these are described. The specific DBT techniques are then described with examples of how these could be applied in the treatment of sexual offenders.

Personality Assessment Inventory scores as predictors of misconduct among sex offenders civilly committed as sexually violent predators.

“…Our findings regarding borderline features support recent recommendations for integrating components of dialectical behavior therapy (Linehan, 1993) into sex offender treatment (Shingler, 2004;Stinson & Becker, 2012). DBT for borderline personality disorder holds that treatment-interfering factors must first be managed before deeper levels of treatment can even begin.…”

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment and Management of Sex Offenders

“…One other author (Shingler, 2004) has also noted the consistency between the GLM approach to offender management and DBT. Shingler (2004) highlights similarities in the conceptualizations of problematic behaviors in the two approaches.…”

“…Shingler (2004) highlights similarities in the conceptualizations of problematic behaviors in the two approaches. Considering the overlap between aspects of DBT and the GLM, DBT may provide a feasible, detailed treatment approach to sex offending behavior that is consistent with the GLM approach to offender rehabilitation.…”

Wise mind—risky mind: A reconceptualisation of dialectical behaviour therapy concepts and its application to sexual offender treatment

“…While not condoning sexual offending as an acceptable or long-term effective problem-solving strategy, validating the clients' sexually abusive behaviours as understandable within the context of their life histories/challenges may open avenues to identify other aspects or facets of their sexual offending that need to be addressed. Validation does not necessarily equate to collusion*it is a recognition or 'getting' of how it feels from inside another's subjective standpoint; conversely, collusion is 'believing' that this subjective view is objectively true (Shingler, 2004).…”

“…DBT would be particularly well suited to working with Thornton's first two domains, mentioned above. Shingler (2004) identified key clinical similarities between sexual offenders and borderline personality clients and how DBT principles could be appropriate in working therapeutically with sexual offenders. These include high levels of potential risk of harm (to self/others), dysfunctional thinking patterns, responsivity issues and a tendency for both groups to engender anger, helplessness and even hopelessness on the part of their therapists.…”