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What Happens to Therapists Who Work With Sex Offenders?

NCJ Number
140720
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 18 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 217-223
Author(s)
T Farrenkopf
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Twenty-four Oregon mental health therapists who specialized in working with criminal clients and sex offenders responded to a questionnaire concerning the personal impact of working with sex offenders, perceived phases of impact, differences between male and female therapists, and personal coping strategies.
Abstract
Many of the respondents experienced considerable stress due to clients' criminality and offenses, involuntary nature of the treatment, questionable prognosis and recidivism, shortcoming of the judicial and rehabilitation systems, and the shortfall of support. Most therapists reported becoming discouraged about changing their clients' criminality; half experienced emotional hardening, rising anger, and confrontation; while one-third felt frustrated with society or the correctional system. Female therapists in particular reported feeling suspicious and vulnerable. The findings suggested that these respondents went through several adjustment phases including an initial shock phase, a period of professional mission characterized by hopes for effectiveness and empathy for the client, and a resurfacing of repressed emotions including anger and cynicism. About 25 percent of the respondents experienced burnout. The author suggests that lowering expectations, diversifying one's workload, and forming enhanced support systems can prevent burnout syndrome from occurring. 12 references

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