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Treatment Manual for Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Children with Sexual Behavior Problems

NCJ Number
213178
Author(s)
Barbara L. Bonner Ph.D.; C. Eugene Walker Ph.D.; Lucy Berliner M.S.W
Date Published
2005
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This manual presents a 12-session protocol for a cognitive-behavioral group therapy for children with sexual problems.
Abstract
This approach to treating children with sexual problems is highly structured and relies on behavior modification principles for group management. The emphasis is on cognitive rules, decisionmaking, impulse control, and education. Groups consist of six to eight girls and boys between the ages of 6 to 12 years and two therapists, one male and one female. Therapy sessions focus on five main topics: (1) acknowledging the inappropriate sexual behavior; (2) learning the Sexual Behavior Rules; (3) improving impulse control; (4) receiving sex education; and (5) preventing reabuse of self and others. The manual describes each of the 12 group therapy sessions, including objectives for each session, the materials needed, the topics covered, suggested content, and questions for the weekly assignments. For example, in session two, the objectives are to define the term "private parts" and teach the Sexual Behavior Rules. Questions for the children to answer are presented and an activity for the group is suggested. In this case, the activity is to finish decorating student folders. Student questions focus on retention of the Sexual Behavior Rules. The appendix contains the handouts used in each session. Appendix