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| Steven E. Mussack, PH.D. Psychologist and Program Director |
PROGRAM STAFF
CHOICES program staff have provided training and consultation at local, state,
national, and international levels to therapists treating sexual behavior
disorders. We consistently work to be aware of innovations in intervention
strategies in this specialized field.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
CHOICES program philosophy in providing therapeutic intervention to youth
who have acted out in sexually inappropriate ways is an act of prevention which
can result in the attainment of a lifestyle, in subsequent years, which is
fulfilling, productive, safe, and successful. Youth who act out sexually
are not considered bad children. We believe these children have developed
thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, feelings and actions, all of which we define as
behaviors, which repeatedly result in harmful actions to others and
themselves. It is the behavior which we define as bad and behavior, by its
nature, is alterable. With effective support and help, these children can
and do change. These changes are facilitated by helping children and their
families resolve their confusion and shame and through consistently respecting
all who involved.
CHOICES program philosophy in providing therapeutic intervention to adult sexual offenders is one which considers effective evaluation as an essential component in the development of individualized treatment strategies. These strategies focus on individual and community safety, effective behavioral control and change, personal accountability, aid to victims of sexual assault and relapse prevention. In cases of incest, family based evaluations are provided, where appropriate, to ensure that the therapy provided takes into consideration the needs of all family members.
CHOICES program philosophy in providing services to individual's with histories of being sexually victimized is one of focusing on resolution of trauma. This is accomplished through providing an atmosphere of safety, belief, trust and support, and through believing that each individual possesses the resources to transform their experience of trauma into a source of strength to effectively provide for their own self protection, comfort, confidence and success.
PROGRAM GOALS
A primary goal of CHOICES is to aid sexual offenders and their families in
generating and supporting behaviors which do not bring harm to either the
individual or others he/she comes in contact with. This goal is achieved
through:
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The attainment of self respect through accepting full accountability and responsibility for his/her inappropriate and harmful behaviors, past and present. This is accomplished through disclosure of a complete history of harmful behaviors, sexual and non-sexual, clarification of accountability and responsibility to individuals who have been victimized in person, through video tape recordings and/or in writing whenever possible, and multiple other interactive and written exercises.
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Facilitating the understanding of the impact of harmful behaviors on self and others. This is accomplished through bibliotherapy, video therapy, interactions with sexual abuse victims and treatment of personal histories of victimization.
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Development of skills, knowledge and understanding which lead to success, pride, and interpersonal respect in all life areas. This is accomplished through the development of effective interpersonal communication, employment, assertiveness, rational thinking, anger and impulse control, affectional and relational skills to aid the individual in the establishment of effective support networks and positive relationships to further reduce the likelihood of a return to harmful behaviors.
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Development of healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors. This is accomplished through sexual education, behavioral therapies focused on reduction of deviant sexual arousal and interest patterns while maintaining or enhancing appropriate sexual arousal and interests.
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The giving and receiving of caring support, help and affection in ways that are not experienced as harmful, fearful or threatening.
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The attainment of clear recognition of individuals, classes of individuals, settings and situations, thoughts, feelings and behaviors which have been part of sexual acting out patterns in the past and pose an increase risk for acting out in the future.
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Substance abuse treatment where appropriate.
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The development of multiple alternatives for each of these risk factors which will lead the individual away from a choice to engage in behaviors which are likely to result in harm to self or others, sexual or otherwise.
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The participation in a one year after care program after involvement in the formal treatment program is completed.
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The skills and desire to maintain the goals accomplished while in treatment after involvement with CHOICES has ended.
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The availability on future individual, group, marital and family support when needed.
