Therapeutic climate of sexual offender treatment programs

Beech, Anthony R.; Fordham, Ann

doi:10.1007/bf02675066

Cited by 102 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…In fact, psychologists estimate that the proportion of change accounted for by group cohesion and the therapeutic alliance is sizable with some estimates exceeding 30% (Beech & Fordham, 1997;Beech & Hamilton-Giachritis, 2005;Marshall & Burton, 2010, Norcross, 2002, 2011. Research studies indicate that highly important therapist characteristics for enabling behavior change include flexibility, confidence, expertise, respectfulness and factors related to genuineness (i.e., empathy, warmth, openness, trustworthiness; Ackerman & Hilsenroth, 2003;Couture et al, 2006;Elvins & Green, 2008;Evans, 2013;Horvath, 2000;Marshall et al, 2002Norcross & Wampold, 2011).…”

Section: Therapeutic Alliancementioning

confidence: 99%

Where has all the psychology gone?

Gannon

Ward

2014

Aggression and Violent Behavior

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(2014) Where has all the psychology gone? A critical review of evidence-based psychological practice in correctional settings. Aggression and Violent Behavior., 19 (4 WHERE HAS ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY GONE?2! Abstract Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) is the gold standard for effective clinical psychological practice. In this review we examine the basic tenets of EBP and consider how-in the context of psychological treatment provision-EBP is able to subsume the overarching guiding theory of offender rehabilitation adopted by correctional policy makers and psychologists worldwide (i.e., the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model, RNR;Andrews & Bonta, 2010a). We also examine ways in which, under the backdrop of RNR, EBP tenets are typically being neglected by correctional psychologists. We examine three key aspects of EBP currently being neglected by correctional psychologists: (a) individualized and flexible client focus, (b) the therapeutic alliance, and (c) psychological expertise. We also highlight two highly related issues responsible for psychologistsÕ neglect of EBP within corrections. The first relates to the dual-relationship problem.That is, the tension that psychologists experience as a result of engaging in psychological practice whilst also obliging the risk and security orientated policies of correctional systems. The second relates to psychologistsÕ response to this tension. In short, psychology, as a discipline appears to have acquiesced to the dual-relationship problem.In our view, this constitutes a ÔcrisisÕ for the discipline of correctional psychology and for the provision of best practice treatment within correctional settings. We offer several recommendations for injecting EBP back into correctional psychology for the individual, psychology as a discipline, and correctional policy makers.Key words: Evidence Based Practice, Risk Need Responsivity, Corrections, SciencePractice Gap. WHERE HAS ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY GONE? 3!Where has all the Psychology Gone? A Critical Review of Evidence-Based Psychological Practice in Correctional SettingsThe role of the correctional or forensic psychologist has evolved steadily from decades of struggle between punishment and rehabilitation proponents. Ultimately, the psychologist has secured an important role in contemporary western world corrections.Yet despite correctional psychology having evolved over many decades, we believe that the correctional psychology discipline is facing a crisis. In this manuscript, we highlight one fundamental aspect underpinning this crisis-that is, the correctional psychologistsÕ mounting neglect of Evidence Based Practice (EBP). The lack of attention to EBP within such a highly important field is potentially harmful not only to the profession of psychology but also to society who must inevitably deal with the devastating effects of re-offending associated with inadequate psychological treatment.In this manuscript, we examine (1) the development of the modern day correctional psychologist; paying particular attention to the highly popular Risk Nee...

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Section: Therapeutic Alliancementioning

confidence: 99%

Where has all the psychology gone?

Gannon

Ward

2014

Aggression and Violent Behavior

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“…Similarly, it now appears that the process variables inherent in the group based treatment of sexual offenders are significantly related to treatment benefits (see Marshall et al, 2003 for review). Evidence now exists that therapist features , quality of therapeutic relationship, and models of group treatment delivery all contribute to the effectiveness of sex offender treatment (Beech & Fordham, 1997;Beech & Hamilton-Giachritsis, 2005;Marshall et al, 2003).…”

Section: How Effective Is Sexual Offender Treatment?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This emphasis has been moderated, more recently, by a tide of interest in the qualitative factors associated with success . Such interest has centered on the interpersonal qualities of program providers and, to a lesser extent, the therapeutic climate of treatment groups (Beech & Fordham, 1997).…”

Section: Tcs Provide For An Extension Of the Group Therapy Processmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of the Use of Therapeutic Communities With Sexual Offenders

Ware¹,

Frost

Hoy³

2009

Int J Offender Ther Comp Criminol

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Sexual offender treatment programs are often facilitated in secure settings such as prisons or psychiatric hospitals, which are not ideal environments for such treatment.Arguably, however, when these environments are structured as therapeutic communities (TCs), opportunities are created to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. We describe the concept of a therapeutic community, its operating principles and rationale, as well as the benefits and rationale for establishing TCs in conjunction with cognitive behavioral treatment with sexual offenders. We discuss this in terms of the potential of TCs to improve targeting of treatment content; to enhance treatment process; to provide optimal environments for therapeutic gain; and to provide a broad therapeutic framework for treating sexual offenders. We review and summarize what evidence exists for the use of TCs with both non-sexual offenders and sexual offenders. Finally, we highlight the gaps in our knowledge of the use of TCs in order to inspire further empirical and conceptual consideration of these issues .

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“…Research also supports treatment responsiveness to the interpersonal needs of individuals within the group (Drapeau, 2005) and the importance of fostering a climate based on reflexivity, open-ended questions and curiosity rather than rigid directiveness (Beech & Fordham, 1997;Frost, 2004;Frost, Daniels, & Hudson, 2006). The links between these qualities and skills associated with favourable treatment outcomes, and the presence of the necessary group 'ingredients' (the therapeutic factors, described earlier) necessary for groups to perform well, become evident when one considers the more general groupwork literature (e.g., Billow, 2003;Silverstein, 1997).…”

Section: Group Therapist Qualities and The Therapeutic Climatementioning

confidence: 84%

“…Outcomes from research studies conducted in the sex offender treatment field suggest support for the therapeutic nature of uniquely group-related features (e.g., Andrews & Bonta, 2003;Beech & Fordham, 1997;Beech & Hamilton-Giachritsis, 2005;Reddon, Payne, & Starzyck, 1999). However, research into groupwork (as opposed to individual work) as the preferred modality for sex offender programme provision remains sparse and of limited scope (Ware, Mann and Wakeling, 2008).…”

Section: Maximising Group Process In Sex Offender Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

An integrated groupwork methodology for working with sex offenders

Frost

Ware²,

Boer

2009

Journal of Sexual Aggression

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There is now a considerable literature on the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders.There exists another substantial literature on therapeutic groupwork and its relevance to a range of clinical populations. These bodies of work have made reference to the other in terms of their mutual relevance. However, there has been no comprehensive attempt to apply groupwork theory and principles systematically to work with sex offenders. While this work is generally carried out using a group format and the application of groupwork principles is enthusiastically promoted in the field, the application is underdeveloped both empirically and even more so conceptually. As a result, practices vary greatly. We argue here that a systematic and integrated consideration of the application of groupwork methodology to the treatment of sex offenders has the potential to significantly enhance treatment effectiveness. We conclude with implications for training and clinical practice.

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Therapeutic climate of sexual offender treatment programs

Cited by 102 publications

References 6 publications

Where has all the psychology gone?

Where has all the psychology gone?

A Review of the Use of Therapeutic Communities With Sexual Offenders

An integrated groupwork methodology for working with sex offenders

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