Denying denial in children with sexual behavior problems

Denial in some form is almost always present in the assessment and therapy of children with sexual behavior problems. Although it can be a major element in the therapeutic interaction, denial has received scant attention, both in teaching programs and professional literature. It is as if the clinical community is "denying denial." Despite its seemingly resistant nature, denial can be used to produce impressive inroads in data collection and in developing insight. This article offers an in-depth look at the construct of denial, especially its expression among children with sexual behavior problems. It will be argued that a more informed understanding of denial dynamics can creatively inform and direct treatment of children and adolescents with sexual behavior problems and considerably improve treatment outcome.