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Sexual Recidivism During Treatment: Impact on Therapists
Michel Raymond1, Jean Proulx2, Geneviève Ruest1
1Institut National de Psychiatrie Légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Sexual Abuse : a Journal of Research and Treatment
|January 19, 2023
Summary
Therapists experienced varied cognitive and emotional reactions, including concern for victims and fear of reoffense, when a patient committed sexual recidivism. Common interventions involved empathizing with the patient and exploring offense motivations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Limited research exists on therapists' reactions to sexual recidivism in current patients.
- Understanding these reactions is crucial for effective therapeutic support and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the cognitive and emotional reactions of therapists following a patient's sexual recidivism.
- To identify intervention strategies employed by therapists in such cases.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 59 therapists in Quebec, Canada.
- Data collected focused on therapists' reactions, cognitions, emotions, and interventions.
Main Results:
- Therapists' responses differed based on gender, experience, and how they learned of the recidivism.
- Common cognitions included concern for victims and potential judicial consequences.
- Frequent emotions reported were sadness for the victim and fear of reoffense; common interventions involved patient empathy and exploring offense drivers.
Conclusions:
- Therapists' reactions to sexual recidivism are multifaceted and influenced by various factors.
- Findings highlight the need for support systems for therapists working with this population.
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