Resisting the Urge to Refer
Treating Harmful Sexual Behaviors in Youth
Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0
Course Description
It is estimated that around 30% of all childhood sexual abuse involves youth as the perpetrator. This statistic helps demonstrate why it is critical that all individuals who work with youth know how to appropriate respond to and address harmful sexual behavior (HSB) when it occurs. Too often, providers want to refer out for treatment of HSB, which can result in a rupture to the therapeutic alliance, a delay in receiving services due to a lack of providers which can result in a subsequent delay in other activities (such as returning to the home), and finally, it may have negative impact on the youth who may internalize that their actions were shameful.
In this presentation, we want to empower professional and parents to feel competent in addressing HSB’s with the youth they work with. We will discuss statistics related to frequency and future harmful behaviors. We will ensure that all attendees know how to develop a comprehensive safety plan (including use of the internet). We will make sure that the essential components of sexual education are describes so that individuals know what to discuss with youth. We will discuss how to address cultural considerations. Finally, we will make sure participants know when it is essential to refer to a higher level of care. Our goal is that when these behaviors show up as either a concern from a parent or when law enforcement is involved, providers can offer immediate intervention to mitigate any future harm.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to report prevalence rates of harmful sexual behaviors, which will help to increase comfort with addressing this behavior.
- Attendees will describe essential components of a supervision plan when the youth is around other youth.
- Attendees will be able to list the necessary elements of comprehensive sexual education including labeling of anatomy, consent and use of media (pornography).
- Attendees will learn how to ask questions in order to deliver care in a culturally competent manner.
About the Trainer
Valerie Gonsalves, Ph.D., MLS, ATSAF
Valerie Gonsalves, Ph.D., MLS, ATSAF is the Director of Clinical Services at Pauquette Center for Psychological Services. She is in her 13th year as a board member of the Wisconsin ATSA chapter and is an ATSA Fellow. Dr. Gonsalves has worked with individuals who engage in sexually harmful behaviors for over two decades in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She also works with individuals who engage in self-harm behaviors and practices DBT. Dr. Gonsalves is committed to preventing sexual violence. She utilizes evidenced-based practices to help her clients take control over urges for unwanted behavior and live meaningful lives.