Assessment, Intake, and Treatment Goals with Children with Sexual Behavior Problems: Utilizing Play Therapy and other Expressive Approaches


Eliana Gil, Ph.D., RPT-S

Program Goals

The goal of this workshop is to help play therapists and other clinicians identify and address the unique challenges of assessing and treating children with sexual behavior problems. This workshop will provide a range of information including definitions, types of sexual behavior problems, and most importantly, how to differentiate between normative sexual development and sexual behavior problems.  The presenter will emphasize the importance of using a brief child-friendly assessment process utilizing play therapy approaches so that play therapists learn how to address referral concerns directly with children, and at the same time gauge their willingness to participate with others about these issues.  Treatment principles that utilize play and other expressive therapies will be described, and clearly linked to specific target goals with this population.

Program Schedule

The schedule will consist of a didactic presentation, group discussions in Zoom breakout rooms, case illustrations, and a Power Point handout.

10:30 – 12:30       Definition of sexual behavior problems Overview of normative sexual development A comprehensive child-friendly assessment utilizing play therapy activities

12:30 – 1:30         Lunch Break

1:30 -  3:45            Identifying treatment goals and providing an array of play therapy approaches to advance treatment goals Questions and answers

Course Objectives

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

  1. Define sexual behavior problems and how play therapists can assist children with sexual behavior problems
  2. List two criteria play therapists can use for determining non-normative sexual behaviors
  3. List two intake issues that play therapists must address with parents to set the context for the treatment
  4. Name two play therapy approaches that can be used to conduct a useful assessment of children with sexual behavior problems
  5. List a rationale for observing children’s spontaneous play in therapy
  6. List two reasons why play therapists must focus on parental cooperation
  7. List two supervision issues relevant to safety for children with sexual behavior problems
  8. Name two treatment principles that play therapists can use to treat children
  9. Name two goals that play therapists can promote using play therapy
  10. Name two specific activities suggested for working with underlying issues of sexual behavior problems
  11. Describe two benefits of inviting parents to share information with their children of what they learned in treatment, and vice versa
  12. List two counter-transferential responses that play therapists might encounter working with this population

References:

Kellogg, N. D, (2010).  Sexual behaviors in children : Evaluation and Management. J. of American Family Physician, 15,82(10) :  1233-1238.

Letourneau, E. J., Chapman, J. E., & Schoenwald, S. K. (2008). Treatment outcomes and future Offending by youth with sexual behavior problems. J. of Child Maltreatment, 13(2) : 133-144.

Shaw, J. A., Lewis, J. E., Loeb, A., Rosado, J., Rodriguez, R. A. (2000).  Child on child sexual Abuse : Psychological Perspectives. J. of Child Abuse and Neglect, 24 :12, 1591-1600.

Silovsky, J. F. (2009). Taking action : Support for families of children with sexual behavior Problems. VT : Safer Society Press.

McPherson, L., Vosz, M., Gatwiri, K., Hitchcock, C., Tucci, J., Mitchell, J., Fernandes, C., & Macnamara, N. (2024). Approaches to Assessment and Intervention with Children and Young People who Engage in Harmful Sexual Behavior: A Scoping Review,Trauma Violence Abuse, April 25(2): 1585-1598. Doi: 10.1177/15248380231189293

Tremblay, MJ, Daignault, I.V., Fontaine, N.M.G., Boisvert, I., & Tourigny, M. (2020). School-Aged children with sexual behavior problems:  Untangling the relationship between Externalizing behavior problems and non-sexual victimization on the variety and Severity of sexual behaviors.  Child Abuse and Neglect, 107, 104490.   Doi.org/10.1016/J.chiabu.2020.104490

Wamser-Nanney, R., Campbell, C. L. (2020). Sexual Behavior Problems Among Sexually Abused Children: Associations with Co-Occurring Symptoms. 27(1). Sage  Publications. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077559520971362

General Course Information

This course is is designed to facilitate group discussion among play therapists and others regarding state-of-the art literature and practice regarding children’s sexual behavior problems, intake focused on safety and supervision, an assessment that utilizes play therapy activities, and developing goal-oriented and structured play and other expressive therapy interventions.

Clinical case discussions will adhere to HIPPA regulations regarding client confidentiality.

Target audience is Licensed Professional Counselors, MFTs, psychologists, social workers, play therapists and others who work with children.

The program is Beginning Level

This event is sponsored by Starbright Training Institute.  APT Approved Provider No. 96-029.

Myriam Goldin, LCSW; RPT-S, is Director of Starbright Training Institute.  Email: starbright.inst@outlook.com   Web Page: starbrighttraininginstitute.com

Complaints and Appeals:

Complaints against an Approved Provider should first be filed in writing with the Approved Provider directly for resolution. If satisfaction is not obtained, APT’s Continuing Education Coordinator should be contacted in writing to achieve a final resolution.

Grievance Policy

Starbright Training Institute seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner. Please submit a written grievance to: Myriam Goldin, LCSW; RPT-S, Director of Starbright Training Institute.  Email: starbright.inst@outlook.com   Web Page: starbrighttraininginstitute.com

Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems.

Accommodations for the Differently Abled

Starbright Training Institute’s training facilities are handicap accessible. Individuals needing special accommodations please contact the Director of Starbright Training Institute. See contact information above.

Course Instructor Contact Information

Name:  Eliana Gil, Ph.D.

Website:  www.gilinstitute.com

Email: elianagil@me.com

Phone:  202-257-2783