Application of the Responsivity Principle to Treatment of Sexual Offense Behavior

Abstract

Borrowing from research identifying effective treatment strategies for general criminal offenders, the principles of risk-need-responsivity (RNR) show significant promise for improving treatment outcomes for individuals convicted of sexual offenses. Although adherence to the responsivity principle is theorized to be of critical importance to maximizing treatment benefits, there is limited information on the practical aspects of implementing this principle into clinical practice, particularly with regard to sexual offense therapy. This article offers a clinical case illustration and practical recommendations to guide clinicians through the process of assessing, conceptualizing and developing interventions to address their clients' responsivity needs.

Keywords:

• responsivity
• principles of effective treatment
• sexual offenders
• sexual offense
• sexual offense therapy