Description

Healthy Sexuality in Sex Offense Treatment/ Free Training-- Nikole Nassen, Ph.D. 

In an effort to reduce future sexual violence, SOTP’s have historically emphasized treatment approaches that focus on suppression of sexual urges and reduction of problematic sexual behaviors. However, highlighting the importance of sexuality and assisting clients in finding consensual ways of meeting sexual needs may help SOTP’s in their efforts to reduce sexual offense recidivism. This might be accomplished through providing sexual education, assisting clients in challenging myths and misconceptions about sexuality, providing tools to improve sexual communication, and helping clients achieve satisfying and meaningful sexual experiences. 

This presentation will introduce the concept of healthy sexuality and its value in SOTP. Barriers to helping clients achieve healthy sexuality goals will be discussed. Treatment exercises to assist clients in better defining and attaining healthy sexuality goals will be provided. 

Goals/Learning objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to identify at least three techniques to overcome barriers to addressing healthy sexuality in SOTP. 

2. Participants will be able to identify at least two approaches to help clients meet their healthy sexuality goals. 

3. Participants will be able to identify at least two protective factors related to sexuality. 

Presenter biographies: Nikole Nassen, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and the director of the Sex Offender Treatment Program at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar. She has been involved in program development and implementation for Naval Corrections’ Violent Offender and Sex Offender Treatment Programs and has worked with individuals who have expressed non-traditional sexual interests in the context of these programs. Dr. Nassen is a Clinical Member of the Association for Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) and the Training Coordinator for the California Association for Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse (CalATSA). Dr. Nassen received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University in 2008. She has assessed and treated individuals who have committed violent and sexual offenses, as well as individuals with mental health concerns, in community and in correctional settings. She has also completed clinical and forensic evaluations of adults and adolescents for the Delinquency and Dependency Courts in San Diego.