ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the approach to the treatment of sex offenders in both correctional and forensic settings with differing populations. This approach is grounded in empirical evidence and is guided by current theory on risk, treatment needs and responsivity issues. If treatment providers decide to employ group therapy they must decide whether to run 'closed' or 'open' groups. Psychotherapists from a broad range of therapeutic orientations have accepted the crucial role the therapist plays in successfully treating clients. The chapter describes the Rockwood treatment programme for sex offenders and its adaptations for differing populations. Overall, this programme has been shown to be effective in addressing criminogenic targets and demonstrated significant reductions in reoffending compared to treatment as usual and untreated sex offenders in the Canadian federal correctional system. The Rockwood programme seems to be easily adapted to, and effective with, non-typical sex offender populations, such as those with a mental illness.
