ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes the challenges of working with clients who are mandated to treatment and may initially lack motivation for, or belief in the need for, therapy. The focus in this chapter is on cultivating intrinsic motivation and building a positive therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic relationship is crucial, particularly in intensive interventions like dialectical behavior therapy, and with men who are at moderate or high risk of reoffending sexually. Treatment readiness is addressed, including forming an agreement on expectations during treatment. The importance of identifying one’s strengths and goals, and tailoring treatment to each client’s idea of a meaningful life, is emphasized. In this chapter, the client is presented with various means to address where they are in their lives, where they would like to be, and how to get there. Resources used for the duration of treatment are presented, explained, and discussed.
