John Woods presents a theoretical approach and practical suggestions for mental health practitioners working therapeutically with young people who have abused. Drawing on his long-standing experience, he has developed an integrated theory that bridges the gap between existing cognitive behavioural and psychoanalytic approaches. He shows how this individual treatment model can be applied in a range of contexts including residential settings, group and family work, as well as in individual work. CONTENTSForeword, Arnon Bentovim. Preface. 1. Psychotherapy with Young Abusers. 2. Psychotherapy in a Systemic Context. 3. Common Themes in the Psychotherapy of Young Abused/Abusers. 4. Regression, Trauma and False Self Functioning. 5. The Interweaving of Individual Therapy and Staff Group Dynamics: From Re-enactments to Creativity in Residential Treatment. 6. Group Therapy for Adolescents Who Have Abused. 7. Street Sex Offenders. 8. Disturbances of Gender Identity in the Development of an Adolescent Abused/Abuser. 9. Paedophilia as a Perverse Solution to Adolescent Conflicts. 9. Reflections on the Supervision of Work with Young Abusers, Anne Alvarez. References. Subject Index. Author Index. In-depth case studies throughout the book demonstrate how exploring the individual's whole life-course within a psychoanalytic framework enables connections to be drawn between possible childhood abuse and subsequent abusive behaviour. Guidelines are presented on working with the problems of self-destructiveness, masochism and depression facing the young abused/abuser and the impact of sexual abuse on sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation. This is an instructive and thought-provoking text for all mental health practitioners and allied professionals working with adolescents who sexually offend.
