Seguin Family Institute

This workshop addresses the difference between sex offender treatment and traditional insight-oriented psychotherapy, supervising or treating mandated, angry clients, and how confidentiality is an issue that is handled differently with this population. Solid, thorough sex offender evaluations are described and discussed. The participant will learn about various types and levels of denial and why it is so important to break through this denial. The types of grooming, so common with offenders, are addressed. Finally, this training focuses on the many safety rules sex offenders in the community should always follow. This discussion includes reasons for the rules, as well as methods for dealing with non-compliance.

This continuing workshop tackles the meaning of confrontation. Many types and methods of confrontations are demonstrated. The participants will be able to engage in a "hands-on" learning approach as the presenters and participants role-play typical confrontation situations. Other sex offender treatment and issues are addressed, including homework requirements. Several relapse prevention techniques are discussed and demonstrated. Victim empathy is something that is important and elusive to many offenders. Examples, discussions, and demonstrations will address this issue. The workshop ends by discussing therapist and issues that often arise with sex offender work. Some of these include the need to set boundaries and utilize support systems.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (Part I - 6.5 hours; Part II - 6.5 hours; + 1 optional victim hour each day)
CJAD Approved (Part I - 6.5 hours; Part II - 6.5 hours; + 1 optional victim hour each day)
TJPC Approved (Part I - 6.5 hours; Part II - 6.25 hours; + 1 optional victim hour each day)
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

This workshop identifies some sex offender populations not worked with by all treatment providers. The unique issues and needs of female offenders, severely learning disabled offenders, and adolescent offenders are discussed in detail. Several practices found to be effective with these populations are shared with the participants. Then, the training outlines the general progression of treatment for many offenders, so the therapist can detect where the offender is in regards to change attempts/risk to others. The problem of offenders making no progress is addressed. Various strategies, such as special probationary groups, group suspension status, and special staffings with probation officers are shared with the participants. The concept of using "carrots and sticks" to clearly reward rehabilitation progress and set consequences for deviant behaviors is discussed. When all other strategies seem to fail, the process of an offender being unsuccessfully terminated from outpatient treatment, along with the required reports and possible court testimony requirements, are covered.

This continuing workshop details the special population category of the Phase II or "advanced" sex offender. Phase II assignments, including the Autobiography and the Clarification processes, are detailed. The offender's lengthy and difficult rehabilitation journey is depicted, along with the fear of change, feelings, and relationships with others. The spiritual versus religious experience and debate is discussed. Finally, as the offender nears the end of structured, weekly group treatment, there are several issues and experiences that are detailed in this workshop. Therapy is often begun with various family members, including the offender's spouse and children. Supervised telephone calls, letter writing, and finally, supervised personal visits between the offender and the offender's children will be discussed in detail. Film clips depict many issues and skills the offender is attempting to learn in treatment.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (Part I - 6.5 hours; Part II - 6.5 hours; + 1 optional victim hour each day)
CJAD Approved (Part I - 6.5 hours; Part II - 6.5 hours; + 1 optional victim hour each day)
TJPC Approved
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

This half-day workshop addresses the many ethical dilemmas that supervision officers and therapists face in their dealings with offenders, and specifically, sex offenders. Some of the topics include: working with clients who do not want to be there and identifying the "real client system" in offender work. Additionally, participants will learn about confidentiality concerns, including how to recognize when there is a duty to warn. Delivering ethical and efficient court testimony and producing clear and effective written evaluations are topics that are covered in this workshop. Finally, the participants will explore how to decide if working with offenders is what they really want to do, and how to protect themselves emotionally.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (3.0 hours)
CJAD Approved (3.0 hours)
TJPC Approved (3.0 hours)
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

"How to tell when a Con is Conning: Techniques for Profressionals who deal with those who break the law"

We work long hours for many days each week, because we dream of making a difference in the world. We work with criminals. Whether we provide supervision or therapy to those who break the law, we do the best job we can to ensure vulnerable people are safe from the manipulations of these criminals. The problems we often encounter in doing this work include the fact that these criminals know how to con in such a way we often cannot detect it. When we do figure it out and try to set boundaries, we often find ourselves in a tug-of-war with the client's attorney, family members, and friends. Sometimes it seems even our colleagues and supervisors do not understand or support us. When no one else can see the manipulations of these offending clients, and it feels like everyone in society is against the work we are trying to do, we can feel overwhelmed, tired, and defeated. After all, we are supposed to be working on the same "side" in society.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (2.0 hours)
CJAD Approved (7.0 hours)
TJPC Approved (7.0 hours)
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

Do you ever wonder who baby-sits child molesters? Do you ever worry about what happens if these people do not do their jobs properly? Well, the people who often stand between sex offenders and prospective victims are called chaperones.

This workshop details the many reasons for training chaperones, as well as some of the most important aspects of a strong, organized, and complete chaperone training program. The personal traits of strong, appropriate chaperones are detailed, as well as how some of these very traits help or hinder the chaperones in their relationships with the offenders. Chaperone responsibilities and limitations are discussed in depth. The participant learns how to recognize that a chaperone is not going to be an appropriate chaperone. Turning the offender's family members into strong, alert allies is an important part of chaperone training, and it is one that is discussed in this training.

During the lunch portion of the training, the participants learn how to recognize many "signs" of possible abuse, both in the victim and in the offender.

A large portion of the workshop is devoted to learning the many manipulations and "cons" that will be used against the chaperone. Also, the participants learn some of the many constructive things the chaperone can be doing while waiting for the offender to progress enough in treatment to be able to utilize the chaperone for various functions. The last part of the training addresses chaperone issues, such as the painful situation many chaperones who are survivors face when they enter into relationships with offenders. Moving from a position of enabler to societal protector is a task that can be difficult for any chaperone, and this move requires much support and assistance. Learning where to attain this support and direction is addressed. Finally, chaperone rules, plans, and contracts are discussed and practiced.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (6.5 Offender hours, 1.0 Victim hour)
CJAD Approved (7.00 hours)
TJPC Approved (7.00 hours)
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

Sometimes clinicians are asked (or ordered) by the courts to conduct evaluations on individuals who have been found guilty of some crime. Judges often request these evaluations, hoping they will be able to make a more informed decision about sentencing issues and dilemmas. For example, the judge may be thinking about sending the defendant to prison. An evaluation may indicate the defendant would benefit society more by being placed on probation and in an outpatient treatment program. Still, the individuals submitting to these mandated evaluations usually do not want the evaluations to be performed, and they do not want any therapeutic assistance the professional may be able to offer. Because evaluation data will be shared with many individuals, including those who may not be searching for methods of alleviating the client's symptoms or personal issues, the clients are often motivated to distort information during the evaluation. They may try to appear healthier or at least less deviant than they really are, or they may try to appear insane and unable to make clear decisions.

This workshop fully describes various types of mandated evaluations, including court-ordered offender evaluations (adult and adolescent) and contested custody evaluations.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (6.75 hours)
CJAD Approved (7.0 hours)
TJPC Approved (7.0 hours)
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

In today's world, we often find potentially violent people being mandated or referred onto our caseloads. These volatile individuals present a frightening dilemma for those of us who are charged with monitoring them or attempting to change their deeply engrained and dangerous world-views. This challenge surpasses that of merely being effective change agents with clients. It often becomes one of staying safe, protecting the community, and reducing the legal liability of our very efforts to assess or reduce risk.

CEU Information:
CJAD Approved (7.0 hours)
TJPC Approved (7.0 hours)
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

This two-day workshop focuses on the highlights of both the basic and advanced sex offender training workshops for therapists. This workshop details the various "types" of sex offenders, from child molesters to rapists. The workshop discusses Criminal Thinking Errors and the deviant thought-feeling-behavior chains these offenders use in many areas of their lives. The concept of grooming is focused upon, so the officers can readily spot the "cons" being used on them and others. The progression of rehabilitation for most offenders is detailed, as well as instruction about those offenders who do not fall within the general guidelines or choose not to progress. The participants focus on some special offender populations, including female offenders, severely learning disabled or cognitively impaired offenders, adolescent or young adult offenders and elderly offenders.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (Part I - 6.5 hours; Part II - 6.5 hours; + 1 optional victim hour each day)
CJAD Approved (Part I - 6.5 hours; Part II - 6.5 hours; + 1 optional victim hour each day)
TJPC Approved
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

"Ethics and the 'Broken' Offender System"

This half-day workshop addresses some of the dilemmas that supervision officers and therapists face in their dealings with other individuals who sentence, supervise, and/or treat sex offenders. Some of the topics include: working with sex offenders who have been unsuccessfully terminated from a treatment program, working with sex offenders after a "bad win" or power play in court, and working with sex offenders who manipulate so much that rules are not enforced or followed. The participants discuss how to increase effective communication with the system components, even after difficulty in the professional relationship has occurred.

CEU Information:
Council on Sex Offender Treatment: (Pending)
Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors - Provider No. 1629
Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners - Provider No. CS2640

"The Art and Skill of
Confrontation with Offenders "

This half-day workshop explores the important role of confrontation in the treatment and supervision of offenders, and especially sex offenders. The participants learn what confrontation is and what it is not, and they discuss several ways of confronting offenders who are in denial, not taking responsibility for their behaviors, or are blatantly trying to manipulate someone. Examples of several confrontational situations are depicted, discussed, and practiced.

"Working with the Sex Offenders' Partners"

This one-day workshop explores some of the relationships in the life of sex offenders. These relationship partners, including spouses, family members, employers, and church members, are often willing to lie to protect the offender from consequences, believing what the offender says and also that the system is being unfair. The participants learn to recognize the psychological grooming that occurs in the offender’s social support system. Treatment providers and supervision officers often must work with these individuals, and they learn techniques to try to turn these partners into effective chaperones.

"Testifying Basics:
Offender Work in Court"

Many of us work with sex offenders. Some of us supervise them. Some of us provide their therapy. Because these clients are referred from the courts, we are often called upon to report to the court about them. Court is an adversarial place. The very nature of the process means there will be a winner and a loser. Many times, if an offender is in court, it is because other means have failed to achieve some goal that has been ordered by the court, leaving therapists and supervision officers feeling like they have failed in their work with the offender. It helps to know how to make the task of testifying less confusing. It helps to learn how to be an effective witness. This workshop addresses several issues, including what to do before, during, and after testimony, and it covers some important "don'ts" about the court experience.

SEX OFFENDER TRAINING SERIES…
"Training to treat: The Zenith Sex Offender Treatment Program in action"

"Training to treat: The Zenith Sex Offender Treatment Program in action," a 40-hour specialized training that takes place at the Seguin Family Institute in Seguin, Texas, is offered by Janice Hull, Ph.D., LMFT, RSOTP. This training, approved by the Council on Sex Offender Treatment, encompasses many general sex offender treatment issues, as well as the specific modules of the Zenith Sex Offender Treatment Program. Participants learn all of the homework and special assignments required of sex offenders in treatment with the Zenith program. They learn how to complete specialized sex offender evaluations, and they learn how to conduct chaperone-training programs.

Participants spend the entire week with the Zenith program therapists. This week is filled with both experiential and didactic learning experiences. Participants will participate in several types of offender groups, including "Newbie" groups, "Gateway" probationary groups, Learning Disabled and Intellectually Challenged (LDIC) groups, adolescent offender groups, and advanced groups. Participants will sit with program therapists at intake sessions with new offenders, evaluation interview sessions, individual/family sessions and/or chaperone sessions. All training sessions, regardless of the mode of instruction, will be followed by intensive debriefings regarding the special issues of the offender, the internal processing experiences of the participant-therapist, and the specific focus of the treatment program in that particular regard.

Participants may choose to obtain the Zenith Sex Offender Treatment Program instructor manual, complete with full module descriptions, exercises, and examinations. The manual is offered through a special contractual licensing agreement. This licensing agreement/instructor's manual is offered at half the usual fee for workshop participants. Participants not wishing to obtain the instructor manual are welcome to attend the intensive weeklong training.

Participants who obtain the treatment program receive a substantial amount of free program consultation (ask for details). They are entitled to discounted fees for other training workshops, as well as additional consultation services. These participants are also eligible to receive discounts on other program licenses.

In some instances, "Training to Treat: The Zenith Sex Offender Treatment Program in action" intensive training program can be done on location. Please contact the Seguin Family Institute for information, including fee schedules.

The fee for this specialized, intensive training is $800.00. There is a discount for multiple trainees from the same location, but the training is limited to four people at a time. The normal training schedule is as follows, though it may be changed from time to time:

Weekend training hours are available on a very-limited basis and do not allow for training discounts on multiple participants from the same agency.