Consultation groups are forming in all of our locations to help others working in the offender populations in a cross-disciplinary fashion. All too often the offender treatment providers get sub-divided into their tightly defined specialties and lose the richness that cross-disciplinary collaboration provides. These groups are strong collaborative efforts.

Consultation Group for Therapists who work with Sex Offenders

Sex offenders are the pariahs of our times, branded with a scarlet letter that can be seen worldwide at all hours of the day. On top of this, they are subjected to harsh, highly restrictive laws and conditions, made by well-meaning legislators, but that are not consistent with risk levels or any treatment related issues. As a result, those of us in the field or coming into the field feel similarly oppressed, misunderstood, alone, and marginalized.

This group can help us collaborate on systemic issues, gather more information to improve services, seek case consultation, and develop an effective support network and self-care plan to manage the impact of our work.

Collaborative Group for Therapists who want to help clients make the Internet safer for themselves or their children

As therapists, it is extremely difficult to keep pace with the rapidly changing internet environment. Coupled with our hectic schedules and constantly evolving technological advancements, this collaborative consultation group is a key to educating ourselves on evolutions of the Internet.

We will have access to equipment that will educate us on the new processes of technology. Each participant will have tasks to complete and topics to explore, and will share their findings with the group. By sharing knowledge we will shorten our learning curve and condense the time needed to expand our skill-sets.

Consultation Group for Probation/Parole/Caseworkers/etc. regarding sexual offenders

People in the surveillance/monitoring "wing" of the offender field are far too overworked and time-crunched to stay current with treatment directions. Adding to their pressures, they find little time to process their own emotions and struggles working with such a difficult clientele.

This group is designed to provide a monthly or bi-monthly forum for participants to explore and share best practices in monitoring while allowing them to support each other in coping with the emotional challenges associated with their positions. Participants will be able to openly explore specific case examples and process their reactions and feelings in a supportive and empathic environment to better serve their clients, while dealing with their own reactions.

This group offers a safe and confidential space to address and share the overwhelm, reactions, insecurities and questions associated with this work.

Consultation Group for Therapists who Work with Traumatized Children

Therapists, case workers, school social workers/counselors and educators who work with children struggle with how to work effectively with children who have been traumatized. Trauma interupts the normal intellectual, emotional, pyschological, and spiritual development of kids. These interruptions create difficulties for these families and for the children, and it is our responsibility to help them through the difficulties. This consultation group will help participants to create new interventions, receive support, and explore programatic changes to improve effectiveness.

Consultation Group for professionals who work with adolescents with sexually problematic behaviors

If you work with adolescents, male and female, who engage in risky and/or inappropriate sexual behaviors it can be challenging and lonely. These behaviors are escalating in our world. The consultation group will provide support, tools, and stategies for effective interventions while working with these adolescents.