Part 1: Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors:
Averting Shame and Keeping Trauma-Informed
Principles at the Core of Treatment
Youth with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) and their families are often faced with overcoming a devastating burden of shame, while also attempting to address multiple layers of developmental trauma. The ability for treatment providers to differentiate between encouraging accountability and perpetuating shame for these youth is critical to their healing process. Identifying direct connections between shame and unresolved traumatic experiences - (including systemic trauma inherent to placement in the foster care system) - and the later manifestation of problematic sexual behaviors in some youth will be explored. Solutions for how to effectively intervene and disrupt problematic sexual behaviors by addressing them at the underlying core of the issue will be discussed. The Catalyst Program for Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is prioritizing this awareness into all aspects of program advancement, and specific examples of this team-driven journey will be provided. As time allows, implications for policy decisions on a larger scale will be explored.
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Presenter:
Ashley Fletcher, LCSW Catalyst Program Director Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Ashley Fletcher is a licensed clinical social worker and the Director of the Catalyst Program for Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB) at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. She leads a team of five full-time clinicians who are passionate both in the pursuit of evolving research regarding PSB, and in the delivery of evidence-based, trauma-informed services for youth and families who are faced with addressing this complicated treatment issue. Ashley has more than 20 years of experience working with youth and families in crisis. She is EMDR-Certified, and she has graduate-level certification in Interpersonal Trauma Studies from the University of Denver. Ashley is deeply invested in applying the principles of trauma-informed care to all aspects of her work, including supervision and program development. |
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Part 2: Exploring Interventions for Youth
with Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB)
There is a growing need for individualized, holistic care for youth with problematic sexual behavior. This training will examine historical approaches to addressing PSB’s in children and youth. There will be an emphasis on moving away from outdated interventions originally developed for use with adults, as these could potentially cause more harm than good when applied to treatment work with children and youth. Presenters will identify existing tools and resources that can be used to help professionals identify whether a child’s sexual behaviors are developmentally age-appropriate or are becoming problematic. A review of relevant assessments will be provided. As time allows, adaptations for differing intellectual abilities, developmental needs, and various therapeutic settings will be explored, and presenters will share how research is being applied in the Catalyst Program for Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch.
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Co-Presenters:
Becca Stengel, LPC Catalyst Program Therapist Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Becca Stengel is a licensed professional counselor and former teacher in the state of Missouri. Becca works in the Catalyst Program for Youth with Problematic Sexual Behavior at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch out of Brighton, MO. Trained in evidence-based trauma modalities like EMDR and TF-CBT as well as interventions for youth with PSBs, Becca combines her understanding of developmental learning with her therapeutic resources to help families heal from sexual trauma. |
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Hannah Swick, PLPC
Catalyst Program Therapist Good Samaritan Boys Ranch Hannah Swick is a provisionally licensed professional counselor. She currently works at Good Samaritan Boys Ranch as a residential therapist working in the Catalyst Program for Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors. She is an avid seeker of knowledge gleaned from current research in the field of treatment for youth with PSB. Hannah facilitates groups, works in family therapy settings, completes assessments, and works with the team to provide holistic, trauma-informed care to the youth at GSBR and their families. |
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