Experiences Addressing Denial in Sex Offender Counseling

ABSTRACT This study explores sex offender counselors’ perspectives on sex offender denial in the U.S. and how to address it in treatment. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used in this study to analyze participant interviews and develop themes based on their experiences. The themes that emerged included Confrontation, Therapeutic Relationship and Emerging Changes. Participants described varied perspectives on the importance of addressing denial in treatment but agreed on the importance of the therapeutic relationship as an effective strategy to address it. Implications for practice and future research are discussed within the cultural and legal context of the U.S.