Working with Children with Sexual Behavior Problems

Eliana Gil, PhD, is founding partner of the Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education, a private group practice in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also Director of Starbright Training Institute for Child and Family Play Therapy. Dr. Gil has worked in the field of child abuse prevention and treatment since 1973. A licensed marriage, family, and child counselor; an approved marriage and family therapy supervisor; a registered art therapist; and a registered play therapy supervisor, she is a former President of the Association for Play Therapy, which honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author of The Healing Power of Play, Helping Abused and Traumatized Children, and Play in Family Therapy, Second Edition, among many other publications. Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Dr. Gil is bilingual and bicultural.

"Gil and Shaw have provided a valuable resource for professionals intervening with children who engage in sexually abusive behaviors. Their comprehensive assessment model is based on an understanding of normative and problematic behaviors and takes into account family dynamics and history of trauma. The book shows how to open up communication among parents, children, and therapists, giving them a common language and road map for changing behaviors. Concrete case examples emphasize the need for direct parental involvement in establishing a safe, structured environment for all family members."--Beth Iddings Janik, Sexual Abuse Unit Supervisor (retired), Department of Family Services, Fairfax County, Virginia"As practitioners increasingly see younger and younger children with a variety of sexual behavior problems, we have to be especially judicious in how we conceptualize these behaviors and deliver targeted interventions. This wonderful book helps professionals understand the complex dynamics that underlie these behaviors. It also offers a very insightful discussion of the challenges posed by the ever more sexualized climate that permeates children's lives. Gil and Shaw outline a creative, strengths-based model for evaluation and treatment. Whether you are an experienced professional or a developing clinician, you will learn how to approach this work in sensitive, practical, and contextually informed ways."--Lisa Hunt, LPC, LMFT, Center for Clinical and Forensic Services, Fairfax, Virginia"There continues to be confusion regarding sexual behavior problems in children, despite the research that has been conducted over the past decade. This book is a major contribution to clinical assessment and treatment of children presenting with these issues. The case examples are excellent. The volume is carefully organized and provides important information for both mental health and child protection professionals. As a clinician, consultant, and trainer in this field, I highly recommend this book."--Geraldine Crisci, MSW, private practice, Toronto, Ontario, Canada -

• 1. Children with Sexual Behavior Problems: An Introduction2. Differentiating Normative Childhood Sexuality from Sexual Behavior Problems3. The Climate of Childhood Sexualization4. Assessment of Young Children with Sexual Behavior Problems5. Consensus-Based Treatment Areas and Suggestions for Work with Primary Caregivers6. The Boundary Project Model7. The Case of Kayla8. The Case of Thomas9. The Case of Jenna10. The Case of LorenzoEpilogueResources