Addressing The Root Cause Of Teen Sexual Deviance At A Residential Treatment Center
What qualifies as sexual deviance? This is a controversial term in today’s society. Sexual deviance was once meant to describe a person whose sexual preferences were outside the scope of “normal”. However, our scope of “normal” is constantly evolving with a spectrum of normal to strange, yet accepted sexual practices.
Specifically when referring to youth, the severity of sexual deviance will vary based on those in observance. One set of parents may be alarmed to find that their son or daughter is promiscuous or possibly has multiple partners with whom they are sexually active. While another parent may not reach a state of concern until they recognize abusive or controlling characteristics in their sexually active teen.
Sexual Deviancy In Youth
When determining whether or not your teen should be treated for sexual deviance, it’s important to remember that sexual curiosity and activity are completely natural at this time in their lives. Most parents reach a state of concern when they begin to recognize their son or daughters interest in sex, control, abuse, aggression, and other sexual behaviors that put themselves or their partners (consenting or non-consenting) at risk for physical and emotional harm.
For the sake of this discussion, we will consider sexual deviancy any sexual contact or behavior that can be considered high risk or potentially damaging to the person(s) involved.
If you see any of these signs, take action right away by seeking professional treatment:
Any type of sexual activity occurring frequently including forms of masturbation that harm oneself due to the frequency
Sexual urges are brought on by feelings of frustration or anger
Sexual activity causes harm either emotionally or physically to themselves or their partner
Sexual activity takes place with a partner significantly older or younger than themselves
Spying on others while they are dressing or in like-wise vulnerable positions
If you are seeing that their sexual behavior does not respond to parental intervention
Parents Addressing Sexual Deviancy With Their Teen
There is no way to combat this problem without professional help. Unlike normal teenage rebellion, this can lead to some incredibly severe problems if not addressed. That help begins with finding out the core reason for the behavior to begin with, with the help of licensed psychologists or therapists.
Parents who aim to correct sexually deviant behavior put themselves at risk when considering their relationship with their teen. This subject is highly sensitive and often times humiliating or shameful for both parties. The discussions run a high risk of being emotionally charged. Though you may have the best of intentions when helping your son or daughter, sexual deviance presents a unique challenge for both parties, better addressed by a non-emotional and professional third-party member like a therapist.
A residential treatment center may be preferable to an outpatient program for this purpose. It provides a safe, secure environment for your child to open up in.
What Does a Residential Treatment Facility Provide?
The problem with outpatient programs is that they are limited in time to an hour, maybe a couple a day, up to a few times a week. That isn’t always enough time to really delve into the issue and get to the heart of it.
Residential treatment centers are 24/7 care facilities. They have staff always on hand to address problems while monitoring medication and offering several hours of intensive therapy a day. That includes alternative treatments, such as art or music therapy during recreation time. Many patients find it easier to open up using one of those alternative methods.
Safety is another concern. A residential treatment center is monitored carefully and your teen will always be within range of an adult. If your child has expressed suicidal tendencies, self-harmed or threatened to run away, a treatment facility is a fantastic way to make sure they stay put and secure.
As for therapy during the day, most facilities have two standard sessions: individual and group. Individual sessions are done one on one with a doctor and are very productive. Group sessions may be done by age, issue or other metrics to find the best possible combination for your teen’s development.
Find out more at Sundance Canyon Academy.