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S.I.L.O.A.M.

Castlebrook Counseling is offering an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program for men struggling with compulsive sexual behavior as well as those convicted of sexual offenses. The program is comprised of an initial psychological evaluation, weekly individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy three times per week, intermittent progress evaluations over the course of the program using both polygraphy and plethysmography.

The SILOAM program treatment model is based on the belief that sexual compulsion is the result of developmental trauma and a dysfunctional family system that have interfered with the individual's capacity to form intimate relationships. Like other addictive disorders, compulsive behavior can fill a void in a person's life, becoming a means of escape from stress and the difficult aspects of living.

The SILOAM program at Castlebrook offers services for a variety of dysfunctional, destructive sexual behaviors including sexual compulsion, addiction, paraphilias, sexual offenses, and addictive relationships.

Treatment is based on systematic, cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches. The model supports the belief that compulsions come from an identifiable source, operate in a predictable pattern and can be alleviated through a process of recovery.

Five common features of compulsive sexual behavior include the following:

• A sense of powerlessness, ineffectively coupled with a resultant passive rage
• Inability to form close, loving relationships with other adults
• Frequent use of denial and rationalization to hide both the problems and underlying shame
• Acting out despite serious consequences and repeated attempts at control
• An impaired sense of self. Difficulty with leading a double life and feeling like an imposter

Fundamental to treatment is an etiologic-based conceptualization of traumatic influences on the developing sexual affective systems. The results of trauma include developmental arrest, disinhibition of impulse control, maladaptive coping and problem-solving, affect dysregulation, and distorted survival strategies in response to life's stresses.

Successful rehabilitation requires pharmacological, cognitive, affective and behavioral psychotherapy. In addition, a wide variety of skills training allows the individual to “catch up” and effectively manage fear, anxiety, anger, and other overwhelming emotions.

Because a repetition of destructive behavioral patterning often occurs, treatment also draws upon cognitive-behavioral, relapse prevention, 12 step, and spiritual approaches to maintain control over destructive processes.

Several techniques of behavioral reconditioning are utilized to change sexual-arousal patterns. Social and dating skills are taught in modules, and focus on adult relationships. Relapse-prevention techniques are then taught to help control urges when they arise. The goals of treatment are to accomplish the following:

• Help the client remember and acknowledge compulsive acts
• Accept responsibility for the past
• Express rage and shame in a safe, non-destructive manner
• Reduce deviant arousal patterns and sexual impulses
• Maintain abstinence from compulsive behavior
• Resolve family and early trauma issues
• Confront gender identity distortions
• Develop life skills to cope with a new sense of power and effectiveness
• Develop intimacy skills, empathy and compassion for others
• Deal with guilt and shame resulting from clear perception of past behavior
• Develop healthy intimate and adult sexual relationships
• Develop an adult moral value decision-making system

Clients learn to modify and control the destructive behavior patterns that have taken over their lives. The development of self-control, assertion, stress management, intimacy, social and communication skills result in increased feelings of effectiveness. As the individual becomes more powerful, self-esteem is enhanced.

Curriculum

SILOAM uses the Navcon Brig Sex Offender Treatment Program developed by Peg Edel, Ph.D, and Craig Nelson, Ph.D. of the Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, San Diego California. This is a thorough and comprehensive treatment approach in treating the problems of compulsive sexual behavior and sexual offenses.

The curriculum includes the following modules:

Psychosexual Evaluation

The Psychosexual Evaluation at Castlebrook offers a comprehensive evaluation, which identifies the sexual problem areas and provides clear treatment recommendations.

The assessment consists of a complete social and sexual history, a number of psychosexual and psychological inventories, and physiological testing of sexual arousal patterns. When necessary, a psychiatric evaluation and full psychological battery are recommended. The assessment clumintes in an extensive report, which delineates the psychosexual difficulties and problem areas of the client. Included in the report are clear recommendations for treatment, and if appropriate, specifications for reentry into the clients profession.

Castlebrook uses the following assessment instruments in evaluating compulsive and deviant sexual behaviors:

• Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2
• Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide
• Violent Offender Risk Appraisal Guide
• The Hare Psychopathy Checklist—Revised
• Abel Assessment of Sexual Interest
• Paulhus Deception Scales
• Multiphasic Sex Inventory
• Penile Plethysmograph

Length of Treatment

The length of treatment is one year with a maintenance program beyond the first year of treatment. Participants must successfully master each module in order to matriculate to the next module and into the maintenance phase of the program. A participant must also obtain positive ratings on the polygraphy and plesthymography evaluations to progress to the next level of treatment.

A typical week in treatment would be as follows:

Each participant would engage in a minimum of ten (10) hours of psychotherapy each week. In addition, a participant may also participate in couples and/or family therapy when appropriate.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of the Initial Evaluation is $1500 and the cost of the program is $1000 per month. Castlebrook will file insurance claims on behalf of the participant. However, it is the responsibility of the participant to pay for the program and his insurance may reimburse the participant. If a participant desires to pay for one year of treatment in advance, there is a 5% discount. Otherwise, the fee is due at the beginning of each month in order to participate in the program.

Program Facilitator

Brannon S. La Force, M.S., a Licensed Professional Counselor, with over ten years of experience in the area of treating sexual addictions facilitates this program. Mr. La Force has been in private practice since 1992. He is a 1989 graduate of the University of South Alabama with a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling and the Founder and Senior Therapist of Castlebrook Counseling in Mobile , Alabama . He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers. Mr. La Force is enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Clinical and Health Psychology with Walden University , Minneapolis , Minnesota . His doctoral research is in the area of Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Sex Offenders.

Start Dates

A new treatment cycle begins every three months: March 1, June 1, September 1, and December, 1.

How to Apply

Application to SILOAM may be made by calling 251-343-2993 for a confidential interview and assessment.