Implementing a Phase-Based Treatment for Preteen Children with Problematic Sexual Behavior: Case Examples

Pre-teen children displaying problematic sexual behavior (PSB) are a historically underserved population and many clinicians are uncertain how to proceed when a child presents with PSB. This paper presents several case vignettes demonstrating the use of evidence-informed treatment principles for these children and their families. The vignettes are derived from a recent pilot trial of a newly devised treatment protocol for children with PSB. Collectively, the examples demonstrate the development and implementation of sexual behavior rules, the use of behavioral parent training techniques, psychoeducation, methods to improve child-caregiver communication related to sexual topics, and teaching impulse control skills. These case examples, together with the pilot data for the protocol presented in the companion paper, provide initial support for this new intervention.