Therapeutische Arbeit mit deliktrelevanten Phantasien

Abstract

The article introduces a theory aiming at an applied implementation of therapy in fantasies relevant to offences. When working with offenders, fantasies are a relevant factor serving as preparatory or favourable measure influencing an action prior to an offence. In empirical studies the existence of deviant sexual fantasies was often identified to be one of the most significant risk factors for future recidivism. However, one needs to bear in mind that the significance of deviant fantasies for a future recidivism risk must be examined individually. For example, deviant sexual fantasies may have a protective effect on a certain number of sexual offenders but may constitute a vulnerable factor for the majority of offenders. Therefore, existing fantasies need to be observed separately. The threshold for action is of crucial importance in an examination. Other criteria to be taken into account are: relation to action, quantity, quality, frequency, intensity, previous predictive quality, openness in communication, controlling ability and controlling motivation. Working with fantasies constitutes a vital treatment module in preventive therapy with offenders. This involves pointing out possibilities of controlling fantasies to the offender. Concrete exercises involving fantasies, such as the imaginative exercise of fixed images, are discussed. Therapy as well as risk assessment become significantly more effective if based on specialised and differentiated concepts, such as the ones introduced at this point. Case studies are used to illustrate and discuss the different steps of intervention. Working with fantasies relevant to an offence, particularly with sexual offenders, constitutes a crucial component of a specialised concept in psychotherapy focused on offences and offence prevention.