How Do You Work with a Perpetrator?
Refer back to Case Study 9.2, and now consider that James presents at the mental health center as your next appointment. Although he has not been charged with a sexual assault, he is disturbed by what he did to Sherry. After the incident, he was afraid Sherry would report him to the staff and that he would be asked to leave the rehab center. He knew he did not have any other place to go and would probably end up homeless if forced to leave. He asked the rehab center staff to make an appointment for him at the local mental health center. He reported the incident to you in detail. Although he can discuss the details of what he calls “the incident,” he reports feeling as if he was outside of his body looking down at what was going on. He says he doesn’t know why he did what he did to Sherry, who is someone he really cares about. He has tried to call Sherry, but she will not answer the phone. He would like to apologize to her but he is concerned she will never talk to him again. He is asking you to help him figure out what to do.
Discussion Questions
1. What additional information would you like to know about James through your initial interview?
2. What information would be helpful in understanding how you will work with James?
3. In this case, how would you proceed to work with James?
4. Discuss any ethical issues you need to consider when working with James.
