Maintaining Change

A Personal Relapse Prevention Manual

Clearly written, A Personal Manual for Maintaining Change presents a cognitive-behavioral approach to relapse prevention developed by Hilary Eldridge and pilot tested in community-based secure hospital and prison sex offender programs. Step-by-step, the system focuses on the notion of control and taking responsibility for oneÆs actions rather than a "cure." It requires participants to become active in the change process toward the ultimate goal of being able to self-manage. Manual sections address the thinking, feeling, and behavior patterns of the perpetrator in relation to cycles of offending, cognitive distortions, cognitive and affective empathy, sexuality, social relationships, and self. It is assumed that this program will be managed by a professionally qualified and experienced therapist who has good supervision, support, and the opportunity to evaluate client progress. A Personal Manual for Maintaining Change may be used to link individuals with group work, as well as prisons with community-based programs. It is well integrated with existing programs and user-friendly for all who work in a professional capacity with adult male sex offenders. This is a professional book for client-oriented self-management or therapy to be supervised by social workers, mental health agencies, prison staff, hospital staff, probation officers, psychologists, and other health care professionals. It also makes an excellent training resource or textbook for therapists, counselors, social workers, nurses, and other mental health professionals.