Treatment vs. Punishment of Teens with Problematic Sexual Behaviors

Host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Jamie Yoder of Colorado State University about how adversity and trauma increase risk for teens’ problematic sexual behaviors and how trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) can be leveraged to expand treatment resources and reduce punitive responses. Yoder describes her clinical background with justice-involved youth and emphasizes that trauma is a major, though not causal, risk factor linked through intermediaries like attachment disruptions, executive functioning impacts, and trauma symptoms. They discuss why trauma has been poorly integrated into PSB interventions due to adult-like assumptions and punishment-oriented systems, then review Yoder’s pilot testing TF-CBT across community and residential/justice settings, highlighting feasibility, the need for agency buy-in and readiness, and the role of caregiver involvement. The conversation underscores caregiver shame, clinician bias and support needs, and calls for trauma-informed, rehabilitative approaches and broader systems change.  Time Stamps: 00:00 Episode Overview 01:58 Jamie’s Path to PSB Work 05:35 How Trauma Raises Risk 09:10 Why Trauma Was Ignored 13:53 Testing TF-CBT in Settings 18:34 Caregivers and Engagement 22:48 Study Results and Meaning 26:06 Shame as Treatment Target 31:51 Clinician Bias and Support 35:53 Trauma Informed Treatment Plans 40:14 Recommendations and Systems Change 45:33 Closing and Resources Resources:Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents with Problem Sexual Behaviors: Feasibility and Acceptability for Alleviating Traumatic Stress, Regulation Problems, and Sexual Behavior Problems | Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma | Springer Nature Link Support the showDid you like this episode? Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.