Episode 447
Understanding Sibling Sexual Abuse
w/ Brad Watts, LPC
The purpose of CelesteTheTherapist is to help shift the way you think. Many times, we get stuck in a negative cycle and struggle with getting out. Celeste will interview guests from different backgrounds who empower people in different capacities.
In this powerful episode of Celeste the Therapist podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked and triggering topic of sibling sexual abuse. Our guest, therapist Brad Watts, shares his expertise and discusses his new book, which serves as a resource for understanding and addressing this silent epidemic.
Key Points Discussed:
The Prevalence of Sibling Sexual Abuse: Brad Watts emphasizes that sibling sexual abuse is a widespread issue that transcends all demographics and is not confined to any particular type of family.
Impact of Pornography: The conversation highlights the significant role of pornography in influencing the behavior of young offenders, with technology providing easy access to explicit content at increasingly younger ages.
Parental Response: The episode stresses the importance of appropriate parental response upon discovering abuse, including believing the victim, seeking professional help, and not sweeping the issue under the rug.
Treatment and Reconciliation: Brad explains the effectiveness of specialized sex offender treatment programs for adolescents, which have a high success rate in preventing re-offending. He also discusses the process of family reunification and the importance of empathy training.
Advice for Parents: The podcast offers advice for parents to be proactive in discussing sexuality and boundaries with their children, monitoring their access to sexual media, and fostering an environment where kids feel comfortable discussing these topics.
Resources and Support: Brad's book is highlighted as a valuable resource for parents, survivors, and professionals. It aims to provide guidance, hope, and a call to action to bring sibling sexual abuse into the open and support those affected.
About Brad":
Brad Watts is the author of the book Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Confronting America’s Silent Epidemic. Brad is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP) who specializes in working with families where sibling sexual abuse has occurred. Brad conducts trainings with communities and groups about how to recognize and respond to incidents of sibling sexual abuse. He lives in Virginia with his wife and son. Visit him online at http://www.bradwattslpc.com
Connect with Brad
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