As previously stated, the primary program goal of Alpha Human Services is to extinguish or reduce the probability of recurring sexually inappropriate or deviant behavior. This larger goal will be satisfied by attempting to resolve a large number of contributing issues considered to support or perpetuate the behavior.

The first treatment issue which must be addressed is the initial suppression of the offending behavior through outside control, comprehensive monitoring and supervision, peer pressure, etc. The offender must be able, very shortly, to admit to his offense(s) and to alter the defense mechanisms and attitudes which have helped perpetuate his behavior. He must also be able to identify and intervene in the chain of environmental and psychological events typically leading to his acting out.

This will include, for many residents, the identification and alteration of the highly reinforcing practice of masturbating to, or ruminating on, deviant sexual fantasy material.

The offender is also required to acquire a thorough knowledge of the total effects of his behavior on the victim(s) and on himself. This requires the development of genuine empathy and respect for the feelings and well-being of other people.

Each client at Alpha is required to demonstrate a thorough understanding of human sexuality and to be able to identify and develop appropriate sexual values stressing respect and empathy for persons with whom one wishes to be sexually involved. This implies the severing of many clients' pairing of their sexuality with exploitation, violence, hostility, need for power, and need to humiliate others.

Most serious sexually deviant behavior, particularly if it has become patterned, is fueled in part by unresolved emotional trauma and conflict. Intensive therapeutic intervention to relieve and resolve underlying emotional issues through affective and/or dynamic treatment modes is a treatment goal. An offender’s cognitive distortions are also addressed.

Reducing chemical abuse and dependency is of primary concern at Alpha. Drugs and alcohol generally exacerbate sexual as well as other forms of misconduct. Sometimes, offenders use drugs and alcohol to reduce the fear of consequences which might otherwise stop them from acting out. Drugs and alcohol are also used in many cases to medicate the emotional stress (guilt, fear, etc.) caused by the negative behavior. Drugs tend to reduce an already diminished level of judgment, reasoning, and impulse control. These drug-related phenomena, of course, directly affect the probability of an individual acting out.