Series: Meet the Therapists
Da’Twanya Bullock, MSW, LCSWA
Greensboro PRTF Specialty Care Therapist
Preparing to Expand Specialized Treatment in Greensboro
As Alexander Youth Network prepares to expand its residential services in Greensboro, therapists like Da’Twanya Bullock are helping build the foundation for specialized care that more children and families will need.
When a child displays problematic sexual behaviors, families may have questions about what the behaviors mean, where to turn for help, and what treatment looks like. These situations can be difficult to navigate, especially when families don’t know where to find specialized support.
At Alexander Youth Network, we’re working to help close that gap.
As part of our preparation for the Greensboro residential expansion, four therapists are participating in specialized training in Problematic Sexual Behavior–Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT). This training is helping strengthen our team’s ability to support children with problematic sexual behaviors and the families navigating these challenges.
One of those therapists is Da’Twanya Bullock, Greensboro PRTF Specialty Care Therapist. Her passion for helping children and families is a big part of why this work matters to her.
Understanding Problematic Sexual Behavior
Before exploring the treatment, it’s important to understand what problematic sexual behavior actually means.
Children naturally have questions about their bodies and may show curiosity as they grow and develop. Not every sexual behavior in childhood is a cause for concern. However, some behaviors go beyond what is considered typical for a child’s age or developmental stage.
Problematic sexual behaviors, often called PSB, are behaviors that are developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the child or others. They may include repeated or intrusive sexual behaviors, inappropriate touching, crossing another person’s boundaries, or behaviors involving pressure, force, or coercion.
There isn’t one explanation for why these behaviors occur. Every child’s circumstances are different, and a child’s behavior alone does not tell the whole story or automatically mean they have experienced abuse.
What matters is understanding the child’s individual needs, recognizing when additional support is needed, and making sure everyone involved has the guidance and care necessary to move forward safely.
Most importantly, a child displaying problematic sexual behaviors is still a child who deserves support, understanding, and the opportunity to learn new skills.
What Does PSB-CBT Treatment Look Like?
Problematic Sexual Behavior–Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT) is a specialized treatment approach designed to help children develop healthier behaviors, understand personal boundaries, and learn skills that support safe relationships.
Treatment focuses on more than simply correcting a behavior. It helps children understand appropriate boundaries, strengthen emotional regulation, improve decision-making, and develop healthy ways to respond to challenging situations.
Families and caregivers are also an important part of the process. They receive guidance and support to better understand their child’s needs, establish appropriate safety rules, and reinforce what their child is learning through treatment.
The goal is to help children make positive changes while giving families the tools and confidence to support them along the way.
Finding a Passion for Specialized Treatment
For Da’Twanya, participating in the PSB-CBT training has strengthened her interest in helping a population that can sometimes be overlooked.
She was initially selected to participate in the training, but as she learned more about the treatment model, she became increasingly interested in the gaps in care and the need for specialized, evidence-based support.
She recognized that cases involving problematic sexual behaviors, particularly those occurring between children, can sometimes go unaddressed.
“I recognized that these cases can sometimes be overlooked or left unaddressed, particularly when the behaviors occur between children,” she explained.
One lesson that stood out to Da’Twanya was that children with problematic sexual behaviors generally pose a low long-term risk of future sexual abuse perpetration and may also be vulnerable to future victimization.
This reinforced the importance of looking beyond a child’s behavior and providing treatment without assumptions or stigma.
For her, this work is about understanding each child’s needs and making sure they have an opportunity to learn, grow, and make positive changes.
Preparing Therapists to Support More Families in Greensboro
The four therapists participating in the PSB-CBT training cohort are helping Alexander Youth Network prepare for an important next chapter in Greensboro.
As part of the planned residential expansion, two wings of the new Residential Treatment Program are expected to serve youth with problematic sexual behaviors. Preparing clinicians now is an important step toward building the specialized treatment capacity needed to support these children and their families.
This investment also matters to referral partners who are looking for appropriate treatment options for youth with more specialized needs.
For Da’Twanya, the hope is that children gain a better understanding of their behaviors, develop healthy coping strategies, and recognize their ability to make positive changes. She also wants families to feel informed, supported, and equipped to be part of the process.
A Child’s Behavior Does Not Define Their Future
When asked what she wants families and referral partners to understand about this work, Da’Twanya shared an important reminder:
“Problematic sexual behaviors do not define a child’s future. With early intervention, specialized treatment, and family support, youth can learn healthy boundaries, develop positive coping skills, and make meaningful progress without stigma or judgment.”
Her perspective reflects why this training matters. Children need more than a label attached to their behavior. They need professionals who understand their needs, families who feel supported, and access to treatment that gives them the opportunity to move forward.
As Alexander Youth Network looks ahead to the Greensboro residential expansion, this work is already underway. Through the preparation and dedication of our therapists, we’re building the foundation for more specialized care for children and families in the communities we serve.
