The Boundary Project
Evidence-informed therapy for children presenting with sexual behavior issues.
The Boundary Project, created by Dr. Eliana Gil, is an evidence-informed, family-focused treatment model for children ages 4–12 who display problematic sexual behaviors. This attachment-focused and integrative approach addresses immediate concerns related to safety and supervision while also exploring the emotional, developmental, relational, and family factors that may be contributing to the behavior.
Family and Child Support
Safety and Stabilization
Treatment begins by addressing immediate safety concerns and helping families establish clear, developmentally appropriate boundaries and supervision plans. Children and caregivers learn practical strategies to reduce problematic behaviors, strengthen impulse control, recognize private and public behaviors, and support safety within the family.
Emotional Regulation and Healing
Children develop skills for identifying and expressing emotions, managing impulses, coping with distress, and responding to difficult experiences in healthier ways. Treatment also considers trauma histories, developmental needs, exposure to sexual content, individual risk factors, and other experiences that may contribute to the behavior. The goal is not only to stop the concerning behavior, but also to address the needs underneath it and support long-term healing.
An Integrative, Child-Focused Approach
Clinicians thoughtfully integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy, play and expressive therapies, mindfulness, and psychoeducation based on each child’s developmental level and individual needs. Through creative activities, skill-building, and guided conversations, children learn about boundaries, body safety, emotional regulation, decision-making, and healthy relationships in ways that feel accessible and age appropriate.
Caregiver Partnership and Attachment
Caregivers are active participants throughout the Boundary Project and receive equal therapeutic attention and support. At least one caregiver practices regulation, communication, and safety skills alongside the child. Joint caregiver-child sessions include attachment-focused activities designed to strengthen connection, rebuild trust, and repair relationships that may have been strained by the behaviors or surrounding circumstances. Caregiver involvement also helps families maintain progress after treatment concludes.