5 Reasons for Counselors to be Educated About Sex Addiction
2015-03-09 20:41:26 CPCC Blogging Team
No matter what populations you work with, sex addiction is likely something that impacts your clientele. Your clients may be dealing with it first hand, or they may have spouses, partners, or family members who are. For this reason, it is helpful for all counselors to have some background knowledge about sex addiction.
1. Sex addiction is as powerful as any other type of addiction: Sex addiction can be as powerful as drug and alcohol addictions and it involves urges and impulses that are difficult to resist. Sexual behaviors can have extreme consequences like other addictions and it can be very destructive. Healing from this addiction requires counseling, accountability, and long-term commitment to recovery.
2. Sexual content is all around us: Media and technology publicize sexual material and make it readily available for sex addicts. It is difficult to avoid exposure to images and products, which can perpetuate sex addiction. This can directly impact your clients.
3. Sex addiction impacts marriages: Many marriages are damaged as a result of sex addiction. Partners and addicts need counseling and support in order to rebuild their marriages after sex addiction. Counselors must learn how to assess, diagnose, and either treat or refer couples dealing with sexual addiction.
4. Sex addiction and porn affect teenagers: Exposure through media and technology can impact teenagers in the same way that it impacts adults. Early exposure to sexual content and porn can lead to sex addiction later in life. Counselors must scan for the impact that pornography use and sexual promiscuity can have on teens.
5. People can recover from sex addiction, but they need counseling and accountability: Sex addicts need counseling to understand and find freedom from their addiction. Partners of sex addicts also need support when they discover their partner’s addiction. Counselors must know how to provide the best quality of care and treatment for sex addicts and their partners.
CPCC is excited to present a speaker series on April 18th where Doug Weiss, renowned author and therapist with a specialty in Sexual Addiction Recovery, will come to Danville CA to train and inspire individuals and couples in sexual addiction recovery. See our page on Healing Hearts for more details.
CPCC desires to support and train all counselors, but especially those who desire to learn more about sexual recovery. Please read our page about our Intern and Trainee Program if you're interested in working at CPCC or sign up for our newsletter on the homepage if you are licensed and want to stay connected for trainings.
Sexual Recovery, Children and Teens