NCJ Number
224574
Journal
Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: 2008 Pages: 217-232
Date Published
2008
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a model for long-term group therapy of sexual addiction that has been used in private practice and provides an excerpt from a group therapy session.
Abstract
Sexual addiction is defined and conceptualized in this paper as a disorder of intimacy that is rooted in early developmental attachment problems with primary caregivers. Based on this conceptualization, a rationale for long-term group therapy as treatment for sexual addiction is presented. Long-term group therapy allows clients to enter into relationships to (1) help manage addictive behaviors, (2) explore the dynamics of their addictive process, and (3) develop intimate bonds with others. A model and format is then presented for running therapy groups in private practice. Although there is a large body of literature promoting 12-Step groups for sexual addiction, there has been little written on the theory and practice of long-term group therapy for sexual addiction. This paper adds to the small body of literature that has described sex addiction therapy groups. Several therapists and researchers have noted that group therapy is a viable treatment option for sexual addiction. There has been little effort, however, to explain the theoretical rationale of group therapy and show how group therapy works to treat sexual addiction. This paper begins by defining sexual addiction and provides a conceptualization of the disorder. It then presents the long-term therapy group as one effective treatment option based on the conceptualization. It concludes by presenting an excerpt from the group therapy session. References