What is Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Sex Addiction?
The World Health Organization offers the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a global framework for diagnosing and coding health conditions. Within this classification, compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is recognized as a subtype of impulse control disorder. It manifests as a persistent struggle to manage sexual impulses, leading to repetitive sexual actions lasting at least 6 months.
From a layman perspective, CSBD could be considered equivalent to sexual addiction (SA). When sexual behavior is utilized to achieve a “high” and increasingly becomes “unmanageable,” we start to suspect potential addiction. There are various ways of assessing this problem and addressing the impact on relationships.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of both CSBD and SA encompass an obsessive focus on and excessive engagement in sexual activities such as pornography, masturbation, multiple or risky sexual partners, prostitution, voyeurism, exhibitionism, sex clubs, serial infidelity, cybersex, sexting, etc. to the detriment of personal well-being, interests, and obligations. Despite multiple attempts to curb these behaviors, individuals continue to engage in them, often disregarding harmful consequences to themselves or others. These disorders significantly impair functioning across various aspects of life, such as work, education, relationships, and self-care.
Understanding the Distress
It’s crucial to understand that the distress associated with CSBD and SA isn’t solely determined by moral beliefs or judgments regarding sexual impulses or actions. Instead, it reflects a genuine challenge in controlling these impulses, which can have profound effects on individuals’ lives.
Qualified Therapists
The therapists at Family Strategies Counseling Center who work within the Sex Addiction and Betrayal Recovery (SABR) program are well equipped to handle the complex nature and treatment of these issues. Our treatment program is based on the pioneering and ongoing work of top experts in the field of sexual addiction such as Patrick Carnes, Stephanie Carnes, Rob Weiss, Dan Gray, Todd Olsen, and many others.
SABR therapists have all received extensive training from the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) who is a recognized leader in sex addiction treatment training and certification. Its approach is grounded in both evidence-based practices and a comprehensive understanding of addiction and trauma.
To take a quick, free, and confidential evaluation called the SAST, which is designed to assess sexually compulsive behavior which may indicate the presence of sex addiction, click here.
NEW! Graduate Maintenance Class
SABR now offers a “maintenance class” for all graduates of the program. This class will function as a support group while offering education about recovery maintenance. This class meets monthly on every first Wednesday from 6:00-7:30pm. There is both a men’s and women’s group which meet separately. The cost is $50 and participants must pre-register to attend.
Assessment Links
Free, confidential test to assess for sexual addiction (SAST): https://new.recoveryzone.com/PublicSurvey/Create?SurveyTypeID=53
Free, confidential test to assess for levels of betrayal trauma (BBI): https://new.recoveryzone.com/PublicSurvey/Create?SurveyTypeID=59
Sexual Addiction and Betrayal Recovery Treatment (SABR)
Our treatment program is based on the pioneering work of top experts in the field of sexual addiction and betrayal/relational trauma, including Patrick Carnes, Rob Weiss, Dan Gray, Stefanie Carnes, Barbara Steffens, Todd Olson, Don Hilton, and many others who have researched this topic for over 35 years. SABR is supervised by Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT), and utilizes programming and curriculum from IITAP, LifeSTAR, and others. SABR is designed for heterosexual couples (male addicts), and single men or women (betrayed partners). Our program is superior to other interventions because:
- We have an established system for participants to carefully track their growth.
- We utilize a high level of collaboration within our program between therapists.
- Our program is constantly monitored and updated to reflect the most current science and research.
SABR participants utilize a variety of resources and tasks to assist in their learning and growth. This standardized process has been refined through nearly 20 years of working with hundreds of clients struggling with sexual compulsion and betrayal.
Family Strategies has an extensive team of CSAT therapists with experience in these issues. These therapist work together and regularly discuss the needs of all the participants; collaborating on their specific needs. Our clinicians regularly attend specialized conferences and trainings to review current research and trends in the field of sexual addiction. Based on that research, we routinely update the SABR curriculum and techniques we use in the SABR program. Our polished system for treatment provides the most comprehensive and effective treatment option for individuals working through these complicated issues.
FS Recovery App
by Breakaway Technology
Scan or Tap to Install
This simple recovery app is intended to assist those who are in recovery from sexual compulsions, or for those in a relationship with someone who is. It is not intended to be therapeutic, but rather a companion to your clinical work. Please seek professional help when needed.
SABR Therapists
Phase 1 Classes
2024
PHASE 1 CLASSES BEGIN: June 20th, 2024
CLASSES MEET: Thursdays (June 20, 27)
(July 11, 18)
For details see More Information below.
Phase 1 – Education Class teaches concepts of addiction development and tools for sobriety as well as betrayal recovery.
Potential clients must meet with a SABR therapist for an assessment before registering.
More Information
- SABR Education Class (Phase 1) – In-Person meets weekly for four weeks from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at the Family Strategies office. The fee of $400 covers all Phase 1 materials and is not billable to insurance.*
- SABR Education Class (Phase 1) – Online provides online, self-paced access to all materials needed for the Education Class. The fee of $400 covers all Phase 1 materials and is not billable to insurance.*
- All participants must meet with a Family Strategies therapist for an assessment prior to registration. Participants are required to have a Family Strategies SABR therapist to work with as they complete each class or group. Telehealth and phone sessions are available.
- All other groups (Application – Phase 2, Integration – Phase 3, and Healing) of the SABR program are $260/month throughout program participation**. Additional materials fees will also apply.
*The Education Class is self-pay only; insurance will not pay for classes or online programs.
**All other SABR groups beyond Phase 1 are billable to BCBS insurance. Deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurances may apply.