Sexual Addiction, Assessment and Treatment

Course overview

Sexual Addiction has been a controversial issue in the therapeutic community since it was first conceptualized in the 1970s. Recent research and clinical experience has resulted in the first formal recognition of the symptoms leading to a formal diagnosis in the ICD-11, the International Classification of Disorders, a publication of the World Health Organization. Many clinicians have experienced clients presenting with ego-dystonic sexual behavior and have perhaps not had the training nor the clinical tools to adequately address these client issues. This presentation is intended to provide an overview of multiple ways of viewing and understanding the array of symptoms with which clients present in the area of sexual behavior, such that clinicians may have information and resources which provide some direction for adequately and effectively conceptualizing and helping clients with these issues. This course will outline and describe 7 different perspectives for understanding and describing sexual addiction/CSB. These include: 1) A framework for categorizing Problematic Sexual Behavior 2) Traditional Addiction Model, including ICD-11 3) Adult Attachment Model / Intimacy Disorder 4) Family Systems (Family Circumplex Model) 5) Complex Trauma Model (ACES) 6) Behavioral Model 7) Characterological Disorder Model This course will also review 2 common screening assessments, The Pathos, and the SAST, as well as identify how to access more in-depth comprehensive assessment tools through certified therapists who have access to them, the SDI (Sexual Dependency Inventory), the IPAST (Inventory of Partner Anxiety Stress and Trauma) and the PTSI (Post Traumatic Stress Inventory) Finally, this course will identify a multidimensional approach for intervention and treatment for clients who present with CSB issues, including: Task Model Bibliotherapy Behavioral Modification Increasing Self-Awareness through reflective exercises Narrative Therapy Group Therapy Attending support groups/self-help groups (engaging in a culture of support) Trauma Informed conceptualization and trauma resolution therapy if needed