Couples Therapy and Sexual Addiction

Couples Therapy & Sexual Addiction : 

Couples Therapy & Sexual Addiction Ryan J. Adams

Sexual Addiction Defined : 

Sexual Addiction Defined Pornography Consumption Multiple Affairs Soliciting Prostitutes Voyeurism Compulsive Masturbation Online Adult Chatrooms (Zitman& Butler, 2005)

Stats : 

Stats Compulsive use of pornography has grown with its production and availability NCSAC, 15% of internet users have accessed online sex chatrooms or sites 9% of internet users spend over 11 hours a week viewing sexual content Each year, $56 Billion is spent on pornographic mediums worldwide. (Zitman& Butler, 2005)

Historical View of Pornography : 

Historical View of Pornography viewing of pornography was a “benign” activity beneficial to psychosexual development and marital sexuality healthy medium for exploring human sexuality enhanced marital satisfaction and increased sexual intimacy patterns of compulsive usage are increasingly being observed disruption, impairment, and endangerment of attachment in marital relationships addictive pornography consumption as their primary presenting issue Former Current (Zitman& Butler, 2005)

Relationship Effects : 

Relationship Effects Trust Ruptured adult attachments Most significant consequence of sexual addiction. Secrecy wall of secrecy between partners “I’m not attractive” Shame avoidance Emotional & Cognitive Effects High levels of secondary emotions: Anger Non-Addicted Spouse’s Response Communication & Patterns of Interaction Developing maladaptive interactional patterns Deviant behavior is maintained (Zitman& Butler, 2005)

Relationship Effects Continued : 

Relationship Effects Continued Egotism Ego-centric or narcissistic attitude Disregard for relationship orientation Emphasis on personal/immediate gratification Sexuality Attachment betrayal, mistrust, shame, and withdrawal Masturbatory material and sexual fantasies (Zitman& Butler, 2005)

Treatment : 

Treatment Beginning stages of development, limited research Stigmatizing and underreported Conjoint couples therapy Research on affairs Sexual addiction Families Individual & Group (Zitman& Butler, 2005)

Coping Supports for Non-Addicted Partners : 

Coping Supports for Non-Addicted Partners Coping Supports: utilized to maintain the equilibrium of the interpersonal, marital and/or family system, but no direct change Isolating oneself Avoidance of people, situations, or subjects of conversation Self-blame Distraction Crying Avoidance of sexual intimacy Focusing on Children Enabling Spouse Substance Use Objectifying Self (Manning & Watson, 2008)

Change-Oriented Supports : 

Change-Oriented Supports Strategies/Actions used to change, heal, or improve Recreational Relational Professional Spiritual Conceptual (Manning & Watson, 2008)

Clinical Implications : 

Clinical Implications Therapists are encouraged to conduct a thorough assessment of the pornography use Therapists are encouraged to place responsibility for change on the user of pornography and on the couple’s relationship A focus of treatment needs to be on assisting the pornography user in terminating porn use Validate non-using partner’s feelings and distress Therapists are encouraged to engage the couple in discussions about the culture of pornography and how the couple wants to respond to this culture. Stay up-to-date on current research (Ayres & Haddock, 2009)

Clinical Implications Continued : 

Clinical Implications Continued Evaluate Personal Biases Refrain from imposing personal values Develop and Maintain Competency Accurate Assessment and Diagnoses

References : 

References Ayres, M. M., & Haddock, S. A. (2009). Therapists’ Approaches in Working with Heterosexual Couples Struggling with Male Partners’ Online Sexual Behavior. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, Vol 16(1), 55-78. Manning, J. C., & Watson, W. L. (2008). Common Factors in Christian Women’s Preferences for Support When Dealing with a Spouse’s Sexually Addictive or Compulsive Behaviors: The C.A.V.E.D. Theory. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, Vol 15(3), 233-249. Zitzman, S. T., & Butler, M. H. (2005). Attachment, Addiction, and Recovery: Conjoint Marital Therapy for Recovery from a Sexual Addiction. Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, Vol 12(4), 311-337.