Am I A Sex Addict?

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What to look for

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In the pattern of those who put together successful recoveries, part of the profile is being with a skilled therapist. Usually, therapy lasts at least and up to five years. Here are the things you look for:

  1. More than likely you will join a twelve step group. Ask members of the group who are the good therapists who work with sex addicts. In the twelve step communities word spreads quickly about the "good" ones.
  2. You must remember that you are consumer of health services and have the right to ask questions about your therapist and therapy. It actually is a decision that is mutual. You have to decide whether this person can help you. The therapist assesses whether the patient is willing to do what it takes to face this problem.
  3. There are two key criteria for finding a therapist. First, look for a CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist). This is an extended training process that includes critical concepts and supervision in working with sex addicts. On the opening page of sexhelp.com, you will see a "find a therapist" section. This allows you to access the certified therapists in your area.
  4. Look for therapists who also offer a therapy group as well as individual therapy. Are there any educational components to what they have to offer patients in the form of workshops, psycho-education, and/or materials?
  5. All CSAT therapists are also members of The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), an organization dedicated to the promotion of understanding and research around sex addiction and sexual anorexia. SASH also has lists of people who participate in the association who offer services for sex addiction. One way to evaluate a potential therapist is when they are both CSAT certified and a member of SASH.
  6. If you still cannot find a therapist in your local area, another option is to look for someone who specializes in general addiction work. Other organizations that can help you are ASAM (American Society for Addiction Medicine – www.asam.org), American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders (www.americanacademy.org/resources), and NAADAC (National Association of Addiction and Drug Counselors – www.naadac.org). Pine Grove Recovery Center also has an extensive national network. You can reach them at 888-574-4673. Finally, when all else does not work, please call our office at 800-708-1796. We often know of people who are not on anyone’s list that would be able to help you.

Remember that it is extremely important for family members also to receive therapy. Part of the successful profile, for example, is when family members (especially the primary partner) are involved. Success increases when those family members commit to therapy for themselves. If there is a marriage or partnership, the most success happens when both partners commit to couples therapy and a twelve-step couples program.