Compulsive Sexual Behaviours offers a unique approach to the struggles people face with their out-of-control sexual behaviours. This comprehensive guide is deeply rooted in the science of sexology and psychotherapy, demonstrating why it is time to re-think the reductive concept of ‘sex addiction’ and move towards a more modern age of evidence-based, pluralistic and sex-positive psychotherapy. It is an important manual for ethical, safe and efficient treatment within a humanistic and relational philosophy. This book will be an important guide in helping clients stop their compulsive sexual behaviours as well as for therapists to self-reflect on their own morals and ethics so that they can be prepared to explore their clients’ erotic mind.
Increasing numbers of therapists are coming into contact with the problem of compulsive sexual behaviour disorders. However, it is still a relatively new field and there is little in the current literature available that enables the therapist to work with and treat this problem. CBT for Compulsive Sexual Behaviour: A guide for professionals addresses this by providing a guide to cognitive-behavioural theory and practice which includes the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of addictive sexually compulsive disorders. Beginning with a description of addictive sexuality and an overview of cognitive behavioural therapy in which CBT is presented as the most useful response, Thaddeus Birchard provides clear therapeutic information about the implementation of CBT treatment intervention. The chapters included cover the neuroscience that underpins the addictive process; a ‘how to’ chapter on the use of groups; paraphilias; trauma and attachment; comorbid disorders and cross-addictions and analysis on the function of internet pornography, all written from a cognitive behavioural stance. Using case vignettes throughout, Thaddeus Birchard draws on his own experience as a psychosexual therapist, along with the latest research in the field, to enable the therapist to treat a range of compulsive sexual problems in a way that can be applied in individual practice or in a group setting as well as how to prevent relapse. This book will be essential reading for psychosexual therapists, cognitive behaviour therapists and other professional working with sexual compulsive disorders.
Out of control sexual behavior ñ referred to variously as "sex addiction", "sexual compulsivity", and "hypersexuality", among other terms, has been a controversial and attention-getting issue since it first captured both public and professional attention over 30 years ago. Previous discussions of this behavior have been grounded in conceptualizing it as a pathologized, medical issue on par with substance abuse addictions, or, in backlash, as simply irresponsible behavior indicating weakness in the individual. In keeping with the call from many leaders in the mental health and sexual health areas to move beyond these two polarized conceptualizations of these sexual behavior problems, the authors present a model for working with clients in both group and individual treatment settings. Based on their experience with hundreds of clients, this book provides a comprehensive and practical conceptualization of out of control sexual behavior framed as a sexual health problem within a larger model of human behavior, not a psychiatric or addictive disorder. The book includes step-by-step tools for assessment, treatment planning as well as treatment implementation. It describes a process for professionals to guide clients to define and be accountable for their own personal vision of sexual health as the foundation on which they regain sexual behavior control. The authors provide rich and varied composite case examples based on 20 years of clinical experience that demonstrate clinician sexual health treatment conversations and tools, as well as stories of hope and guidance so essential to individuals wanting to understand how sexual health can be the essential ally in changing their sexual behavior.
This book reviews the myriad of elements that layer substance abuse disorder, a significant public health issue. It addresses the strong stigma associated with the disease, particularly in regard to the doctor patient relationships. The book begins by explaining the importance of integrating psychiatric and substance use disorder treatment by demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment model. Subsequent to this are chapters dedicated to specific addiction disorders, including cocaine, opioids, gambling, food, and sex addictions. Chapters also examine how addiction can differ among various neurobiological, genetic, socioeconomic, and age demographics. The book closes with histories, policies, and modalities of drug use which serve as a key component to building a foundation for effective and ethical health policy. Written by international experts in addiction psychiatry, Substance and Non-Substance Related Addictions: A Global Approach is a valuable resource for all practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge of addiction medicine.
Few syndromes in psychopathology generate as much popular curiosity and clinical exploration as does obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Since the 1970s, research on OCD has increased exponentially. Speci?c advances include an improved grasp of the heterogeneity of the disorder, identi?cation of putative subtyping schemes, and the development of increasingly sophisticated theoretical models of the etiology and maintenance. Perhaps most importantly, research has led to advances in treatment; andwhereasthe?rstlinetherapies(cognitive-behaviortherapyandserotonergicm- ication) are not entirely effective for every sufferer, they have transformed OCD from an unmanageable lifetime af?iction into a treatable problem that need not reduce quality of life. Despite the aforementioned advances, there have emerged a number of sharp disagreements concerning OCD. Differences have surfaced over phenomenological issues, etiological models, and approaches to treatment, and often occur (but not exclusively) along disciplinary lines between biologically oriented and cogniti- behaviorally oriented authorities. For example, medical approaches posit that abn- mal biological processes cause OCD, whereas psychosocial formulations emphasize the role of learning and dysfunctional cognitions. Yet because theoretical conjecture andempirical?ndingsfromwithineachtraditionaretypicallyaddressedtowardd- tinct and narrow audiences, clinicians, researchers, and students with broad interests are hindered from gaining a clear grasp of the diverse (and sometimes polarized) perspectives.
The media today is filled with powerful men in trouble for their sexual behaviors, and invariably, they are diagnosed as sexual addicts. Since Adam first hid his nakedness from God and pointed the finger at Eve, men have struggled to take responsibility for their sexuality. Over the past three decades, these behaviors have come to reflect not a moral failing, but instead, evidence of an ill-defined disease, that of "sexual addiction." The concept of sexual addiction is a controversial one because it is based on questionable research and subjective moral judgments. Labeling these behaviors as sex addiction asserts a false, dangerous myth that undermines personal responsibility. Not only does this epidemic of sex addiction excuses mislabel male sexuality as dangerous and unhealthy, but it destroys our ability to hold people accountable for their behaviors. By labeling males as weak and powerless before the onslaught and churning tide of lust, we take away those things that men should live up to: personal responsibility; integrity; self-control; independence; accountability; self-motivation; honor; respect for self and others. In The Myth of Sex Addiction, Ley presents the history and questionable science underlying this alleged disorder, exposing the moral and cultural judgments that are embedded in the concept, as well as the significant economic factors that drive the label of sex addiction in clinical practice and the popular media. Ley outlines how this label represents a social attack on many forms of sexuality--male sexuality in particular--as well as presenting the difficulty this label creates in holding people responsible for their sexual behaviors. Going against current assumptions and trends, Ley debunks the idea that sex addiction is real, or at least that it is as widespread as it appears to be. Instead, he suggests that the high-sex behaviors of some men is something that has been tacitly condoned for countless years and is only now labeled as a disorder as men are being held accountable to the same rules that have been applied to women. He suggests we should expect men to take responsibility for sexual choices, rather than supporting an approach that labels male sexual desire as a "demonic force" that must be resisted, feared, treated, and exorcised.
Psychiatry meets sexual medicine! This book explores the links between mental and sexual health and provides guidance for the treatment of the most common sexual problems. The book fills the need of many clinicians and trainees who work in the field of psychiatry and sexual medicine. Offering comprehensive and clearly structured information, case presentations, and key messages this book focuses on sharing essential knowledge and skills of recognized experts in the field. Get inspired by the vivid interactions of psychiatry and sexual medicine and help your patients on their way to improved sexual health!
Sex addiction is on the increase - in the media as well as in the therapy room. But while more and more people seek help for their compulsive sexual behaviours, there is still confusion and debate about whether the condition even exists. Understanding and Treating Sex Addiction explains why an increasing number of people are inadvertently finding their lives devastated by their sexual behaviours. It explores the latest scientific understandings and research into why pornography, cyber sex, visiting sex workers, fetishes and multiple affairs can come to control some people's lives to the point that they can't stop. It explains how sex addiction is not a moral issue, as some assume, but a health issue that we as a society need to start taking seriously. Throughout the book are the revealing statistics from the UK's latest survey on sex addiction. Three hundred and fifty people who struggle with this condition have bravely and candidly shared their experience for the benefit of their fellow sufferers and those who choose to help them. This book contains support and advice for both the clinician and for those who suffer from sex addiction. As well as practical guidance and techniques for stopping compulsive behaviours and preventing relapse, there is also a thorough exploration of the deeper underlying causes and how these must be addressed.
A masterful, high-yield guide to the treatment of substance abuse issues, The ASAM Essentials of Addiction Medicine equips you with the expert know-how you need to provide effective help for your patients. Derived from The ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine, 5th Edition – widely hailed as the definitive comprehensive clinical reference in the field – this companion resource presents the collective wisdom of hundreds of esteemed authorities on the art and science of addition medicine. Yet, it does so in a succinct format that will appeal to specialists seeking a more streamlined, quick-access reference source. Find the authoritative answers you need on everything from the pharmacology of addiction through diagnosis, assessment, and early intervention; various forms of addiction management...treatment of individual patient populations; management of intoxication and withdrawal; pharmacologic and behavioral interventions; recovery programs; medical disorders and complications...co-occurring addiction and psychiatric disorders; pain and addiction; children and adolescents; and ethical, legal, and liability issues. Contribute to public health in the area of addiction thanks to a special introductory chapter entitled “A Public Health Approach to Prevention: The Health Professional’s Role.” Easily switch back and forth between the ASAM Essentials and the parent text thanks to a parallel chapter organization. Zero in on the most important, practical information thanks to highly focused, efficient coverage. Maximize your understanding and retention of vital concepts with the aid of key points summaries, review questions, and suggested readings in each chapter.
