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Counseling
Counseling
Finding
a therapist who is knowledgeable about sexual addiction is critical. Because of
the relative newness of the field, locating an informed counselor may be
difficult. A Christian counselor trained in sex addiction is the ideal choice,
but unfortunately, such professionals are rare. Because more resources are
available to provide spiritual support, look first for a clinician who
understands sexual addiction. If that person is also a Christian, that's a plus.
But no ethical counselor will do anything to challenge your faith, and someone
who doesn't understand sexual addiction can do more harm than good.
Finding a Counselor
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Ask other recovering people for recommendations.
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Ask other mental health professionals
or physicians for counselors trained in
addictions.
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Contact your local drug and alcohol council for referrals.
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Check the listing
of therapists who are certified as Christian sexual addiction specialists
through the
American Association of Christian Certified Sexual Addiction Specialists.
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Check the listing of therapists who are members of the
Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health, which is the secular
professional organization for clinicians who treat sexual addiction.
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For Christian counselors, check the listing of therapists who
are members of an organization like the
American Association of Christian
Counselors. Understand that this is a general listing and
members may not be familiar with sexual addiction.
Ask the Counselor
It's wise to
interview the therapist to see if she/he seems to be an appropriate choice.
Following are some suggested questions.
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Are you trained in treating addictions?
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Are you specifically familiar with sexual addiction?
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Have you heard of Dr. Patrick Carnes?
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Do you recommend the 12 Step program of recovery?
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Do you work from a trauma-based model in treating addictions?
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What's your
approach in helping co-sex addicts?
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How many sexually addicted clients have you treated?
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What's your definition of sexual sobriety?
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What about couples? How do you work with them?
Counselors' Education
Professionals can
have a variety of educational backgrounds and practice emphases. Here is a
brief synopsis of some the more common ones:
Doctoral degree - These clinicians have achieved the most advanced
level of education available, which is usually signified by the initials Ph.D.,
Ed.D., or PsyD.
Master's degree - These clinicians have completed a graduate degree,
usually identified as a M.A., M.Ed., M.S., MSW or MFT.
Type of Counselor
Psychiatrist - This person is a medical doctor who has completed
advanced training in mental and emotional disorders. This professional may
prescribe medication and typically is more focused on managing medication than
on providing talk therapy.
Psychologist - This person has a doctoral degree but isn't
medically trained. He/she may be specifically trained in testing but will also
conduct traditional therapy.
Licensed Professional - These clinicians have at least a master's
degree and have completed supervision requirements for licensure in their field.
Different types include:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed Pastoral Counselor
Unlicensed Counselor - Either a trained counselor who for whatever reason
hasn't completed the requirements for licensure; or a lay counselor or minister
who doesn't have professional clinical training.
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