Common Mistakes in Treating Sexual Addiction
Unfortunately, many Christian helpers are ill-equipped to address sexual addiction or to help partners of sex addicts. Standard approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy and using scripture alone are rarely effective.
Many sincere Christian helpers want to support those struggling with sexual addiction and their partners, but sometimes lack the specialized training needed to address such a complex issue effectively. While traditional methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy offer valuable insights, they are rarely sufficient on their own. Without a deeper understanding, even well-intentioned guidance can mistakenly increase feelings of shame and hinder healing.
One common misunderstanding is focusing only on the moral or sin aspect of sexual addiction. Individuals caught in this struggle are usually already aware that their behavior is wrong, and many have fervently prayed for freedom. A robust treatment plan addresses all elements of addiction. Professionals who are trained in this area recognize that sexual addiction is a multifaceted condition. Effective treatment must address the physical, emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual dimensions of the struggle.
Additionally, healing requires going beyond stopping the behavior. While ending acting-out behaviors is an essential first step, long-term recovery depends on identifying and addressing the underlying wounds and false beliefs that fuel the addiction. A trauma-informed approach that considers the whole person is key to lasting transformation
A second common mistake is failing to identify and address co-occurring conditions that complicate recovery. Many individuals struggling with sex addiction—and their partners—also experience depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, or other addictions. These comorbid issues often require both therapy and medical support
While a healthy faith-based support group is powerful, we find that combining those groups with work in traditional Twelve Step groups to be ideal. This allows access to the number of meetings and community members that supports recovery adequately. We encourage participation in groups like Pure Desire, Celebrate Recovery, Samson Society, etc. as well as twelve step groups like SA, SAA and S-Anon.
Sometimes Christians believe that someone must get help only from a Christian practitioner. We recommend that strugglers find the person who is most qualified in treating sex addiction and helping partners of addicts. The ideal is a Christian therapist who is also trained in addiction treatment. Sometimes, that is not possible. A responsible counselor respects a client’s faith and does nothing to alter it. In the event of working with a non Christian therapist, we encourage turning to the church for spiritual guidance.
