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.

“ I have been waiting for a book that would offer a sex-positive, non-judgmental, and non-pathologizing alternative approach for working with 'sex addiction.’ Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito aim men forward toward their sexual health with this refreshing critical, and compassionate model to help those in the grip of problematic sexual behavior. This book will change your thinking and your clinical work at the intersection of sexuality and psychotherapy .” —Esther Perel, LMFT, Author of Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence This groundbreaking book reconsiders popular notions of addictive sex. Braun-Harvey and Vigorito’s sexual health psychotherapy protocol is an innovative treatment approach for men experiencing sexual lives beyond their control. “Out of control sexual behavior” (OCSB) is defined as a sexual health problem in which consensual sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviors feel out of control. As opposed to a clinical disorder, OCSB is framed as a behavioral problem within the normal range of sexual expression. The book provides step-by-step tools for assessment, treatment planning, and implementation stemming from the authors’ work with hundreds of individual and group therapy clients. OCSB treatment matches individual and group therapy interventions with current motivational interviewing and readiness-for-change research. Further, this approach emphasizes the clinician’s ethical responsibility to provide the most effective treatment while protecting client sexual rights and welcoming sexual diversity. Rich and varied composite case examples demonstrate clinical sexual health treatment conversations as well as stories of hope and guidance to understand how sexual health is an ally for changing OCSB. KEY FEATURES: Presents a much-needed sexual health alternative to conventional thinking about assessing and treating OCSB Posits OCSB as a sexual health behavior problem rather than a process addiction or psychosexual disorder Promotes sexual health principles as the framework to envision and guide men’s sexual behavior change Includes a practical, step-by-step pathway model to assess and treat OCSB Organizes a wide range of best-practice clinical interventions for individual and group psychotherapy Includes composite case examples demonstrating successful treatment outcomes

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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.

Clinical Management of Sex Addiction’s newest edition updates many of the original chapters from 28 leaders in the field with new findings and treatment methods in the field of sex addiction. With a growing awareness of sex addiction as a problem, plus the advent of cybersex compulsion, professional clinicians are being confronted with sexual compulsion with little clinical or academic preparation. This is the first book distilling the experience of the leaders in this emerging field. It additionally provides new chapters on emerging areas of interest, including partner counseling, trauma and sexual addiction, and adolescent sex addiction. With a focus on special populations, the book creates a current and coherent reference for the therapist who faces quickly escalating new constellations of addictive sexual behavior. Readable, concise and filled with useful interventions, it is a key text for professionals new to the field and a classic reference for all clinicians who treat sex addiction.

"Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: Understanding, Assessment, and Treatment is the first book to explore the new ICD-11 diagnosis, which, although controversial, is useful in defining, categorizing, and classifying sexual behavior that causes anguish and distress. Edited by clinicians at the forefront of the field, the book prioritizes both clinical utility and relevant research. After an introduction, which offers much-needed context, the book compares sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) by reviewing proposed criteria for both conditions, examines the associations between CSBD and substance use and other addictive disorders, and then moves to a chapter on CSBD and the internet, offering clinically-based insights on how to work with patients who engage compulsively in online sexual activities. The volume then proceeds to the diagnosis of hypersexual or compulsive sexual behavior in both ICD-11 and DSM-5 and describes best practices for making a comprehensive evaluation, including conducting the clinical interview and the use of relevant assessment tools. This is followed by a review of the different pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches available to treating clinicians. Special topics include a discussion of existing research on compulsive sexual behavior in women-an area of inquiry that has been badly neglected-as well as the forensic aspects and associated risks of hypersexuality and the religious and cultural influences related to CSBD. Hypersexuality afflicts many, disrupting lives and hampering true intimacy. Drawing on cutting-edge research and clinical wisdom, Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: Understanding, Assessment, and Treatment equips practitioners to engage and treat these complex cases"--

With the revised information and up-to-date research, Out of the Shadows is the premier work on sex addiction, written by a pioneer in its treatment. Sex is at the core of our identities. And when it becomes a compulsion, it can unravel our lives. Out of the Shadows is the premier work on this disorder, written by a pioneer in its treatment. Revised and updated to include the latest research--and to address the exploding phenomenon of cybersex addiction--this third edition identifies the danger signs, explains the dynamics, and describes the consequences of sexual addiction and dependency. With practical wisdom and spiritual clarity, it points the way out of the shadows of sexual compulsion and back into the light and fullness of life.

This widely used clinical reference and text--now significantly updated with 75% new material reflecting therapeutic advances, diagnostic changes, and increased coverage of sexual minority groups--comprehensively addresses sexual problems and their treatment. Prominent contributors interweave theory, research, and clinical considerations. Detailed case examples illustrate the process of assessment and intervention with individuals and couples across the lifespan, with attention to gender-related, cultural, and health concerns. The volume features an integrative introduction and conclusion, plus an instructive editorial commentary at the beginning of each chapter. New to This Edition *Many new authors and extensively revised chapters. *Coverage of advances in sexual medicine, ICD-11 diagnostic changes, and other timely topics. *Chapters on sexual aversion, female sexual arousal disorder, and out-of-control sexual behavior. *Chapters on the transition to parenthood and the treatment of sexual concerns in the BDSM community and adult transgender clients. *Chapters on additional medical issues: cancer and spinal cord injury.

Although sexual issues frequently arise in therapeutic practice, mental health professionals are often uncomfortable and poorly equipped to address them. Written by an author who is both a psychologist and sex therapist, this practical guide provides information, tools, and exercises to increase the confidence and comfort of the mental health professional called upon to treat sexual issues during the course of therapy. The book is based on the premise that the therapist must be comfortable with his or her own sexuality in order to offer appropriate treatment. This guide discusses the characteristics of healthy sexuality-for both client and therapist-and explores the reasons that may underlie a therapist's discomfort with addressing sexual issues. Using case studies and sample dialogues, it covers a multitude of common and unusual sexual problems, couple's issues, questions that parents may have about sex, working with LGBT clients, sex for survivors of trauma, sexuality and aging, sexual pain disorders, and how to assess whether more extensive sexual therapy is needed. The guide demonstrates how therapists in different modalities can incorporate treatment of sexual problems into their practice, and covers relevant ethical issues. Included is a downloadable set of practitioner's resources that includes worksheets and client handouts that can be immediately put to use. Additionally, the book provides resources for more in-depth information and discusses collaboration with other health professionals. Key Features: Discusses how to comfortably and effectively discuss, assess, and treat clients' sexual concerns Supported by case studies and therapist/clinician dialogues Includes "Step Into My Office" sidebars taken from the author's own experience Provides downloadable resources including assessments, worksheets, and client handouts

Written by leaders in the addictions field, 100 authors from six countries, this handbook is a thoroughly comprehensive resource. Philosophical and legal issues are addressed, while conceptual underpinnings are provided through explanations of appetitive motivation, incentive sensitization, reward deficiency, and behavioral economics theories. Major clinical and research methods are clearly mapped out (e.g. MRI, behavioral economics, interview assessments, and qualitative approaches), outlining their strengths and weaknesses, giving the reader the tools needed to guide their research and practice aims. The etiology of addiction at various levels of analysis is discussed, including neurobiology, cognition, groups, culture, and environment, which simultaneously lays out the foundations and high-level discourse to serve both novice and expert researchers and clinicians. Importantly, the volume explores the prevention and treatment of such addictions as alcohol, tobacco, novel drugs, food, gambling, sex, work, shopping, the internet, and several seldom-investigated behaviors (e.g. love, tanning, or exercise).