Will I be helped from sex addiction / sexual misbehavior treatment?
The first question to ask is… Are you trying to stop harmless behavior that you yourself are judging as “bad”, or are you engaging in sexual misbehavior that has, or if discovered, would likely cause you consequences?
For example, as an expert in sexual misbehavior I get calls from persons who are upset they masturbate three times a week and want my help in ending that behavior, and it is clear they do this in the privacy of their own home, and they involve no other persons in these acts. This is in reality, of course, a harmless behavior, and they are judging themselves by some standard that is not helpful or realistic. I, and any real professional in this, would decline to help that client on that particular goal. At that point in the conversation some therapists might offer would be to help that client not judge themselves, and to not fight healthy and harmless sexual feelings.
The majority of persons considering “sex addiction” treatment created a negative consequence in their life as a result of some sexual behavior.
People can argue over what diagnosis would apply here, but an expert in sexual misbehavior can help you end the consequence creating behavior, and that is why you sought that professional out. If you’re tired of creating negative consequences with sexual misbehavior, reaching out to for help from the correct specialist can be the first step towards creating better outcomes.
“If you’re tired of creating negative consequences with sexual misbehavior, reaching out for help from the correct specialist can be the first step towards creating better outcomes.
Some indicators that the person in question is ready to change, and that treatment will likely be successful:
1. They are willing to see a sexual misbehavior specialist for this misbehavior, versus saying they will manage the issue themselves, or stating they will see some generic “regular” therapist.
2. They do the research themselves as to who exactly to see for help and how to enroll, versus act more passive, and let their partner find someone who knows how to treat this issue and arrange a visit.
3. Willing to, and does, set the time aside each week to talk to specialist, versus describing how they are too busy right now, and can’t fit this into their schedule.
4. Are willing to pay the costs associated with seeing someone who will help them protect their life as they know it, rather than making their ignoring treatment options about the money aspect (assuming they are not actually that short funds).
5. Being open about their misbehaviors, as opposed to still trying to negotiate with spouse as to if they engaged in these behaviors or not.
