ABSTRACT
Because of the exquisite sensitivity to rejection, judgment, and sexual shame experienced by sex addicts, the people treating them need to be knowledgeable, committed, consistent, supervised, and nonjudgmental toward these patients and be comfortable with their own sexuality. One cannot be moralistic about how a child found a way to survive. Likewise, when that child becomes an adult and the survival mechanism has evolved into behavior that is now dangerous, life-threatening to self or others, and must be stopped, there is still no place for judgment or anger in the treatment process around these behaviors. The other necessary ingredients are patience, respect, and positive regard for the valiant souls who are trying to trust, hoping for help, and truly wanting a better quality of life. It is a tall order, but entirely possible. Some of the preparations for a therapist to treat sex addicts are
1. Read the books and articles referenced here, as well as subscribe to Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention.
