ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses whether individuals who have committed sexual offences, or who have fantasies about illegal and sexually abusive behaviour, can be termed 'sexually addicted'. It describes common fantasy management techniques and presents the case study of Brian. The features a middle-aged man who suffers significant shame about his indecent exposure activities. The case study was deliberately presented to demonstrate interventions which can be used to possible good effect with clients too ashamed to talk openly about their sexual fantasy and masturbatory life. Sexual fantasy can be seen to act as a form of operant conditioning, reinforced by masturbation and orgasm. The process can lower moral inhibitions and reinforce cognitive distortions, which also operate as permission-giving cognitions with regard to abusive sex. Fantasy management has involved managing 'bad' sex. However what can contribute to this area is the development of 'good sex': instead of sexual fantasy which harms and causes unhappiness, sexual practices which are harmless and lead to happiness.
