Alternative Treatment for “Sex & Porn Addiction”
Clients seek to work with me when their sexual thoughts and behaviors feel out-of-control and when their erotic turn ons feel in conflict with their sexual values.
A place exists within you where your sexual values & your sexual pleasure can both be honored. A place of feeling congruent with yourself.
Cassandra’s Experience & Approach:
An Alternative to treating “Sex & Porn Addiction”
As an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) with a Master of Education in Human Sexuality, I am well-versed in a wide array of topics and approaches to supporting individuals with sexual challenges. Over the last decade, I have gained specialized training and experience working with men around their sexual thoughts, urges, and behaviors that feel out of control and/or personally conflicting. The terminology for these issues is varied, and there remains significant debate in the field of psychology and therapy regarding how to best label them.
In addition to being certified as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), I have worked at two of the most prominent in-patient sex addiction treatment facilities in the country. Through this experience, I have seen the benefits of the sex addiction model for certain clients, but I’ve also observed its limitations, particularly when it comes to helping individuals develop an authentic, sustainable, and pleasurable sexual identity after containing unwanted behaviors.
Working with the framework of Out-of-Control-Sexual-Behavior (OCSB)
Seeking a more comprehensive approach, I now primarily utilize a sexual-health framework called Out-of-Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB), developed by Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito. This model moves beyond the disease framework and supports clients in achieving sexual health through behavior change, attachment theory, and respect for each person’s unique experience. I believe in honoring my clients' challenges while empowering them to find a fulfilling, integris sexual expression.
Learn more about my journey from SA to OCSB in the below interview with the MindBody Training Institute:
You can also learn more about my work with sex therapy, somatic experiencing and the importance of consent with the below Sneaky Powerful podcast interview.
What is Sexual Health/Healthy Sexuality?
According to the current working definition by the World Health Organization, sexual health is:
“…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” (WHO, 2006a)
In other words, healthy sexuality is to live congruently within sexual health principles and the individual’s sexual values. Often folks are not aware of what values are theirs and what are those they have adopted and/or been put upon them by systems. I help guide clients to get clarity on what their unique sexual values are and what they are not.
As a foundation, we utilize the 6 principles laid out by the WHO:
Honesty
Consent
Non-exploitation
Shared Values
Pleasure
Freedom from STIs & Unwanted Pregnancy
Individual & Group Therapy for
Out-of-Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) & Erotic Conflicts
-
Group Therapy to treat OCSB
Taking part in group therapy for OCSB is one of the most effective ways to address the underlying roots of one’s conflict. I am a strong believer that men with OCSB obtain the most benefit when they can talk with one another about their visions of sexual health and practice discussing sex and sexuality in a vulnerable fashion with other men.
-
Individual Therapy to treat OCSB
Working with Cassandra involves understanding problematic sexual behaviors and underlying factors, while developing a health-focused approach to address nervous system dysregulation, sexual scripts, and relational skills.
Find congruence with your sexual values & sexual pleasure
Create deeper connections to yourself & partner
Build capacity to self-regulate
Learn more
To learn more about OCSB and my approach to sex therapy, visit my “Further Learning” page for videos, books and other resources.