"Sex Addiction" Therapy in Texas
Evidence-Based, Compassionate Therapy for Individuals or Couples
ReSpark Group is a premier therapy practice, with industry-leading clinicians, helping clients with relationships and sexual wellness. With ReSpark, you get the benefits of working with one of the biggest couples therapy and sex therapy groups in the country. All clinicians receive continuous supervision, consultation, and advanced education. ReSpark offers evidence-based, effective therapy and coaching. Clinicians obtain world-class sex therapy and couples therapy training from the Sexual Health Alliance.
Our team personally matches every patient with an expert who has the right personality and education for the best outcomes. Your time is valuable, and it's our goal for you to quickly develop rapport with someone who is a good fit for you and your needs.
ABOUT OUR "SEX ADDICTION" THERAPY IN TEXAS
HISTORY OF SEX ADDICTION
"Sex addiction" is controversial because it is based on questionable research and subjective moral judgments. Labeling behaviors like the use of pornography, masturbation, or high libido as "sex addiction" asserts the false and dangerous narrative that assumes sexuality as inherently unhealthy and uncontrollable. The perpetuation of this myth undermines personal responsibility while upholding antiquated and unrealistic expectations about sex.
At Respark, we call “sex addiction” something else. Borrowing from Michael Vigorito and Dr. Doug Braun-Harvey, Respark uses the Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) model. This model is a strengths-based and compassionate approach to treating sexual acts or behaviors that have become problematic for their person and/or their relationships. When we switch our dialogue, we refocus our attention on the root of the problem, not necessarily the current sexual behavior.
Out-of-control sexual behavior often occurs within a bigger context; it is usually a symptom of something else. Respark therapists are trained in expanding their view and gathering your unique, contextual information including the familial, religious, or social messages you’ve received about “healthy sexuality.” For many, “sex addiction” is a result of moral or religious conflict around sexuality–shame is a common theme among those suffering from out-of-control sexual behavior.
HISTORY OF TREATMENT FOR SEX ADDICTION
Since we struggle to simply define the term, sex addiction treatment is not as regulated as one would think. Treatment centers and workbooks lean heavily into these acts and behaviors being immoral and/or unacceptable. In the early 1980s, prison psychologist Patrick Carnes published Out of the Shadows, a look into his client’s sexual behavior he deemed “excessive” and “destructive.” To cure these men, Carnes applies the twelve-step model from Alcoholics Anonymous. Carnes’ book sold widely and greatly influenced the field of addiction and mental health to this day. While twelve-step programs have undoubtedly helped many, they miss the mark when applied to sex. Treatments such as these uphold the Puritanical ideals that sex, for anything other than reproduction, is wrong. Treatments such as these perpetuate fear and shame of real, healthy desires. These ideas are then widespread through the media in the form of products and commercials for libido, celebrity tabloids and gossip, and public admissions of sex addiction. Instead of helping, this hyper focus on the wrong continues the cycle of suppression, further ostracizing people from actual help.
WHY SHOULD WE CALL "SEX ADDICTION" PROBLEM SEX BEHAVIOR INSTEAD?
Many people who treat "sex addiction" identify as "sex addicts" themselves. They went through their own "sex addiction" treatment and then go on to become proponents of that particular model. For the more rare "sex addiction" therapist that doesn’t identify as a" sex addict" themselves, it’s more likely they are fearful of sex, or of their own sexuality, and the treatment model and philosophy of sex addiction helps manage that fear. Unfortunately, the model is not evidence-based or scientifically valid. Instead, it’s based on morality and is a conservative model that often ends up being biased and even harmful.
References: https://sexualhealthalliance.com/nymphomedia-blog/2016/12/19/aasect-rejects-the-concept-of-sex-addiction
RESPARK’S STANCE ON “SEX ADDICTION”
Problem sexual behavior can include any sexual expression that leads people to seek treatment or assistance:
- Infidelity
- Values conflicts
- Problematic pornography use
- Relationship conflicts over the type or frequency of sex.
- Legal or financial problems
- Sex-drug linked behaviors
Historically, these issues were viewed as a symptom of sex addiction. Groundbreaking new research indicates that self-identifying as a porn or "sex addict" likely increases people’s pain and suffering over time. Rather than a symptom of a sexual disorder, current research suggests that people seeking treatment for sexual behavior problems are a heterogeneous group with varying underlying problems and individual needs. As such, our sister company, The Sexual Health Alliance along with industry-leading experts, Dr. David Ley and Michael A. Vigorito, have created a sex-positive and evidence-based certificate program that teaches the alternatives to this outdated sex addiction treatment model. SHA’s Problem Sexual Behavior Certification Program will train you on providing the most up-to-date and effective treatment approaches to meet the diverse needs of these clients including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, The Out of Control Sexual Behavior Model, psychopharmacology, and much more.
Respark believes that we as therapists and educators need to challenge the concept of sexual addiction and explore a different model of sexuality. We do not support CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) programs or agree that compulsive sexual behavior or problematic sexual behavior is empirically supported and do not promote the language we deem to be shaming.
Respark also supports the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists’ (AASECT) stance on this topic. For more information, please read AASECT’s Position on Sex Addiction here.
Just want a therapist that is knowledgeable and affirming?
Clients tell us we're friendly, down to earth and approach therapy in a collaborative manner. We offer a holistic, gentle yet direct, and tailored approach that includes well-researched theories with a relational foundation. Together, we will learn new techniques, assign at-home exercises, reading assignments, conduct in-session guided exercises and other activities that make therapy and coaching fun and productive. We'll work together to form an approach that will be tailored to your goals. Leading researchers, including Esther Perel, Brené Brown, John Gottman, David Schnarch, David Ley, Chris Donaghue, and Marty Klein influence our therapeutic work with couples and individuals. Additionally, as AASECT-Certified Sex Therapists, we will work toward improving intimacy, strengthening communication skills, and communicating your desires.
What is sexual addiction or Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB)?
"Sex Addiction" therapy, more appropriately referred to as Problem Sexual Behavior or Out of Control Sexual Behavior describes sex therapy for someone that struggles with their sexual thoughts, choices or behaviors. Individuals might feel out of control or hopeless. We are experienced and confident in treating clients that identify as a sex addict or feel they might be out of control with their sexual behavior or porn consumption.
Out of control sexual behaviors often occur within a bigger context. Problem sexual behavior is often a symptom of something else. This means we need to look at you as a whole person which includes your family, religious, society and cultural context. For many clients, “sex addiction” is the result of a moral or religious conflict. For others, shame can also play a big role in how we feel about our sexual behavior.
At Respark, we will provide compassionate sex therapy to help you learn healthy coping skills and what healthy sexuality entails.
What is the cause of sex addiction or problem sex behavior?
You might have been taught to fear your own sexuality. Or, you might have been told that you can’t trust yourself. Many people come to “sex addiction therapy” or sex therapy for out of control sexual behavior because they think that if they have a lot of sex or watch a lot of porn, then there’s an issue. Sometimes clients think that if they enjoy sex and porn “too much” then they might become out of control.
Why approach “Sex Addiction” as Out of Control Sexual Behavior perspective?
TESTIMONIAL
"I collaborate professionally with Heather on a regular basis and believe she is a talented, effective, and down-to-earth sex therapist. She is my go-to referral for clients exploring sexuality issues such as a sexless marriage, issues of sexual identity, kink, open and poly relationships. I feel so lucky to have her as part of our Austin therapist community!”
Dr. Jessica Michaelson
Dear Texas, ReSpark Your Fire With Us
The sex therapy services offered at Respark are confidential and highly specialized. If you are looking for a sex therapist with specialty training in sexuality issues, look no further. Visit our in person locations in Austin, Texas or see a provider online from any location you choose. We know that Austin prides itself on being a healthy city with great healthcare resources. Residents of Austin have their choice of great hospitals, doctors, mental health providers, and now, highly credentialed sex therapists.
Although Austin, Texas is where our physical location is, residents from all over Texas are eligible for online sex therapy through Respark. From Fort Worth to El Paso, or any other great city in Texas, we are here to provide you with the services you need.
When you are ready to re-spark the fire in your sex life, there is no one better to turn to than the specialty providers at Respark. We welcome individuals and couples from anywhere in the Texas region. Bring your spark back today!