Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior: Rethinking Sex Addiction

by Douglas Braun-Harvey, Michael A. Vigorito

Winner of 2018 SSTAR Health Professional Book Award presented by The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) Health Professional Book Award Committee. "I have been waiting for a book that would offer a sex-positive, non-judgmental, and non-pathologizing alternative approach for working with "sex addiction." Doug Braun-Harvey and Michael Vigorito aim men forward toward their sexual health with this refreshing critical, and compassionate model to help those in the grip of problematic sexual behavior. This book will change your thinking and your clinical work at the intersection of sexuality and psychotherapy ." - Esther Perel, LMFT, Author of Mating in Unlocking Erotic Intelligence This groundbreaking book reconsiders popular notions of addictive sex. Braun-Harvey and Vigorito's sexual health psychotherapy protocol is an innovative treatment approach for men experiencing sexual lives beyond their control. "Out of control sexual behavior" (OCSB) is defined as a sexual health problem in which consensual sexual urges, thoughts, or behaviors feel out of control. As opposed to a clinical disorder, OCSB is framed as a behavioral problem within the normal range of sexual expression. The book provides step-by-step tools for assessment, treatment planning, and implementation stemming from the authors' work with hundreds of individual and group therapy clients. OCSB treatment matches individual and group therapy interventions with current motivational interviewing and readiness-for-change research. Further, this approach emphasizes the clinician's ethical responsibility to provide the most effective treatment while protecting client sexual rights and welcoming sexual diversity. Rich and varied composite case examples demonstrate clinical sexual health treatment conversations as well as stories of hope and guidance to understand how sexual health is an ally for changing OCSB. Key

Genres: Sexuality, Psychology, Nonfiction, Addiction

456 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2014

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Makes me want to start a group program for clients... Which is one of the drawbacks--this treatment protocol really benefits from and needs group therapy in addition to individual; hopefully groups like these spread.

Anyway, very helpful in assessment and conceptualization, and a few helpful points for individual treatment. A non-polarizing take on the "addiction" debate as well--SOOOO refreshing. Takes the problems seriously, critiques existing models persuasively, and offers a strong alternative grounded in existing theory and practice.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with understanding some of the application of the model described in the book. After attending a training by Doug Braun-Harvey, the model has become wonderfully simple. I’m looking forward to going back and rereading the book. Highly recommend this book (and additional training) for any mental health therapist who works with clients with out of control sexual behavior (or “sex addiction”).

The model is a behavioral model rather than a medical model, which I find much more empowering for clients.

[farkl allred · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a really solid read surrounding out of control sexual behavior. it did a good job discussing race, background, and sexuality. it did exclusively focus on cisgender men. an interesting way to frame sex addiction that i hadn’t ever thought a lot about.

- f (jan 25)

[Misty Galbraith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rethinking the idea of sex addiction with current, research based information.