Rethinking Sex Addiction – An Introduction to a Sexual Health Protocol

PRESENTERS: Michael Giordano, LICSW, Michael Vigorito, LMFT | mike.giordano.msw@gmail.com | www.WhatIHearYouSaying.com

Category: Cat 1 | CE Credit Hours: 3.0

OBJECTIVES:

1. Describe clinician’s ethical responsibility when assessing and treating sexual behavior problems
   
2. Identify personal reactions regarding client sexual expression that may undermine the therapeutic alliance.
   
3. Apply six health principles when treating clients with sexual behavior problems.
   
4. Describe the appropriate use of the OCSB Clinical Pathway for men presenting with out of control sexual behavior
   

DESCRIPTION:

Out of control sexual behavior (OCSB), frequently labeled "sex addiction", "sexual compulsivity," and "hypersexual disorder," has been a source of controversy for over 30 years. Often conceptualized as a clinical disorder, these constructs are criticized for perpetuating socio-cultural sex negativity and lacking adequate scientific evidence to support the establishment of a new psychosexual or addictive disorder. In the absence of a universally accepted diagnosis, this workshop proposes an integrative and evidence-based protocol to guide the assessment and treatment process with men concerned about sexual behavior problems.

As opposed to a clinical disorder, OCSB is defined as a sexual health problem in which a man’s consensual sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors feel out of control (Braun-Harvey and Vigorito, 2016). This workshop reviews the various factors that contribute to OCSB and several components of the OCSB Clinical Pathway. The presenters will discuss the clinician’s ethical responsibility for providing the most effective care while honoring client sexual rights and autonomy. Participants will also learn how to apply six fundamental sexual health principles when assessing and treating sexual behavior problems in mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

This workshop is for all clinicians.

SPECIFIC AGENDA:

• Introductions
  
• Icebreaker (Paper Toss) - Building self-awareness of personal sexual ethics and comfort levels (30 mins)
  
• Review of the OCSB Pathway foundation (30 mins)
  
• 6 Sexual Health Principles (30 mins)
  
• Break (15 mins)
  
• Three-step Assessment Plan (45 mins)
  
• Case Studies - application of the model (15 mins)
  
• Question & Answer (15 mins)
  

RECOMMENDED BOOKS/BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• Bancroft, J., Graham, C. A., Janssen, E., & Sanders, S. A. (2009). The dual control model: Current status and future directions. Journal of Sex Research, 46, 121–142.
  
• Braun-Harvey, D., & Vigorito, M. (2016). Treating out of control sexual behavior; Rethinking Sex Addiction. New York: Springer Publishing, Co.
  
• Dewitte, M. (2012). Different perspectives on the sex-attachment link: Towards an emotion-motivational account. Journal of Sex Research, 49 (2&3), 105-124.
  
• Kaplan, M. & Krueger, R. (2010). Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of hypersexuality. Journal of Sex Research, 47(2-3), 181-198.