The SHAW program for partners/spouses and family members of sex addicts offers supportive counseling in Austin, Texas.
The Discovery
We understand that discovering your partner, spouse, or loved one is a sex addict is traumatic, overwhelming, and shocking. Many partners report feeling betrayed, alone, angry, broken, embarrassed, ashamed, sadness, disgust, afraid, and confused. Please know that you are not alone. We are here to help support you through this incredibly traumatic experience.
Partners, spouses, and family members are often shocked when they discover that their loved one has been acting out in sexually compulsive ways: pornography addiction, compulsive sexting, hiring prostitutes, affairs, compulsive masturbation, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and so forth.
If you are a partner or family member who has just made this discovery, your likely ready to pack your bags and run. There are other options. Contact Christopher today.
RECOMMENDED READING: Mending a Shattered Heart - A guide for partners of sex addicts by Dr. Stefanie Carnes
What do I do?
According to SexHelp.com, your first steps should include establishing your safety, protecting yourself, and getting support. Most therapists strongly recommend taking a minimum of 6-12 months to evaluate the relationship. During this time, you shouldn't make any major life decisions, however, there are some actions you should take now:
RECOMMENDED READING: Mending a Shattered Heart - A guide for partners of sex addicts by Dr. Stefanie Carnes
Is my partner/spouse a sex addict?
This is an often asked question. There are resources which can help you and your spouse/partner make a determination if he/she is struggling with sexual addiction.
PATHOS is a brief sexual addiction screening questionnaire with high reliability and validity that can be easily used to determine if an individual needs further screening and/or treatment for sex addiction.
A positive response to just one would indicate a need for additional assessment. Two or more indicates high possibility of sexual addiction. Additionally, the Partner Sexuality Survey can help you determine if your partner is struggling with sexual addiction.
Partner/Spouse supportive Services
Supportive Counseling & Therapy
Christopher provides individual supportive therapy for the partner, spouse, and loved ones of the sex addict. Please contact Christopher today for more information or to begin your journey to healing.
Expert Assessment & Testing for the Addict
Christopher has been expertly trained to assess, diagnose, and treat sexual addiction, drug/alcohol addictions, multiple addictions (e.g., sex addiction + drug addiction), and mental health challenges (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.). Contact Christopher to schedule as session or to get more information.
We understand that discovering your partner, spouse, or loved one is a sex addict is traumatic, overwhelming, and shocking. Many partners report feeling betrayed, alone, angry, broken, embarrassed, ashamed, sadness, disgust, afraid, and confused. Please know that you are not alone. We are here to help support you through this incredibly traumatic experience.
Partners, spouses, and family members are often shocked when they discover that their loved one has been acting out in sexually compulsive ways: pornography addiction, compulsive sexting, hiring prostitutes, affairs, compulsive masturbation, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and so forth.
If you are a partner or family member who has just made this discovery, your likely ready to pack your bags and run. There are other options. Contact Christopher today.
RECOMMENDED READING: Mending a Shattered Heart - A guide for partners of sex addicts by Dr. Stefanie Carnes
What do I do?
According to SexHelp.com, your first steps should include establishing your safety, protecting yourself, and getting support. Most therapists strongly recommend taking a minimum of 6-12 months to evaluate the relationship. During this time, you shouldn't make any major life decisions, however, there are some actions you should take now:
- Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), no matter what.
- Seek personal therapy from a therapist who specializes in sex addiction. If a therapist is available that specializes in working with partners, even better.
- Insist that your partner receive an evaluation and follow the recommendations from a trained therapist.
- Work with your own therapist to set boundaries to protect yourself while you evaluate your relationship.
- Work with your therapist to determine who in your support system is a safe person to talk to. Confide in a select few people.
RECOMMENDED READING: Mending a Shattered Heart - A guide for partners of sex addicts by Dr. Stefanie Carnes
Is my partner/spouse a sex addict?
This is an often asked question. There are resources which can help you and your spouse/partner make a determination if he/she is struggling with sexual addiction.
PATHOS is a brief sexual addiction screening questionnaire with high reliability and validity that can be easily used to determine if an individual needs further screening and/or treatment for sex addiction.
- Do you often find your partner/spouse preoccupied with sexual thoughts? [Preoccupied]
- Does your partner/spouse hide some of his/her sexual behavior from others? [Ashamed]
- Has your partner/spouse ever sought help for sexual behavior s/he did not like? [Treatment]
- Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of his/her sexual behavior? [Hurt others]
- Does your partner/spouse feel controlled by his/her sexual desire? [Out of control]
- When your partner/spouse has sex, does s/he feel depressed afterwards? [Sad]
A positive response to just one would indicate a need for additional assessment. Two or more indicates high possibility of sexual addiction. Additionally, the Partner Sexuality Survey can help you determine if your partner is struggling with sexual addiction.
Partner/Spouse supportive Services
Supportive Counseling & Therapy
Christopher provides individual supportive therapy for the partner, spouse, and loved ones of the sex addict. Please contact Christopher today for more information or to begin your journey to healing.
Expert Assessment & Testing for the Addict
Christopher has been expertly trained to assess, diagnose, and treat sexual addiction, drug/alcohol addictions, multiple addictions (e.g., sex addiction + drug addiction), and mental health challenges (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.). Contact Christopher to schedule as session or to get more information.