Finding a Good Therapist

Many people have shared stories about their experiences of therapy. Some have had their marriages resurrected with the assistance of a skilled counselor, while others have experienced even more pain in the therapeutic process. Until we have the ability to provide a therapist listing, here are some helpful guidelines and links:

Professional Competence

Healing from sexual addiction, whether you are an addict, the spouse of an addict, or trying to heal your marriage can be a complicated process. There are different root causes and core issues that may have to be dealt with ranging from family of origin issues or past sexual trauma to a simple lack of virtue. When looking for a therapist ask them if they have experience working with sexual addiction. You might even ask about their success in helping addicts attain sobriety or in the healing of relationships. Many therapists have some kind of additional training in sexual addiction and sexual trauma.

Catholic Values

It is important for many people that their therapist work within a Catholic context. At a minimum, it is important that the therapist you see be on board with your spiritual value system. When looking for a therapist, tell them that you are a practicing Catholic. Be up front about the fact that your sobriety definition is “no sex with anyone other than your spouse—including yourself” (this is also the sobriety definition used by Sexaholics Anonymous.) You should also let them know that you are against the use of contraceptives and make sure that the is comfortable working within your faith system. Most of the therapists I have collaborated with are comfortable working within Catholic parameters, even if they do not personally subscribe to them.

Do I Need a Catholic Therapist?

Ideally you will find a therapist who is both Catholic and professionally competent to work with sexual addiction and sexual trauma. However, it can be difficult to find both. In some areas of the country Catholic therapists are difficult to locate, and in other areas it is difficult to find a sex addiction specialist. I have found that a good, competent therapist working together with a good spiritual director is the best combination. You can sign a release of information with your therapist so they can communicate with your spiritual director and work together on these two pillars of your recovery. As a priest who accompanies many people in recovery, I have developed some great friendships with therapists of other faiths—even with a few that have no faith!

Where Can I Get Started?

To find a listing of Certified Sex Addiction Therapists go to IITAP. Click on Therapist locator, then the button that says “find a therapist.” You will be able to search by zip code to find someone in your area with Sexual Addiction training from Patrick Carnes. Carnes was the first to start writing on sexual addiction in the country. When calling someone from this site it is important to ask them about spirituality and maintaining your Catholic identity and values through the therapeutic process.

To find a local Catholic therapist check out Catholic Therapists.