We’ve previously discussed how the meaningful connections found in group therapy can be incredibly beneficial to those healing from sexual addiction, but what is the process of joining a men’s sexual addiction therapy group?
At The Finding Place, we offer several options for men’s sexual addiction recovery groups. These groups are made up of men who have struggled with sexual compulsive behavior like pornography, masturbation, sex outside of a relationship, or a different unhealthy sexual behavior and now want to heal.
What are the structure and schedule of the groups?
Most groups have between 6 and 10 members. Keeping the groups small allows for deeper conversations and more meaningful relationships. In larger groups, it’s easier to hide or be a fly on the wall, but in our groups, you won’t be able to do that. This can be scary, because fear plays a large role in addiction, but being known is key to recovery.
Weekly groups are either 75 or 90 minutes long, and group members commit to a semester at a time. At the end of each semester, we give members the opportunity to recommit to another semester or step away in a healthy manner, and new members may join, provided there are spaces available in the group.
What do members share during group?
When a new group begins, the first step is for everyone to share their story. This includes why they have joined the group and what they’re hoping to gain. We expect participants to be honest and transparent, but we also know that building trust takes time.
Confidentiality is vital to a successful recovery group. Each participant signs an agreement to respect one another by not sharing any information shared by another member of the group. Violating confidentiality is grounds for removal from the group.
Weekly groups are a safe space for sharing struggles. Each week, members share their reds, yellows, and greens. Reds are relapse behaviors, yellows are boundaries and triggers to be aware of, and greens are healthy behaviors related to recovery.
Groups also have text threads where members are encouraged to check in with one another throughout the week, share when they have a slip-up, and ask for support and accountability.
Why should I join a group?
The opposite of addiction is not sobriety; it’s connection. If you are struggling with sustained sobriety, if you’re tired of trying to do it by yourself, if you want healing, or if you want to connect with other men who understand you because they have the same struggles, you should join a men’s therapy group.
Being isolated will only keep you in your addiction. You need accountability, support, and encouragement in hard times. Group teaches you how to have close healthy relationships outside of your spouse.
Group encourages sobriety and teaches you to be honest with others by self-disclosing. In group, you will also explore your family of origin, dive into the trauma at the root of your addiction, and begin to connect addictions and compulsive behaviors to that trauma so that you can heal.
How do I join a group at The Finding Place?
If you are a current client at The Finding Place, talk with your therapist about your desire to join a group. If you are not a current client, please fill out our Contact Form. Depending on the group, you will either have a phone call or intake appointment with the group therapist to determine where you are in recovery and to ensure the group is a good fit for you.
You don’t have to muscle through recovery alone. Let our therapists and others who understand your pain help bring you to lasting sobriety.
The Finding Place Counseling in Little Rock, Arkansas, offers several men’s sexual addiction recovery groups led by certified sexual addiction therapists (CSATs). If you are interested in joining a group and finding healing through trauma work and authentic human connection, please fill out the Contact Form on our website.