Pornography (notes from Texas Tech University)

I am back with notes from the AAMFT Conference. I chose to attend the lecture on pornography because I recognize it as a problem in my private practice. I do have slides, but since I did not ask permission to share the slides, I shall stick to my notes. The speakers were Travis Spencer LAMFT, Alex Theobald MMFT, and Ryan Seedall Phd. They indicated the following: Pornography is prevalent (I have raised this several times). There is little research on effective treatment. The positive is increasing sexual knowledge, a safe place to explore sexuality; entertainment only. The negative: diminished work productivity, loneliness and shame. There are health issues, low commitment, intimacy problems and weakened attachment bonds. Support systems is key in reducing shame, to support a friend. Speaker considers it maladaptive coping (I agree). Help to decrease stress. Foundation of support. Specialized or experienced in treating it made all the difference. Social support - group therapy, empathy from others, family and friends, religious leaders, honesty from partner - open communication. It is helpful when partner is supportive rather than shame. What works for some, will not work for others. Recovery language from addiction language. Clients stated healing comes from acceptance/surrender in process. Individual recovery before partner recovery - united in external problem. Maladaptive coping problem from real issues. Just doing therapy is not enough. Therapists need to find resources in the community. As systemic therapists find resources, accountability evolves to intimacy and to phrase it that way - it evolves to attachment - Bio, psycho, spiritual and social. There is Certified Addiction training for therapists. AASAT. Religiosity plays a big role. This study did not have a non religious study. God - critical for religious couples. www.cosa- recovery . org Sex Addicts Anonymous 1-800-477-8191. Sex compulsive Anonymous www.sca-recovery. org. www.sanon.org/sanon family. corner stone training.org