Emotionally focused therapy for couples recovering from sexual addiction

ABSTRACT

Sexual addiction is described as a pathological relationship with sexual behaviors. Similar to addictions to substances, sexual addiction is commonly associated with dependency, tolerance, and withdrawal. The treatment of sexual addiction within the romantic couple relationship is significantly absent from existing literature. The presence of sexual addiction in a romantic relationship can result in lack of trust, feelings of shame, anger or betrayal, and ultimately the deterioration of the relationship. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is a couples therapy modality in which both partners are validated and helped by the therapist to develop a secure attachment to one another. This theoretical treatment model addresses recovery from a sexual addiction within the couple relationship through the incorporation of empirically validated addictions literature and EFT techniques. Both partners simultaneously participate in the modified steps of EFT treatment to address underlying needs of each partner. The therapist facilitates the couple's expression of emotions and interaction cycles. The goal of this theoretical model is for the couple to develop a secure attachment to one another and to improve resilient coping within the relationship in order to reduce or eliminate the sexually addictive behaviors.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual addiction
• sex
• EFT
• couples therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Heather A. Love

Heather Love is a graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Purdue University Calumet. Her research interests include couples experiencing distress, sexuality, addictions, internalizing behaviors, and suicide. She is interested in examining the effects of self-harm, suicide, and trauma on family and romantic relationships.

Rachel M. Moore

Rachel Moore is a graduate student in the Marriage and Family Therapy field. Her research interests include attachment theory, addictions, identity development and adoptive family relationships. Using EFT as a framework, she investigates her interests within this attachment driven theory and how sexual addictions affect intimate relationships.

Natalie A. Stanish

Natalie Stanish is a current graduate student at Purdue University Calumet pursuing her Master's degree in Child Development and Family Studies, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as her Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADAC) licensure. Ms. Stanish's research interests include stepfamilies, relational attachments and couples, families, adolescents and young adults struggling with addiction.