The Sex Addiction Workbook: Proven Strategies to Help You Regain Control of Your Life (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) (Paperback)

by Tamara Penix, Ph.D. Sbraga (Author), William T. O'Donohue (Author) "This is the book for you if You're worried that your secret sex life might be discovered..." (more)
Key Phrases: coping cards, problematic sexual behavior, behavior chain, Case Example, Penix Sbraga, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Some people use sex to medicate their feelings and/or cope with stress much in the same way as others would use alcohol or drugs. Lack of sexual self-control can manfest in the form of excessive use of porn sites, phone sex, and strip bars; it can lead to multiple infidelities, risky sexual behavior, bankruptcy, or the loss of a job due to their out of control behaviors. Rooted in shame and low self-esteem, there is little satisfaction gained from the sexual activites and rarely an interest in intimacy or emotional connection. This book addresses readers with a lack of sexual self-control where their behavior is interfering with their relationhip, job, and reputation.

The authors guide the readers as they assess their level of sexual-self control problems, teaching relapse prevention methods and helping readers increase motivation and commitment to change. Readers then set goals and assess their choices. The second section of the book delves into the cognitive restructuring necessary to produce change, helping readers examine their behaviors, decision-making process, cognitive distortions (need for immediate gratification, deviant sexual fantasizing). In the third section, readers deal with their the impact of their emotions on their behaviors and lead them toward self-acceptance. Finally, readers learn to increase intimacy and live a more balanced life.

From the Publisher
The only scientifically supported treatment method for sex addicts.

· Explore the root causes of your addiction

· Reduce high-risk sexual behavior and the use of online porn, phone sex, strip bars

· Put an end to affairs forever

· Rediscover a healthy attitude toward sex

· Learn skills to help you increase your motivation to change

· Improve your intimate relationships

Two leading clinical psychologists specializing in the treatment of sexual self-control problems offer the first workbook to use proven cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, strategies to help sexual addicts. Individuals who risk their finances, reputations, marriages and even their lives for a quick sexual fix learn easy, step-by-step strategies to help them overcome their addiction to sex and restore their relationships.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 211 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (July 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572243767
• ISBN-13: 978-1572243767
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,684 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Practical Guide for People with a Sexual Addiction, September 28, 2004

By	David Antonuccio "Profressor" (Reno) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book offers guidance for individuals who struggle with an addiction to sex. It is written in a practical, often entertaining, and always enlightening way. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with psychotherapy. I wish I had had this book in the past as an adjunct to conducting psychotherapy with my patients who have had such problems. I will be sure to use it with patients in the future.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sound research and good practice, October 5, 2004

By	Anthony B. Ward (New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a professor of clinical psychology with over 150 publications primarily on some aspects of sexual offending and 15 years experience working with sexual offenders. I have also edited several books and authored two others on the explanation, assessment, and treatment of sexual offenders. In my view this is an outstanding publication which manages to combine excellent scholarship with sound practical advice for individuals with sexual disorders. It is written in a clear and straight forward manner and I think will engage offenders in the process of learning to manage their destructive actions and turning their lives around. It should prove useful as an adjunct resource for therapists and also provide individuals reluctant to seek therapy with some valuable strategies for controlling their sexually deviant behavior. This is an excellent addition to the treatment literature.

Tony Ward, PhD, DipClinPsyc

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful , January 9, 2007

By	Dennis Wagner "D.Wagner" (Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a pastoral counselor I found this book useful in getting in touch with core basics and how to methodically move through them. I have now used this book with 2 clients and have purchased the last one for a good friend who is struggling with his addictions to pornography. The authors show good insight into the realm of sex addiction and how to pull through it.