Description
Free Again is a therapy group designed for men who struggle with a variety of problematic sexual behaviors such as:
Compulsive masturbation
Pornography (internet, videos, magazines, etc.)
Unwanted heterosexual or homosexual promiscuity
Exploitation of prostitutes
Extramarital relationships
Professional sexual misconduct
Men who have engaged in sexual offense behaviors such as voyeurism, exhibitionism, and child molestation may be accepted under certain circumstances. The theoretical approach of this group is informed by the cognitive-behavioral, psycho-educational and the relapse prevention treatment literature. Leadership of the group is conducted from a Christian worldview, but a participant from other faith perspectives is welcome.
Men that are not likely to be accepted into the group include those who 1) are not motivated to take responsibility for their behavior, 2) will not communicate in a truthful manner, or 3) are violent and/or current SOSA sex offenders.
About Group Therapy
Group therapy is an important and firmly established part of the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior. There is one good reason for it—it works! Group therapy involves meeting regularly with others who have similar problems because it gives one a chance to receive feedback, be confronted, learn useful information, and watch others effectively or ineffectively deal with their problems. It is also a time to learn to relate deeply and personally with peers and therapists.
A group for individuals with compulsive/addictive sexual behavior provides the accumulated expertise on sexual deviancy that is advantageous for seeing through and dealing with minimization, denial, and other cognitive distortion that are characteristic of this problem. Longer standing group members “model” successful management and control of sexual compulsiveness for newer members.
In addition to learning to control behavior, there is an emphasis on identifying and resolving issues that maintain or “drive” the sexual behavior. Much of sexual misconduct in its various forms is understood to be an attempt to meet non-sexual needs sexually.
Goals for Free Again
Increase acceptance of individual responsibility for behavior. Distorted thinking in the form of denial, minimization, and projection are challenged.
Develop an understanding of the sequence of thoughts, feelings, events, circumstances, and arousal stimuli that make up the idiosyncratic cycle of compulsive sexual behavior. A variety of tools may then be applied to break the cycle and gain control over the behavior.
Become aware of, develop and use both internal and external controls for prevention of compulsive behavior (IE., relapse prevention).
Provide accountability in maintaining therapeutic and life goals.
Gain empathy for those affected by one’s behavior and life patterns.
Participate in a re-education and re-socialization process (social skills training) in order to 1) replace antisocial thoughts and behaviors with pro-social ones, 2) acquire a positive self concept and new attitudes and expectations for himself, and 3) learn new social and sexual skills to help cultivate positive, satisfying, pleasurable and non-threatening relationships with others.
Learn to differentiate Christian faith from religiosity in the service of sexual deviancy. Faith and spirituality are understood to be a valuable part of recovery and holistic life.
Structure of the Group
Part of each group will be used to process current issues occurring with each group member. Time will also be made to introduce and discuss new content areas such as shame, boundaries, masculinity, accountability, anger, assertiveness, sexuality, spirituality, spousal relationships, etc. Use of videos, books, short papers, and other materials will be made whenever possible.
History of the Group
The group was founded in the 1980s by Dr. Mitchell Whitman, Ph.D. and was successfully lead by him for over two decades during which time hundreds of men were helped. A move to eastern Washington in mid 2009 necessitated a transfer of leadership and Dr. Whitman invited therapist and colleague Erik Johnson to facilitate the group.
Other Information
Therapist: Erik Johnson
Time/day: Call for details
Location: Call for details
Group Size: Approximately 8 men
Fee: $35 per two hour session
Duration: Ongoing every other week group with breaks when the session date falls on a major holiday. Treatment length will be based on the accomplishment of therapy goals, not the passage of some specific period of time. Typically, the average length of treatment for the sexual compulsive person is 1½ to 2 years. Breaking through the denial and development of healthy life management skills takes time, hence a short, time-limited group does not fulfill the treatment goals outlined above.
Referral: Referrals and requests for information about the group should be directed to Erik Johnson. Consideration for acceptance into group will be made following at least one individual interview/assessment session (normal individual rates will apply).