Resources for Sexual Addiction

We welcome you to contact us for a referral to a counselor in your area. When looking for a counselor on your own, here are some tools to help you make a good selection.

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Finding a therapist who is knowledgeable about sexual addiction is critical. Because of the relative newness of the field, locating an informed counselor may be difficult. A Christian counselor trained in sex addiction is the ideal choice, but unfortunately, such professionals are quite rare. Because more resources are available to provide spiritual support, look first for a clinician who understands sexual addiction. If that person is also a Christian, that's a plus but no ethical counselor will do anything to challenge your faith, and someone who doesn't understand sexual addiction can do more harm than good.

Here are some suggestions about how to find a counselor:

1. Ask other recovering people for recommendations.
2. Ask other mental health professionals for counselors trained in addictions.
3. Contact your local drug and alcohol council for referrals.
4. Check the listing of therapists who are members of the National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. (www.ncsac.org)
5. For specifically Christian counselors, check the listing of therapists who are members of an organization like the American Association of Christian Counselors (www.aacc.net). Understand that this is a general listing and members may not be familiar with sexual addiction.

It's wise to interview the therapist to see if she/he seems to be an appropriate choice. Here are some questions to ask:

• Psychiatrist - This person is a medical doctor who has completed advanced training in mental and emotional disorders. This professional may prescribe medication and typically is more focused on managing medication than on providing talk therapy.
• Psychologist - This person has a doctoral degree but isn't medically trained. He/she may be specifically trained in testing but will also conduct traditional therapy.
• Licensed Professional - These clinicians have at least a master's degree and have completed supervision requirements for licensure in their field. Different types include:
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - specifically trained in marriage and family therapy; views an individual in the context of his/her relationships
• Licensed Professional Counselor -
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker -
• Licensed Pastoral Counselor -
• Unlicensed Counselor - Either a trained counselor who for whatever reason hasn't completed the requirements for licensure; or a lay counselor or minister who doesn't have professional clinical training.

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Bethesda Workshops
c/o Woodmont Hills Counseling Center
3710 Franklin Rd., Nashville, TN 37204
Toll-free 866-464-HEAL or 615-269-6220
www.bethesdaworkshops.org
Marnie Ferree, M.A., LMFT, Ministry Leader
Workshop ministry for sex addicts, their spouses, and couples. In partnership with Faithful & True Ministries.

Faithful and True Ministries, Inc.
6542 Regency Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-903-9208
www.faithfulandtrueministries.com
Mark Laaser, Ph.D.
Ministry for sexual wholeness, including speaking and writing, counseling and consulting, and partnering in a workshop ministry for sexual addiction.

L.I.F.E. Ministries
P.O. Box 952317, Lake Mary, FL 32795
407-647-9560
www.freedomeveryday.org
Johna and Bob Hale
Support group ministry for sexual addicts and co-addicts; provides workbooks and support group materials.

National Association for Christian Recovery
P.O. Box 215, Brea, CA 92822
714-529-6227
www.nacronline.com
Dale Ryan
Organization for recovering persons, including on-line support groups; suggested resources and conferences.

Clergy Recovery Network
P.O. Box 215, Brea, CA 92822
714-529-6227
www.clergyrecovery.com
Dale Wolery
Christian organization that provides support and resources for ministers.

Prodigals International
17530 NE Union Hill Rd., Suite 160, Redmond, WA 98052
Toll-free 888-535-5565 or 425-869-6468
www.iprodigals.com
Pat and Marsha Means
Christian organization that provides information, support group materials, and assistance for sexual addiction and sexual co-addiction.

National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families
800 Compton Rd., Suite 9224, Cincinnati, OH 45231
HelpLine 800-583-2964 or 513-521-6227
www.nationalcoalition.org
Christian organization that provides help and referrals for people struggling with pornography or those interested in fighting pornography.

American Association of Christian Counselors
P.O. Box 739, Forest, VA 24551
Toll-free 800-526-8673
www.aacc.net
Christian organization for counselors, pastors, and lay leaders; provides list of counselors, professional conferences, resources including videotapes, audiotapes, books, and other printed material.

Pure Intimacy
www.pureintimacy.org
Informational website about pornography and sex addiction; sponsored by Focus on the Family.

National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity
NCSAC/The National Office
P.O. Box 725544, Atlanta, GA 31139
770-541-9912
www.ncsac.org
Secular organization for professionals working with sex addiction and/or sexual trauma; provides information, resources, and list of counselors.

The Meadows
1655 N. Tegner, Wickenburg, AZ 85390
Toll-free 800-MEADOWS or 928-684-3926
www.themeadows.org
Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., Director
Secular treatment center for addicts, spouses, and families; training for professionals.

Sierra Tucson
Toll-free 800-842-4487
www.sierratucson.com
Secular treatment center for addicts, spouses, and families.

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