Course Fee: $459 (Canadian Currency)
Sex and porn addictions have exponentially increased with the rapid growth of the internet. The recent Pandemic has only added to this problem, and the sense of isolation that many addicts feel.
However, there is help available for those who want a different life, and who are genuinely committed to their recovery. This is based on scientific and clinical research.
This course provides the knowledge and the tools the helper needs to work effectively with clients in recovery. Some areas we look at and address include:
• Understanding the cycle of addiction
• Identifying and managing triggers
• Becoming more skilled at emotional regulation
• Effectively dealing with guilt and shame
• Recovery planning and relapse prevention
• Establishing healthy boundaries
• Attachment and intimacy in relationships
• The need to grieve
• The importance of self-care
We also include training in betrayal trauma, and discuss the experience of the partner or spouse.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this important certificate course. You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and then continue at your pace for a period of six months. Full tutor support is provided for the duration of your studies.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: Introduction to a Sex Addiction
Topics Studied
• Defining addictions, and compulsive sexual behaviours
• Identifying the warning signs
• The Addiction Cycle
• Some secondary gains which might be driving an addiction
• The consequences of a sexual addiction
• Six types of sex addict
• Pornography: Does it matter?
• Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST)
• What is counselling
• The core counsellor qualities
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Define addiction and sexual compulsive behaviour.
• Describe the addiction cycle.
• Discuss ways in which pornography might affect relationships.
Module 2: Breaking Free from a Sex Addiction
Topics Studied
• Breaking through denial
• Should I quit: Making the decision
• Assessing level of commitment to quitting
• Choosing to take care of the hurting child within
• Turning the decision into action
• What to expect in the early stages of recovery
• Brushing up on counselling skills: Effective listening
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Discuss the importance of breaking through denial.
• Describe the active steps for turning good intentions into recovery.
• Outline what a recovering addict should expect during the process of recovery.
Module 3: Staying Addiction Free
Topics Studied
• Myths about relapse
• Understanding the relapse chain
• Reducing your vulnerability to relapse
• Some coping skills for dealing with reality
• The self-observation check list
• Introducing self-compassion
• The three key elements of self-compassion
• Recovering from a slip
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Discuss key myths related to relapse.
• Suggest ways of reducing vulnerability to relapse.
• Describe coping skills for dealing with reality, and also for managing painful feelings.
Module 4: Helping Partners Recover from Betrayal Trauma
Topics Studied
• The biology of trauma
• How betrayal trauma might manifest itself
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• The trauma vortex
• Tips for dealing with flashbacks
• Understanding numbing
• Trauma and feelings of guilt and shame
• Sexual betrayal and STDS
• Why does betrayal kill your desire for sex?
• A time to grieve
• Finding yourself again after trauma
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Discuss the biology of trauma.
• Suggest tips for dealing with flashbacks.
• Describe the relationship between trauma, guilt and shame.
Module 5: Looking More Closely at the Relationship
Topics Studied
• Attachment styles in intimate relationships
• Exploring your attachment to your partner
• Exploring your beliefs about, and attitudes towards, attachment relationships
• The need to feel loved and valued
• Understanding what’s behind a sex addiction
• What about forgiveness?
• The need to establish healthy boundaries
• Can trust ever be rebuilt?
• Is it worth re-investing in the relationship?
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe the four main attachment styles.
• Outline some challenges related to forgiveness.
• Discuss the need to establish healthy boundaries.
Module 6: Treating a Sex Addiction
Topics Studied
• Positive payoffs as motivators
• Residential options, and intensives
• The value of a formal therapeutic disclosure
• CBT and recovery
• 12-Step Programs
• Co-dependant or prodependent
• The Crisis Treatment Model
• Understanding the need to grieve
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• List positive payoffs for living addiction-free.
• Discuss how CBT can be helpful in recovery.
• Summarize the 12 steps in the 12-Step Program.
Suggested reading for the course
Weiss, R. (2015). Sex addiction 101: A basic guide to healing from sex, porn, and love addiction. Deerfield Beach, FL: HCI.
Duration of the course
The course consists of six knowledge and practice based learning modules (comprehensive course notes), supplemented with suggested background reading and youtube links, reflection activities and submission of tutor-marked assignments. There is one marked assignment per module. Courses are offered on a part-time basis and are designed to be completed within six months. Many students prefer to complete their studies in a shorter time frame.