Counseling Focus

Sexual Addiction (CSAT)

Sexual addiction does not happen to any particular type of person. Yet, we know that anyone dealing with attachment to pornography or unwanted sexual activity can take back control of their desires. Allow us to help you or your loved one combat such a strong vice.

Charis Counseling Center is proud to be the leading CSAT resource for comprehensive sex addiction recovery in the Central Florida community.

Led by Tim Burkholder, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, our team is committed to walking alongside men, women, young adults, and teens who have problematic pornography use or sexual behavior. We also provide in-depth support and help for the partners of those struggling with their behavior.

Our Center comes alongside women who have been betrayed by their partner and walks with them either through individual sessions or in an intensive setting. These options are led by Kathy McClenahan, a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist.

For couples working through infidelity and / or sexual addiction, Scotty Alderman provides couples therapy, psychoeducation and treatment planning to help partners establish trust, rebuild emotional safety, and deepen intimacy.

Have you or someone you loved struggled with pornography use or unwanted sexual activity? Has preoccupation over sexual thoughts or behaviors created ruptures in relationships or personal goals?

Hope and help is not far away. We invite you to begin your journey toward healing here at Charis. We have found that a safe and confidential environment to talk through these struggles is an incredibly helpful part of recovery. We provide practical tools and helpful resources that will help you establish and maintain sobriety on the way to healthy sexual relationships. Our hope is that you would not let shame, discouragement, fear, depression, or hopelessness stand in the way of taking your first step towards freedom—asking for help.

Recovery begins with honesty. It is imperative to break through denial and justification of problematic sexual behaviors. The following short assessment is a quick tool for you to reflect honestly on your experiences.

How do I know if I’m addicted?

Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
Do you hide some of your sexual behavior from others?
Have you ever unsuccessfully tried to quit sexual behavior you did not like?
Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of your sexual behavior?
Do you feel controlled by your sexual desire?
When you have sex, do you feel depressed afterwards?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our experienced therapists.

See: Sexual Addiction Network

Healing for spouses

See: Hope Offered To Spouses

Maybe you have found yourself in a relationship with someone who is addicted to pornography or sex. It might be tempting to think that “she needs to get this sorted out,” or “I don’t need help, he’s the one with the problem.” However, The reality is that being in a relationship with a sex addict can be incredibly difficult, even traumatic. To navigate the intense sadness and anger at feeling betrayed and dealing with the loss of trust is a journey that should not be taken alone. Recently, studies have shown that partners of sex addicts can exhibit symptoms that are more commonly associated with PTSD. The emotional toll of a partner’s behaviors can be quite severe.

An experienced therapist can help you begin to normalize and make sense of what you’re experiencing. A CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) trained counselor is best able to provide guidance to walk through uncharted territory such as full disclosure, rebuilding trust and intimacy, and setting healthy boundaries. Don’t just assume that your partner’s healing is the only thing that matters. Recovery toward a healthy relationship involves a full commitment of both partners.

Whether you are personally struggling or in a relationship with someone who has difficulty controlling their sexual behavior, Charis is here to help you down the path of healing and connect you with resources for recovery. There are a number of helpful assessments we can administer that can help you sort through what it is you are experiencing. We also offer groups and individual counseling, as well as free 15 minute phone consultations.