Sex Addiction Treatment at Prinsted

Prinsted Secondary Treatment Centre in Surrey is very pleased to be host for the very well regarded Sex Addiction Therapist training (CSAT) being brought to England for the first time by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). We have been fortunate to have had Stuart Camp, a CSAT trained professional working at Prinsted for many years and we have all benefited from his expertise and experience.

Current research in the treatment of addictive disorders points to the occurrence of addiction interaction (Carnes, Murray & Carpenter, 2004) and the way in which addictive behaviour exists in clusters, with the individual using a number of destructive behaviours to counteract or reinforce the intensity of their experience. Here at Prinsted we repeatedly find individuals who have completed primary treatment for drug and alcohol dependency arrive with many other issues emerging as a result of abstinence from mood altering chemicals. Deep feelings from their histories and destructive thinking related to their image and identity come to the surface of their consciousness. Low self esteem and self worth are common areas that also inevitably appear.

We have found that extended residential treatment provides the much needed time, safety and holding for more complex issues to be addressed. In this contained environment residents will discover struggles and concerns related to their sexuality that have been kept secret for many years creating and causing great shame, fear and self loathing. This is very common among individuals who have historically had periods of sexual compulsivity, experienced sexual dysfunction of some kind or have been diagnosed with sexual addiction. We should also include here the frequent occurrence of sexual aversion also referred to as sexual anorexia another cause for great individual concern.

These issues are complex and require delicate, skilful and sensitive therapeutic intervention, as well as clear guidelines. At Prinsted we are qualified to diagnose and treat sexual addiction and anorexia. Work of this nature is based on the task centred approach to the treatment of sexual addiction, developed by Dr Patrick Carnes and this is woven into the main stream recovery programme. In addition we regularly hold specific gender groups orientated around this topic, which gives individuals, with the help of others, the opportunity to understand their difficulties and to reduce shame, an important part of ongoing healing.

We frequently see sexual addiction and anorexia combined with, and often interacting with, some or all of the eating disorders. Again we are fortunate to have the expertise and current understanding of these complex interactions, and so are able to help people deconstruct often elaborate strategies and thought processes, which ensure the behaviour is continued and sustained. Many times when not identified or treated these "hidden issues" can create significant risk of relapse and reinforcement of the whole addictive system.

These aspects of recovery can seem overwhelming to those who first embark on understanding them. We have been repeatedly shown by our residents the amazing capacity that people have to understand and change theses complex destructive behaviours, and to learn very different healthy sexual behaviours. In addition our residents develop an intimate understanding of their own unique addictive cycle and thus gain the tools to maintain sobriety and create meaningful and enriched lives.

Besides working at Prinsted Stuart maintains a private practice both in Surrey and London.

Stuart Camp and Caitilin Prinsep

Carnes, P.J., Murray, R.E., & Carpenter, L.(2004). Addictions Interaction Disorder. In R.H. Coombs (rd). The Handbook of addictive disorders: A practical guide to diagnosis and treatment (pp, 31-59). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

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