Sex Addiction
Break the cycle. Open up space for growth.
What is Sex Addiction?
Sex Addiction is when a person is unable to manage sexual urges, behaviors, or thoughts and engaging in these sexual activities becomes disruptive to daily living. Research demonstrates sex addiction follows the same neurological reward/relief system as substance abuse. Instead of using alcohol or drugs to escape, sexual thoughts or acts are used to achieve the same effect. However, similar to drugs and alcohol, the “relief” is only temporary and triggers feelings of significant guilt, shame, and anger follow immediately after. Sex Addiction is dangerous and debilitating and also highly stigmatized in society.
Our Treatment Approach:
At The Kraft Group, we understand any kind of addiction has an underlying cause. Sex Addiction often stems from childhood dysfunction and trauma. Our staff is trained to identify and heal the underlying pain that fuels sex addiction, in a non-judgemental, highly confidential space. We work with clients in a compassionate manner to help them understand their addiction, and the impact it has had on their life—including family, health, work etc...
Clients will learn healthy vs. unhealthy sexual behaviors. We work on teaching the individual how to tolerate their feelings and regulate emotions, instead of self medicating by sexually acting out. The goal after a short period of abstinence is to teach clients how to re-engage in their sexual health, build emotional intimacy, and recovery plan.
Since most intimacy disorders stem from trauma, we utilize a trauma focused approach during treatment. Our team utilizes the training of Dr. Patrick and Stephanie Carnes— founders of Sex Addiction and Betrayal Trauma treatment. Our group practice is able to work with multiple family members, including children, if appropriate. We also work with clients and their partners when the time comes to develop healthy sexual relationships, following the Patrick Carnes training and models of healthy sexuality.
To learn more about what sex addiction IS and IS NOT visit our page: Myths and Facts: Sex & Porn Addiction
For more information on the comprehensive Sex Addiction treatment at The Kraft Group, please feel free to reach out. We respect your privacy, and there is no obligation.
IN THE NEWS: Cassandra Merklinghaus, LSW, wins 2020-2021 Service Scholarship Award!
The International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals proudly awards the 2020-2021 Service Scholarship to Cassandra Merklinghaus, LSW. Cassandra received her Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in Psychology, at Bergen Community College and Fairleigh Dickinson University, respectively. She went on to earn her first Master's Degree in Criminal Justice at Fairleigh Dickinson, and a second Master's Degree of Social Work from New York University. Cassandra grew up in Rutherford, NJ, and currently resides in Wharton, NJ with her wife and daughter.
Cassandra does a service to her community that goes above and beyond, and for amazing reasons. Her specializations are LGBTQI+ and trauma. She is a therapist at The Kraft Group in New Jersey, and she also volunteers at Wings of Phoenix, a 501(C)(3) that is for individuals who cannot afford therapeutic services at the Kraft Group. This non-profit organization is the only one in the state of New Jersey to provide treatment for sexual compulsive behavior.
Cassandra seeks to focus her training on helping people primarily in the LGBTQI+ community. She believes the community feels stigmatized already for their sexuality and lifestyle; by adding sexual addiction to the list of daily struggles would only drive that wedge further between the community and those who don't identify within the spectrum. Cassandra also believes that every individual has their own path to growth and recovery, and it all starts with the availability of resources and understanding. She plans to be that resource much needed in her home state.
As a vital asset to the therapist community, here is what some of her colleagues have to say:
“As a fellow social worker, I have been able to observe three consistent qualities in her work effort: professionalism, proactiveness, and accountability. Families and patients are frequently expressing how caring, kind, and thorough she is when she interacts with them during therapeutic groups and individual sessions. Our patients can express themselves comfortably in the milieu with her assistance.” (Christina Khalil, Social Worker, Boonton Township., NJ, 2020.)
“In NJ, there is a huge shortage of qualified CSATs, especially ones willing to work or volunteer for a non-profit organization. Cassandra single handedly opened our program up to the LGBTQI community, helping individuals understand that intimacy disorders and sex and love addiction are not just within the gay community, but along the spectrum. Her service has been so valuable to our clients and to the staff as well.” (Leigh Kolodny-Kraft, LPC, LCADC, CSAT-S, SAP, CCTP, New Jersey, 2020.)
Congratulations, Cassandra!
We look forward to you joining the IITAP Community as a CSAT-Candidate in 2021.
Sincerely,
Stefanie Carnes, Ph.D.President, IITAP