Sex Addiction: Interview with Chris Wolf

Sex addiction has been defined as "engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior despite increasingly negative consequences to self and others" (Ewald, 2003). In today's podcast I talked with Chris Wolf, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified sex addiction counselor. She received her masters in counseling psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and trained with pioneering sex addictions researcher, Patrick Carnes. She currently works at Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has a private practice where she works with primarily with couples dealing with sex addiction. Our interview covered a broad range of topics, including how sex addiction is similar to and different from substance use addiction, common characteristics of sexually addicted clients, basic skills and competencies clinicians need when working with sexually addicted clients, and some resources for further study or learning.

Download MP3 [33:33]

As with the podacst with Jody Bechtold on pathological gambling, this interview is intended to be an overview and introduction to the topic of sexual addiction. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for supervision or clinical training.

Internet Resources

The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH)
http://www.sash.net/

Lists of cybersex addiction, internet addiction, and related resources may be useful to a variety of helping professionals, parents, and others. Resources include website links, self help tests, articles, books, and other materials. Issues addressed include cybersex addiction, internet addiction, sex addiction, computer addiction, among others.
http://www.internetbehavior.com/services/resource_center.htm

Tests for Internet Addiction
http://www.netaddiction.com/resources/iaindex.htm

Simon, S. (2009, March 14). A comedian's memoir of sex, drugs and stand-up: Interview with Russell Brand. National Public Radio
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101881014&ft=1&f=1032

Recommended readings and resources

The following annotated bibliography is excerpted from an excellent chapter on sex addiction by Jennifer Schneider: Schneider, J. P. (2004). Understanding and diagnosing sex addiction. Coombs, Robert Holman (ed.). Handbook of Addictive Disorders : A Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

Carnes, P. J. (1983). Out of the shadows: Understanding sexual addiction. Minneapolis, MN: CompCare. The classic book about sex addiction is written for people with the problem.

Carnes, P. J. (1991). Don't call it love: Recovery from sexual addiction. New York: Bantam Books.Written for professionals, this book describes the results of research on a large number of sex addicts treated in an inpatient setting.

Carnes, P. J., & Adams, K. M. (Eds.). (2002). Clinical management of sex addiction. New York: Brunner-Routledge. The latest and most complete guide for clinicians on treatment of sex addiction, including special populations (women, pastors, gays, homeless, etc.).

Carnes, P. J., Delmonico, D. L., & Griffin, E. (2001). In the shadows of the Net. Center City, MN: Hazelden. A book for people who are hooked on Internet sex.

Cooper, A. (Ed.). (2002). Sex and the Internet: A guidebook for clinicians. New York: BrunnerRoutledge. An up-to-date scholarly text for understanding Internet sex, both healthy and problematic.

Corley, M. D., & Schneider, J. P. (2002). Disclosing secrets: When, to whom, and how much to reveal. Wickenburg, AZ: Gentle Path Press. Information and exercises for all types of addicts who are keeping secrets from spouses and families.

Earle, R., & Earle, M. (1995). Sex addiction: Case studies and management. New York: Brunner/ Mazel. An excellent guide for clinicians who treat sex addicts and their families.

Schneider, J. P. (1988). Back from betrayal: Recovering from his affairs. Center City, MN: Hazelden. (Second edition, 2001, Tucson, AZ: Recovery Resources Press.) The classic book for spouses of sex addicts. It describes the steps of recovery for the partner.

Schneider, J. P., & Schneider, B. H. (1991). Sex, lies, and forgiveness: Couples speak on healing from sex addiction. Center City, MN: Hazelden Educational Materials. (Second edition, 1999, Tucson, AZ: Recovery Resources Press.) Based on research with many couples who have dealt with sex addiction, this book describes how to rebuild trust, forgive, and rebuild the relationship. Written for couples who are going through the process.

Schneider, J. P., & Weiss, R. (2001). Cybersex exposed: Simple fantasy or obsession? Center City, MN: Hazelden. This book provides an explanation of how and when computer sex becomes an addiction, and the steps to recovery. (p. 229-30)

APA (5th ed) citation for this podcast:

Singer, J. B. (Host). (2007, September 17). Sex Addiction: Interview with Chris Wolf. [Episode 24]. Social Work Podcast. Podcast retrieved Month Day, Year, from http://socialworkpodcast.com/2007/09/sex-addiction-interview-with-kris-wolf.html