S6 E10: Dr. Stefanie Carnes on Compulsive and Addictive Sexual Behavior
Release Date: 01/26/2024
Maddie Corman on Being Accidentally Brave
Beyond Theory
In this special episode of Beyond Theory, host Dominic Lawson sits down with Maddie Corman, creator of the film "Accidentally Brave," to discuss her harrowing experience as the partner of a sex addict. Maddie vulnerably shares her story of the day her world shattered when her husband was arrested for possession of child pornography. She details the trauma, shame, and confusion she and her children faced in the aftermath, and the long journey of recovery and healing her whole family has undertaken. Maddie emphasizes the importance of partners of sex addicts having their voices heard and...
info_outline
S6 E13: Dr. Kevin McCauley on Unraveling the Neuroscience of Addiction
Beyond Theory
In the season finale of Beyond Theory, host Dominic Lawson engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Kevin McCauley, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, about the latest findings in the neuroscience of addiction. The conversation delves into the complex interplay between brain chemistry, substance abuse, and the journey to recovery. Dr. McCauley shares his insights on how addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, particularly the dopamine pathways responsible for assessing value and survival importance. He explains that in addiction, this system becomes...
info_outline
S6 E12: Dr. Claudia Black on Navigating the Complexity of Trauma
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory Powered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, host Dominic Lawson engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Claudia Black, a renowned expert in the field of addiction and trauma. The discussion delves into the far-reaching impact of addiction and trauma on families and individuals, offering valuable insights for those seeking to understand and heal from these experiences. Dr. Black emphasizes the importance of addressing the effects of addiction and trauma on the entire family system, rather than focusing solely on the individual. She explains how...
info_outline
S6 E11 Dr. Dr. Tian Dayton on Healing Trauma and Addiction with Sociometrics and Psychodrama
Beyond Theory
In this episode of "Beyond Theory," Dominic Lawson interviews Dr. Tian Dayton, a senior fellow at Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, about the therapeutic methods of sociometrics and psychodrama in treating trauma and addiction. Dr. Dayton emphasizes the significance of embodied therapy, as feelings are experienced within the body. She developed "floor checks" as a psychoeducational exercise to teach group dynamics and interpersonal skills undermined by trauma. Floor checks enable participants to tolerate challenging emotions, articulate them, share with others, and listen without...
info_outline
S6 E10: Dr. Stefanie Carnes on Compulsive and Addictive Sexual Behavior
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory, Dr. Stephanie Carnes, a leading expert in the field of sexual health and addiction and Senior Fellow at The Meadows, discusses the recently recognized diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and the often-overlooked issue of sexual anorexia. The conversation sheds light on the importance of distinguishing between healthy sexual behaviors and problematic compulsivity, as well as the role of complex trauma in the development of these conditions. Dr. Carnes explains that the World Health Organization's decision to include CSBD in...
info_outline
S6 E9: Sean Walsh on the Future of Behavioral Health
Beyond Theory
In this episode of Beyond Theory, Sean Walsh, CEO of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, discussed the organization's approach to providing comprehensive, specialized behavioral health treatment. The Meadows has a 45-year history of partnering with thought leaders and industry experts to design innovative programs and train staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care. Walsh emphasized the importance of expanding access to behavioral health services by bringing their specialized treatment programs to communities nationwide. The Meadows aims to establish a presence in...
info_outline
Erie Hebert on Navigating Trauma to Redemption (Part 2)
Beyond Theory
In the second installment of a two-part series, the Beyond Theory podcast, powered by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, continues the inspiring conversation with Erie Hebert, Director of the Meadows Outpatient Services facility in Austin, Texas. This episode delves deep into Erie's personal journey of resilience and his dedication to helping others heal from mental health challenges and addiction. Key highlights: 1. Overcoming adversity: Erie's story showcases the power of resilience in the face of trauma, substance abuse, and personal loss. His journey from struggling with...
info_outline
S6 E7: Erie Hebert on Navigating Trauma to Redemption (Part 1)
Beyond Theory
In this compelling two-part episode of the Beyond Theory Podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring story of Erie Hebert, a behavioral health professional who has overcome immense adversity to help others heal. Part 1 explores Erie's challenging upbringing in New Orleans, his struggles with addiction and trauma, and his journey towards recovery and resilience. Erie's childhood was marked by limited experiences and unhealthy relationships. Introduced to alcohol and cocaine at a young age by family members, Erie turned to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for the abuse and lack of...
info_outline
S6 E6: Jack Register on Confronting Toxic Masculinity
Beyond Theory
In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, host Dominic Lawson and guest Jack Register dive deep into the impact of toxic masculinity on men's mental health and emotional well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and his work as a clinical director in addiction recovery, Register highlights the harmful effects of rigid gender roles and societal pressures that prevent men from expressing vulnerability and seeking help. Lawson shares a poignant story from his childhood, illustrating how the pressure to "man up" can lead to physical and emotional trauma. Register, who grew up with...
info_outline
S6 E5: Mike Gurr on the Role of Parents in Teen Mental Health
Beyond Theory
In this episode of the Beyond Theory podcast, host Dominic Lawson interviews Mike Gurr, Executive Director of the Meadows Adolescent Center (TMAC), about the escalating mental health crisis among teenagers and the crucial role of specialized treatment programs in providing hope and healing for struggling adolescents and their families. The conversation delves into the unique challenges of parenting teens with mental health issues, including the painful reality of watching a child make poor decisions and feeling powerless to help. Mike shares key signs that a teen may require a higher...
info_outlineIn this episode of Beyond Theory, Dr. Stephanie Carnes, a leading expert in the field of sexual health and addiction and Senior Fellow at The Meadows, discusses the recently recognized diagnosis of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and the often-overlooked issue of sexual anorexia. The conversation sheds light on the importance of distinguishing between healthy sexual behaviors and problematic compulsivity, as well as the role of complex trauma in the development of these conditions.
Dr. Carnes explains that the World Health Organization's decision to include CSBD in the ICD-11 is a significant step towards legitimizing sex addiction and compulsivity as a genuine disorder. She emphasizes the need for clear diagnostic criteria to help therapists identify when an individual's sexual behavior has become impaired, distressing, and unmanageable, leading to negative consequences in their life.
The discussion delves into the concept of complex trauma, which refers to repeated instances of emotional abuse, neglect, sexual trauma, and other "small t" traumas throughout childhood and into adulthood. Dr. Carnes highlights the strong link between complex trauma and the development of compulsive sexual behaviors, as individuals may use sex, porn, or love addiction as a maladaptive way to meet attachment needs without the vulnerability of true intimacy.
Dr. Carnes also addresses the often-overlooked issue of sexual anorexia, characterized by an aversion or avoidance of sexual contact, often stemming from sexual trauma and associated shame. She discusses the importance of a comprehensive assessment for couples dealing with sexual issues, including ruling out medical conditions, examining relationship dynamics, and addressing any underlying trauma or active addictions.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Carnes emphasizes the prevalence of these issues across demographics, with recent data suggesting that 10% of men and 7% of women struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors. She stresses the need for increased awareness, training, and resources for therapists to effectively treat individuals and couples affected by trauma and addiction.
Key Takeaways:
1. Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) is now recognized as an official diagnosis by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the ICD-11, legitimizing sex addiction and compulsivity as a genuine disorder.
2. Clear diagnostic criteria are essential for therapists to distinguish between healthy sexual behaviors and problematic compulsivity, avoiding the over-pathologizing of normal sexual behavior.
3. Complex trauma, involving repeated instances of emotional abuse, neglect, sexual trauma, and "small t" traumas throughout childhood and adulthood, is strongly linked to the development of compulsive sexual behaviors.
4. Individuals with a history of complex trauma may use sex, porn, or love addiction as a maladaptive way to meet attachment needs without the vulnerability of true intimacy.
5. Sexual anorexia, characterized by an aversion or avoidance of sexual contact, often stems from sexual trauma and associated shame.
6. Comprehensive assessment is crucial for couples dealing with sexual issues, including ruling out medical conditions, examining relationship dynamics, and addressing underlying trauma or active addictions.
7. Recent data suggests that compulsive sexual behaviors affect 10% of men and 7% of women, highlighting the prevalence of these issues across demographics.
8. Increased awareness, training, and resources are needed for therapists to effectively treat individuals and couples affected by trauma and addiction.
9. Recovery from compulsive sexual behaviors and sexual anorexia is possible with proper treatment and support, addressing shame, processing trauma, and rebuilding healthy intimacy.
The conversation concludes on a hopeful note, with Dr. Carnes reminding listeners that recovery is possible with proper treatment and support. By addressing shame, processing trauma, and rebuilding healthy intimacy, individuals can overcome compulsive sexual behaviors and sexual anorexia to lead fulfilling lives.