Sex Addiction as Affect Dysregulation: A Neurobiologically Informed Holistic Treatment

by Alexandra Katehakis

Overview

Examining the neurobiological underpinnings of sex addiction.

Neuroaffective science—studying the integrated development of the body, brain, and mind—has revealed mechanisms linking psychological and biological factors of mental disorders, including addiction. Indeed, its paradigm-shifting theoretical umbrella demonstrated that substance and behavioral dependencies share identical neurobiological workings, and thus that problematic repetitive behaviors are genuine addictions—a state increasingly understood as a chronic brain disorder. Clinical experience strongly suggests that sex addiction (SA) treatment informed by affective neuroscience—the specialty of Alexandra Katehakis—proves profoundly transformative.

Katehakis's relational protocol, presented here, blends neurobiology with psychology to accomplish full recovery. Her Psychobiological Approach to Sex Addiction Treatment (PASAT) joins therapist and patient through a relationally-based psychotherapy—a holistic, dyadic dance that calls on the body, brain, and mind of both.

Written with clarity and compassion, this book integrates cutting-edge research, case studies, verbatim session records, and patient writings and art. Katehakis explicates neurophysiological, psychological, and cultural forces priming and maintaining SA, then details how her innovative treatment restores patients' interpersonal, sexual, and spiritual relationality.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781324053866
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	04/09/2024
Series:	Norton Interpersonal Neurobiology
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Alexandra Katehakis, MFT is Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Healthy Sex in Los Angeles, Senior Fellow at The Meadows, faculty for the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals, and the 2012 Carnes Award recipient. She is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist/Supervisor and Certified Sex Therapist/Supervisor specializing in the treatment of sexual disorders. Ms. Katehakis is author of Sex Addiction As Affect Dysregulation: A Neurobiologically Informed Holistic Treatment, (2016). She is co-author of the 2015 AASECT award, and 2016 Clark Vincent award winning Mirror of Intimacy: Daily Reflections on Emotional and Erotic Intelligence (2014), contributing author to the 2013 Clark Vincent award winning Making Advances: A Comprehensive Guide for Treating Female Sex and Love Addicts, in M. Feree (Ed.), (2012), and author of Erotic Intelligence: Igniting Hot Healthy Sex After Recovery From Sex Addiction (2010).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Foreword Allan N. Schore xi

Introduction 1

Part 1 Understanding SA: Terms, Etiology, Mechanisms, and Effects

Chapter 1 History, Debates, and Definitions: The Evolving Field of Sex Addiction 13

Chapter 2 Basic Neurophysiology of Attachment and Affect Regulation 39

Chapter 3 Etiology, Mechanisms, and Effects of Addiction 71

Chapter 4 Individual, Familial, and Cultural Factors Perpetuating Sex Addiction 105

Part 2 Assessing and Treating SA

Chapter 5 Presentation and Initial Assessment of Sex Addiction 139

Chapter 6 Holistic Treatment Goals and Protocols for Body, Brain and Relationship 175

Chapter 7 First Steps: Extinguishing Addictive Behaviors Using PASAT 207

Chapter 8 Healing Underlying Trauma Using PASAT 243

Chapter 9 Epilogue: Restoring Social, Sexual, and Spiritual Relationality 271

Chapter 10 Conclusions and Applications: How Public Policy Can Protect and Nourish Relational Health 305

Guide to Abbreviations 319

Appendix 321

Supplemental Reading 339

References 341

Index 369

Editorial Reviews

"Outstanding. A groundbreaking contribution! With clinical wisdom and heart, Alex Katehakis presents a detailed analysis of the latest science behind sexual addiction and the techniques being used to treat it. Refreshingly sex-positive and accepting, this book reveals the why and how of the therapeutic journey to secure healthy relationships and life-affirming sexuality."

Wendy Maltz

"With insight that can only be developed from years of professional experience and detailed research, counselor and clinical director Alexandra Katehakis provides a comprehensive account of sex addiction from a neurobiological perspective. . . . It works through the intricacies of a particular form of addiction in a way that is respectful to clients, while addressing their experience neurobiologically and relationally. An insightful and thoroughly informative account."

Metapsychology

"Sex Addiction as Affect Dysregulation provides what few—if any—books on the subject have done yet: it offers a comprehensive, practical discussion of sex addiction as a primary, chronic brain disorder. More than that, the book presents a holistic approach to treatment for which Alexandra Katehakis offers an unparalleled foundation of information. This foundation for understanding sex addiction becomes the groundwork for a holistic approach to treatment. The case studies in the book add to its richness and, overall, Katehakis illuminates what has been largely unexplored for much too long."

Drew Pinsky

"Alexandra Katehakis has written a fascinating book on sex addiction…. I recommend this book for everyone in the field of SA treatment as an introduction into the complexity of the problem…. I felt a deep affinity for Alexandra Katehakis’ work and her empathy for her patients… I found myself engrossed in her clinical material."

PsychCritiques

"Alexandra Katehakis does one of the best jobs I have seen of describing what addiction is, how it comes to be, and how to work with an addicted person. . . . The depth of her knowledge, research and her ability to draw it altogether into a coherent, logical, and understandable theory with practical applications is amazing. . . . [O]ne of the best I have read in the addiction field in quite some time, and I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in or whose life has been touched by addictions, and that includes just about everyone to some degree."

PsychCentral

"Sexuality has the potential to be an apex physical, emotional, and relational experience, but when hijacked by addiction it can become a controlling and destructive master. Alex Katehakis integrates her vast experience as a therapist with an emerging understanding of how neuroplasticity affects cognitive, affective, and reward-based learning to address the dysfunction sexual addiction wreaks in the lives of those affected. This book presents a novel therapeutic approach incorporating a holistic merging of these various learning templates, and provides a powerful instrument to heal the behavioral and emotional fractures characteristic of addiction."

Donald L. Hilton Jr.

"Alex Katehakis has written a new book on sex addiction as affect dysregulation which will become one of the touchstone books for understanding sex addiction. In a clear practical way it will help addicts make sense out of the insanity in their secret and destructive lives. Katehakis integrates how the brain, attachment, trauma, and family combine into a powerful addictive force. Plus, she teaches how to use therapy, and how therapists can become effective partners in healing. A great read for all people involved in the addiction epidemic—which means most of us."

Patrick Carnes