In this week’s Sex and Intimacy Q&A, Dr. Rob Weiss answers participant questions about spectrum disorders, personality disorders, honest therapeutic disclosure, and the importance of involving qualified professionals in diagnosis and recovery.

TAKEAWAYS:

[1:08] What are the key differences between the compulsion of a sex addict and OCD?

[6:08] The danger of self-diagnosing personality and mood disorders.

[11:51] Is the treatment the same for hypersexuality and sex addiction?

[16:50] How can my partner have an honest therapeutic disclosure if he doesn’t remember what he did?

[20:23] The importance of involving qualified professionals in recovery.

[24:46] Am I dealing with a sex addiction or chronic cheating?

[31:36] How does an addict come to recognize lying and omission of details?

[37:46] Is it dangerous for my addicted partner to only communicate with their support group via text?

[39:42] Key differences between addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.

[42:00] Are all CSATs trained in therapeutic disclosure?

[44:56] How can I support my friend on the spectrum with their addiction?

[50:06] Is my partner ready for disclosure if he still has active accounts on sex and dating websites?

[53:23] How can I set healthy boundaries against my partner’s rage?

[54:42] Can my addict partner stay separated from other addicts so they can’t act out together?

RESOURCES:

Seekingintegrity.com

Email Tami: Tami@Seekingintegrity.com

Sexandrelationshiphealing.com

Intherooms.com

Out of the Doghouse: A Step-by-Step Relationship-Saving Guide for Men Caught Cheating, by Robert Weiss

Prodependence: Moving Beyond Codependency, by Robert Weiss

Sex Addiction 101: A Basic Guide to Healing from Sex, Porn, and Love Addiction, by Robert Weiss

Cruise Control: Understanding Sex Addiction in Gay Men, by Robert Weiss

Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

QUOTES

• “At the end of the day, even people with obsessive compulsive disorders can get help.”

• “Often the behavior looks manic, but it’s really addiction.”

• “Having one positive experience isn’t going to drive long-term change.”

• “There is zero downside to doing recovery work.”

• “Stopping problematic behavior is just abstinence, it doesn’t change your life.”

• “Recovery isn’t about stopping behavior. It’s about integrity and doing the right thing.”