Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group for Problematic Sexual Behavior: Treatment Principles and Participant Experiences

Abstract

While many adults in the United States view explicit sexual imagery (e.g., pornography), some feel conflicted or out-of-control regarding these behaviors and seek mental health services. Interventions which address these concerns include 12-step support groups, sex addicts anonymous recovery groups, sexual health group therapy, and individual therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). In this study, we outline a group therapy approach based in ACT and demonstrate how psychological flexibility processes are utilized in the group. Qualitative analyses are presented for one such group approach involving seventeen current, previous, and prospective group members, along with four group leaders. Collaborative hermeneutic interpretation was used to understand the experience of participants in these groups, resulting in five main themes: Shift in the Therapeutic Focus, Confronting Sexual Avoidance, Spirituality, Interpersonal Relationships, and Self-Perception. We also discuss limitations of this study and implications for future research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.