At this contemporary and therapeutically oriented seminar, Silva Neves draws on a psychosexual model and his recent book on the topic to present evidence that we should be looking at compulsive sexual behaviours less as addictions and more as a manifestation of underlying behavioural disturbances. The seminar will focus on understanding compulsive sexual behaviours from a sex-positive and evidence-based approach, away from the sex addiction mindset.

Using case studies and examples Silva explains the link between sexual compulsivity and trauma, relational trauma, attachment styles, self-esteem, the loop of shame and narcissistic traits.

Specifically, he explains, the three phases of therapy:

• Emotional regulation:
  • The steps we can take to address poor impulse control and the resources we can help clients with, to manage their compulsive urges
  • We discuss how the client can be involved in this process and the initial assessment the client needs to make for this phase to work
• Reprocessing:
  • This phase involves considering the clients entire life story so they can fully understand how they got to where they are, without judgments or blaming; with a view to identifying predisposing and precipitating factors for sexual compulsivity
  • We discuss how we can guide clients into creating connections with self, meaningful others, nonmeaningful others and with the wider world and how this phase requires relationally driven therapeutic steps

• Reconstruction:
  • This phase is an existential process for clients which allows them to create a plan for the future while maintaining a thriving sex life free of shame
  • We discuss how we can help clients create the psychological and emotional flexibility required to revaluate their commitments on a regular basis so that their future plan is dynamic and sustainable

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