Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships

Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships is a practical guide to understanding the impact of compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB) on intimacy, trust, and emotional connection in relationships. Written from the unique dual perspective of professional expertise and lived experience, this book explores how CSB impacts individuals and couples and offers a path toward recovery, healing, and genuine connection. Providing a unique blend of clinical insight, personal storytelling, and a dedicated, practical workbook for couples, this guide provides clinicians with practical exercises, guided reflections, and strategies for communication to form the basis of therapeutic interventions, supporting couples in navigating the challenges of rebuilding trust and intimacy following the results of CSB in their relationship. Readers will benefit from accessing a clear, accessible framework for understanding CSB, while also learning key skills for immediate application to their practice. Downloadable exercises to accompany the book are available at https://www.routledge.com/9781041218418. Each exercise is self-contained, practical, and aligns directly with its corresponding chapter. These handouts can serve as clinician session tools, client homework sheets, or supervision resources. Written with a compassionate and destigmatising approach, this book is essential reading for any mental health professional working with individuals or couples impacted by CSB, such as psychotherapists, counsellors, or psychologists. It may also be of interest to individuals with lived experience of CSB.

Dr Robert Hudson is a UKCP-registered psychotherapist, sex and relationship therapist, and certified sex addiction and trauma specialist (CSAT-S supervisor). He is an accredited member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), and a trained EMDR trauma therapist. Dr Hudson has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and groups affected by compulsive sexual behaviour, intimacy issues, and relational trauma. His clinical work focuses on helping clients and couples navigate the challenges of trust, betrayal, and recovery. He has developed and facilitated numerous treatment groups, workshops, and therapeutic retreats in the UK and internationally. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr Hudson provides clinical supervision, training, and teaching in the fields of compulsive sexual behaviour, trauma, and relationship therapy. He regularly contributes to professional development programmes for therapists and is actively engaged in research aimed at improving understanding and best practice in this specialist area.

PART I Understanding the Struggle: How Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Impacts Relationships 1 Understanding Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB) 2 Impact of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour on Couples: Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Consequences 3 Types of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB) and Their Effects on Couples 34 PART II Broken Connections: The Pain of Betrayal and Lost Intimacy 63 4 Assessing and Treating Trauma and PTSD in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour 5 Attachment Theory and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB) 6 Trauma Theory and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB) 7 OAT Model: Out of Control Sexual Behaviour 8 Shame and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Effect on Relationships PART III Rebuilding Trust and Intimacy: From Betrayal to Connection 9 Creating a Safe and Non- judgemental Space for Couples 10 Developing Effective Communication Skills for Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour 11 Building Trust and Intimacy in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour 12 Supporting the Partner of the Person with Compulsive Sexual Behaviour: Coping Strategies and Self-Care PART IV Finding Healing, Freedom, and Hope Together 13 Managing Triggers in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour 14 Working with Couples to Develop a Long-Term Recovery Plan and Prevent Relapse Conclusion: Moving Beyond Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships