Reaction Paper to Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction Essay

AbstractDr. Laaser (2004) provides a detailed bear into knowledgeable dependence from a Christian viewpoint in mend Wounds of cozy dependance. The focus of this designation allow be to gain knowledge of what inner colony is, how family dynamics are affected, intercession of inner colony, and lastly addres offenseg versed testision in the church. Exploring the different areas of how inner dependency and how it quite a little affect the life of the devoted individual(a) will be assessed. Sexual pilferion is a criminality that Dr. Laaser (2004) discusses in his toy. Healing Wounds of Sexual Addiction examines the many areas of the hook persons life that flock be affected but it similarly provides hope and encouragement.Experts speculate that up to 10 percent of the total Christian population in the United States is intimately addicted (Laaser, 2004). at that place are so many individuals that are struggling with a sexual addiction and are too ashamed to se ek help thus leave a great number of unreported cases. Several reasons may agree to the sexually addicted person for not seeking help Laaser (2004) discusses somewhat of those reasons as being shame, guilt, fear of losing a job and their family. Dr. Laasers work is clean uply articulated and provides great information on improve sexual addiction and the road to recovery. It is by dint of his work that a Christian worldview is realized towards the healing process.SynopsisDr. Laasers understanding of sexual addiction is depict as sinful behavior that the addict has no control over. The sexual behaviors that become addictive are sinful (Laaser, 2004). Sexual addictions good deal presume many forms which include cybersex, pornography, and fantasies. Dr. Laaser explains that these addictions if unexpended unmanaged can alike make to remainder (p.24). Sexual addiction is classified as a disease and alike(p) all diseases must be treated properly. Both sexual addiction an d disease set out observable symptoms and a natural progression that, if left untreated, get worse and eventually lead to death (Laaser, 2004).From a biblical standpoint Dr. Laaser makes a clear correlation between sexual addiction as a disease and a sin. Sexual addiction is also seen as a moral sin (Laaser, 2004). Moral sexual sin describes how the addict does not view their behaviors as wrong because they are unaccompanied having sex with their spouse. However, they have detached from the spiritual and emotional aspect of their relationship. The addict uses sex as a way to escape reality. Dr. Laaser mentions that, the question is whether or not sex is an expression of intimacy or an escape from it (p. 26).There are similar views that I share with Dr. Laaser in regards to sexual addiction. I absolutely agree that sexual addiction is a disease that can be deadly to the addict. As mentioned earlier, diseases that are left untreated can lead to death. The diseased mind of the sexua l addict may lead to high risk behaviors as well. My personal understanding of sexual addiction is in line with Dr. Laasers in viewing the addiction as a sexual sin for it is.Family DynamicsDr. Laaser pass ons a deep look into how family dynamics can contribute the behavior of the sexual addict by explaining four categories of family dynamics boundaries, rules, roles, and addictions. Addicts that grow up in families in which ulcerated dynamics are present are more(prenominal) apt to desire that their negative behaviors are justified. Dr. Laaser describes in his work how boundaries are broken in families that sexual abuse exists. Boundaries define the ways a persons invisible space can and cant be go through (Laaser, 2004). When these boundaries are broken, it can leave the child feeling confused. The confusion comes into bend when a get it ond one inappropriately touches them or engages in sexual acts. Dr. Laaser mentions that there are different types of boundaries such as loose and rigid. dead boundaries are when something happens in the family that should not such as fondling, touching inappropriately, and sexual contact. Rigid boundaries are stricter, loving and caring interactions do not nurse place.Underline issues pertaining to family dynamics can deeply impact the life of the individual that suffers from sexual addictions. Those issues carry into adulthood and can impact the relationships that the addict has. It becomes effortful for the addict to recover when underline issues are not addressed. The cycle will continue if not addressed and the addict may do what was through to them, to their children or others. It is weighty for sex addicts to recognize that their sexual activity is an hear to medicate old wounds and to find love (Laaser, 2004).Examining my own family dynamics I recognize that in our household we did not talk to the highest degree sex, it was roughly taboo. My mother was strict and therefore was somewhat rigid in fost erage me. I was taught very early in age to never permit any one touch my private parts and that included other family members. If those boundaries were violated I was to tell my mother or grandmother at one time and not be afraid to tell them. When the time came to discuss the birds and the bees, I almost felt embarrassed because I did not insufficiency to have that conversation with my mother. My personal values that were taught to me by mother and grandmother do my beliefs intimately sex. I believe that it may be some challenges in treating an individual with a sexual addiction because I would have to be careful not to be judgmental.Treatment of Sexual AddictionThe treatment of sexual addiction is a coarse one that can take a lifetime. The process of healing from sexual addiction includes answering of the essence(predicate) questions, creating accountability, and understanding how bulk change (Laaser, 2004). Dr. Laaser mentions that before treatment with immature people he asks three spiritual questions 1. Do you want to get well? 2. What are you thirst for? 3. Are you willing to die to yourself? (p. 122). Dr. Laasers feeler to treatment provides a spiritual standpoint that makes the sexual addict intrude deeper into themselves and explore their relationship with God. The ten steps of accountability allow an individual to look at the rebuilding process in their road to recovery. oneness of the biggest challenges that the sex addict will face is changing their behaviors. The healing journey is a process of changing old addictive and destructive behaviors into new and healthy ones (Laaser, 2004).The Sexual Addiction Screening Test and Sexual Addiction Inventory is the most used screening test for sexual addiction as noted by Dr. Laaser. It is important that an effective treatment jut out includes five components which are stopping sexual behaviors, stopping rituals, stopping fantasy, healing despair, and healing shame (Laaser, 2004). Dr. Laaser a lso recommends that the individual experiencing a sexual addiction work through healing abuse in six stages 1. generalise the abuse and accept that it has happened. 2. Accept the abuse and express anger. 3. Go through the process of grieving. 4. Confront the abuser. 5. Learn to forgive. 6. Find meaning in the pain. (p.161).At this point in my career, I am continuing to learn about different disorders and what focusing approaches work. I feel that in order for me to effectively counsel an individual with a sexual addiction, I will convey to continue to learn and become competent in the area of sexual addiction. It is with my belief that with the appropriate coursework and trainings, I will be able to counsel those that suffer from sexual addiction. As I continue through my down program it is imperative that competence is attained because I would not want to cause more hurt to the client. Dr. Laasers work has provided a clear cut understanding of what it takes to work with indivi duals with sexual addictions from a Christian perspective.Sexual Addiction and the ChurchA Leadership Journal survey revealed that 23 percent of 300 curates had done something sexually inappropriate with someone other than their spouse (Laaser, 2004). It is becoming more prevalent to hear about sexual misconduct in the church. This misconduct has made people skeptical about the leaders of the church in whom they are suppose to trust. Dr. Laaser outlines characteristics of the sexually addicted pastor or priest in his work. Dr. Laasers recommendations regarding addressing sexual addiction in the church, not only looks at healing the pastor or priest but also the congregation and victims.I agree with Dr. Laaser in addressing sexual addiction in the church. His approaches look at the church as a whole and how everyone in the church as affected. Indeed the pastor or priest that has inflicted sexual abuse onto their members must get the needful help and take accountability for thei r actions however, it is also important that those that have been ill-use be treated and has the opportunity to process what has happened. With instances of sexual indiscretions becoming more frequent, it is imperative that parishioners feel that they have a safe place to revere and a leader that they can confide in and trust.ConclusionHealing from sexual addiction takes time and is a process. The road to recovery is long and ongoing in the sexual addicts life. The person alimentation with the addiction has to come to a point in which they want to change. ravish and guilt can hinder the sex addict from seeking help. It is important that the individual living with a sexual disorder feel support and not judged. Dr. Laasers work illustrates how there is hope and that through Gods love and forgiveness recovery is possible. Sexual addiction affects not only the addict but their loved ones also. As Dr. Laaser stated, ultimately, if all things are possible with God, we can accept that there are sex addicts who may be aged(a) (p. 223).ReferenceLaaser, M.R. (2004). Healing the wounds of sexual addiction. Grand Rapids, MI Zondervan Pub. House.