Twelve-step programs or other community support groups help many people to overcome the shame they feel about their compulsive sexual behaviors and to separate those behaviors from their sense of overall self-worth. Talk therapy with a professional who understands sex addiction is also a crucial component of treatment for most people in recovery. It has been our research experience that virtually all of the couples we have worked with who go through disclosure will not only survive but thrive as a result. It is our prayer for all of you who are stuck because truth has not been completely shared, that God will lead you to professionals who can support your full-disclosure. Sexual addiction is not a cookie-cutter issue, so I feel it cannot be dealt with via thought extinction, complete behavioral abstinence and a pathologizing mindset. Later in this article, I discuss some treatment approaches that encompass both the similarities and differences of other addictions. The mental health profession still struggles with accepting and working to develop agreed-upon diagnostic criteria for sexual addiction. In fact, it s part of the recovery process. As for the meetings, how can you discuss your intimate or sordid, or exciting, or horrific details in a roomful of strangers? You had a hard enough time getting used to talking about it to your therapist during treatment. Maybe you think that you can do recovery whatever that is on your own, now that you ve completed treatment. Together with co-author, Marsha Means, MA, Steffens wrote a remarkable book on sex addiction and PTSD as it relates to her research. Readers reviews3 of Your Sexually Addicted Spouse2 indicate that the book offers the spouse an understanding of her trauma, supports her needs, validates her long-term suspicions, and serves as an important pillar of her healing journey. Still, for them to admit it, they have to get out of it first and seek sex addiction treatment. Many who have become involved in the porn world may feel that they are too far gone to get out of it. This isn t true. They can also get into addiction treatment and recovery. They can find the peace they have been searching for with the proper education and support.