Treating Sex and Pornography Addiction

This 3-hour training provides an in-depth exploration of sex and pornography addiction with a focus on affect regulation, attachment theory, and trauma-informed therapy. Participants will gain an understanding of how these addictive behaviors often function as maladaptive coping strategies for managing emotional dysregulation, often rooted in attachment injuries and unresolved trauma. The training will review the neurobiological mechanisms behind compulsive sexual behaviors, particularly how affect regulation failures contribute to the cycle of addiction.

Drawing from polyvagal theory and attachment-based models, this course will explore the links between early relational experiences, emotional attachment styles, and the development of addictive behaviors. Attendees will learn to recognize signs of insecure attachment and trauma in clients struggling with pornography and sex addiction and apply therapeutic interventions that address these root causes. Emphasis will be placed on integrating trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and affect regulation techniques into therapeutic practice to help clients break the cycle of addiction.

Program Objectives:

1. Identify the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms that underlie sex and pornography addiction.
2. Explore how attachment injuries and trauma contribute to the development of compulsive sexual behaviors.
3. Apply trauma-informed and attachment-based therapeutic strategies for treating sex and pornography addiction, including affect regulation interventions.

This course is approved by the KY Board of Social Work, KY Alcohol and Drug Counselers, KY Licensed Professional Counselor Board

Course Information

Course Instructor

Michael Eiden Author

Mike Eiden is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, board certified sex therapist, and certified sex addiction therapist who is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work. Mike has worked in mental health and substance abuse treatment for the past 12 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Mike is currently a PhD candidate & his dissertation is focused on educating parents to improve their abilities to address internet addiction in their children. Mike works full-time in private practice, specializing in cases of traumatic bonding, process addictions, and complex trauma. He also facilitates professional CEU trainings on screen addiction, trauma treatment, and sexual addiction, while educating parents, teachers, and school administrators about internet addiction.