Reaction Paper to Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction Essay

AbstractDr. Laaser (2004) provides a detailed look into inner dependence from a Christian bandstand in better Wounds of familiar Addiction. The focus of this assignment provide be to gain knowledge of what cozy dependance is, how family kinetics be affected, sermon of intimate sneakion, and lastly addressing sexual dependency in the church. Exploring the different atomic number 18as of how sexual addiction and how it raft affect the conduct of the aband integrityd various(prenominal) will be assessed. Sexual addiction is a sin that Dr. Laaser (2004) discusses in his work. better Wounds of Sexual Addiction examines the many a nonher(prenominal) aras of the addicted persons life that washstand be affected alone it also provides hope and encouragement.Experts ponder that up to 10 percent of the total Christian population in the United States is sexually addicted (Laaser, 2004). There be so many individuals that ar struggling with a sexual addiction and are as well a pityd to seek help thus leaving a big number of unreported cases. Several reasons may apply to the sexually addicted person for non seeking help Laaser (2004) discusses some of those reasons as be shame, guilt, fear of losing a job and their family. Dr. Laasers work is clearly articulate and provides great information on healing sexual addiction and the passage to get h hoary. It is by dint of his work that a Christian worldview is established towards the healing offset. precisDr. Laasers agreement of sexual addiction is described as unlawful behavior that the addict has no control over. The sexual behaviors that be come up habit-forming are sinful (Laaser, 2004). Sexual addictions mountain let in many forms which admit cybersex, pornography, and fantasies. Dr. Laaser explains that these addictions if left unmanaged can also lead to destruction (p.24). Sexual addiction is classified as a disease and like alldiseases must(prenominal) be inured properly. Both se xual addiction and disease acquire observable symptoms and a natural progression that, if left untreated, get worsened 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 only having sex with their spouse. However, they ware detached from the spiritual and emotional aspect of their descent. 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 mistakable views that I share with Dr. Laaser in regards to sexual addiction. I absolutely consort that sexual addiction is a disease that can be deleterious to the addict. As mentioned earlier, diseases that are left untreated can lead to death. The pathol ogic mind of the sexual addict may lead to high chance behaviors as well. My person-to-person understanding of sexual addiction is in job with Dr. Laasers in viewing the addiction as a sexual sin for it is.Family DynamicsDr. Laaser takes 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 unhealthy dynamics are present are more(prenominal) apt to believe that their negative behaviors are justified. Dr. Laaser describes in his work how boundaries are broken in families that sexual evil exists. Boundaries define the ways a persons invisible lieu can and cant be crossed (Laaser, 2004). When these boundaries are broken, it can leave the child line uping confused. The confusion comes into play when a love one in get hold ofly touches them or engages in sexual acts. Dr. Laaser mentions that in that location are diffe rent types of boundaries such as loose and rigid. Loose boundaries are when something happens in the family that should not such as fondling, touching inappropriately, and sexual contact. Rigid boundaries are unrelentinger, loving and caring interactions do not take place.Underline issues pertaining to family dynamics can deeply impact the life of the individual that suffers from sexual addictions. Those issues stockpile into adulthood and can impact the relationships that the addict has. It becomes difficult 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 done to them, to their children or others. It is crucial for sex addicts to recognize that their sexual activity is an attempt 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 about sex, it was al closely taboo. My mother was strict and therefore was somewhat rigid in raising me. I was taught very early in age to never let 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 immediately and not be afraid to tell them. When the time came to discuss the birds and the bees, I almost entangle embarrassed because I did not want to have that conversation with my mother. My personal values that were taught to me by mother and grandmother shaped my beliefs about 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 long one that can take a lifetime. The bring of healing from sexual addiction includes answering important questions, creating accountability, and understanding how state change (Laaser, 2004). Dr. Laaser mentions that before treatment with new people he asks collar sp iritual questions 1. Do you want to get well? 2. What are you disposition for? 3. Are you willing to die to yourself? (p. 122). Dr. Laasers approach to treatment provides a spiritual standpoint that makes the sexual addict dig 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 retrieval. One 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 plan includes five components which are stopping sexual behaviors, stopping rituals, stopping fantasy, healing despair, and healing shame (Laaser, 2004). Dr. Laaser also recommends that t he individual experiencing a sexual addiction work through healing abuse in six stages 1. Understand the abuse and play that it has happened. 2. Accept the abuse and express anger. 3. Go through the process of grieving. 4. bear the abuser. 5. Learn to forgive. 6. Find meaning in the pain. (p.161).At this point in my career, I am continuing to subscribe about different disorders and what steering approaches work. I feel that in order for me to effectively counsel an individual with a sexual addiction, I will need 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 graduate program it is tyrannical 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 individuals with sexual add ictions from a Christian perspective.Sexual Addiction and the church serviceA Leadership Journal survey revealed that 23 percent of three hundred pastors had done something sexually inappropriate with someone other than their spouse (Laaser, 2004). It is nice more prevalent to hear about sexual misconduct in the church. This misconduct has made people skeptical about the attractions 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. Hisapproaches look at the church as a completely and how everyone in the church as affected. Indeed the pastor or priest that has inflicted sexual abuse onto their members must get the needed help and take accountability for thei r actions however, it is also important that those that have been abused 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 worship 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 donjon with the addiction has to come to a point in which they want to change. Shame and guilt can hinder the sex addict from seeking help. It is important that the individual living with a sexual disorder feel supported 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 love 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 cured (p. 223).ReferenceLaaser, M.R. (2004). Healing the wounds of sexual addiction. Grand Rapids, MI Zondervan Pub. House.