Healing from Sexual Addiction: Insights with Gary Katz
Episode Overview
Sexual addiction impacts both individuals and relationships. Healing requires understanding and self-compassion. Betrayal trauma can take 18-24 months to settle. Reconnecting to personal values is crucial in recovery. Gary Katz offers resources for those affected.
Our hope is that you can do your best to turn your mess into your message.
In this episode of the Addict to Athlete podcast, host Blu Robinson invites Gary Katz, a seasoned professional in the realm of sexual addictions, to delve into the intricate nature of addiction and its profound impact on individuals and their relationships. The conversation is a deep dive into understanding sexual addiction, the stigma it carries, and the emotional turmoil it can cause, particularly the trauma of betrayal.
Gary Katz shares his expertise on the spectrum of sexual addiction, highlighting the difference between consensual behaviors and sex offending, which is non-consensual and often involves exploitation. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological wounds that arise from betrayal trauma, which can leave partners feeling disconnected and distrusting. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the healing process, which Katz notes can take up to 18-24 months for the nervous system to stabilize after trauma.
Self-compassion and professional support are crucial during this period. Katz encourages individuals to reconnect with their values and learn to trust their instincts again, a process that may be challenging due to years of being gaslit or misled. Blu Robinson and Gary Katz also discuss practical steps for recovery, including the importance of physical wellness and the role of community support in overcoming addiction.
Katz provides resources through his practice, the Center for Intimacy Recovery, offering guidance to those seeking healing from betrayal and addiction. The episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that by turning one's struggles into messages of hope and guidance, individuals can find a path to healing and restoration. The conversation is both informative and compassionate, providing listeners with valuable insights into the journey of recovery from sexual addiction.