Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy

437: Overcoming Your Porn Addiction

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Feb 24, 2025

Thai-Ann Truong, a licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist, sheds light on the rising issue of porn addiction. She discusses its profound impact on relationships and mental health, including emotional turmoil and changes in brain chemistry. Thai-Ann emphasizes the importance of psychoeducation and shares effective recovery strategies to reconnect with genuine intimacy. The conversation explores the complexities of addiction, personal triggers, and the necessity of tailored support, offering hope and understanding for those affected.

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INSIGHT

Porn Addiction Symptoms

Porn addiction, like other addictions, involves cravings, loss of control, and consequences.
The rise of high-speed internet correlates with increased porn use, impacting relationships and sexual development.

INSIGHT

Early Exposure & Abstinence

Early exposure to porn can affect sexual conditioning, potentially leading to decreased attraction to real-life partners.
Studies show that even short periods of abstinence from porn can improve relationship and sexual satisfaction.

INSIGHT

Unrealistic Expectations

Porn addiction can create unrealistic sexual expectations, impacting intimacy with partners.
This "sexual conditioning" can lead to decreased attraction and even porn-induced erectile dysfunction.

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Overcoming Your Porn Addiction Featuring the Awesome Thai-An Truong!

🎙️ Hosts:

Dr. David Burns, Creator of TEAM-CBT and author of Feeling Good
Rhonda Barovsky, Co-Host and Therapist at the Feeling Great Therapy Center

🎉 Special Guest:

Thai-Ann Truong. Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Superb TEAM-CBT Teacher, Trainer, and Super-Shrink who specializes in the treatment of Trauma, OCD, and marital / relationship dysfunction, including the impact of a porn addiction on couples

In this jam-packed episode, of the Feeling Good podcast, David and Rhonda welcome Thai-An Troung, Level 5 TEAM therapist and trainer, licensed professional counselor, licensed alcohol and drug counselor and expert in addictions, to discuss the complex issue of pornography addiction. Thai-An shares her insights on the rising prevalence of porn use, its impact on relationships, and the psychological and physiological effects of addiction. The conversation delves into the symptoms of porn addiction, the importance of psychoeducation, and the application of TEAM therapy methods to help individuals and couples recover from the negative consequences of porn use.

Thai-An emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of how porn can affect brain chemistry and relationship dynamics, ultimately offering hope for recovery and healing. This conversation delves into the complexities of addiction, particularly focusing on porn addiction and its impact on pleasure and motivation. We discuss the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of addiction, including the loss of pleasure and the role of motivation in recovery. We explore various TEAM tools, such as the triple paradox, to address motivation and cravings, and emphasize the significance of social support in the recovery process. The discussion also touches on the nuances of sexual identity and the importance of abstinence when overcoming porn addiction. Finally, we highlight the need for specialized training for therapists working with couples facing these challenges.

Key Topics Covered:

* Porn addiction is a growing concern in modern society. * There is no moral judgment on porn use; it can be healthy for some. * Statistics show a significant rise in porn use among young people. * Abstinence from porn can improve relationship satisfaction. * Porn addiction can lead to sexual dysfunction and intimacy issues. * Sexual conditioning can alter attraction to real-life partners. * Psychoeducation is crucial for understanding porn addiction. * Brain chemistry is significantly affected by porn use. * Withdrawal symptoms from porn can include flatlining and social paralysis. * Porn addiction can lead to a depletion of pleasure and joy in life. * Understanding motivation is crucial for overcoming addiction. * The Triple Paradox can effectively address motivation in therapy. * Social support plays a vital role in recovery from addiction. * Abstinence is often necessary for healing from porn addiction. * Therapists should explore the benefits of addiction with clients. * Clients may find deeper connections through shared experiences in therapy. *Therapists need to be aware of the complexities of sexual identity.

*Training and resources for therapists are essential for effective treatment. * Therapists can help clients find sustainable satisfaction beyond addiction.

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📚 Resources Mentioned:

Feeling Good by Dr. David Burns
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Thank you for listening!

Thai-An, Rhonda and David