Reintegrative Therapy (with Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Jr.)
Sep 25, 2023
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Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Jr. discusses reintegrative therapy, trauma treatment, and outgrowing porn. He explores sexual attraction, sexual development, euphoric recall, and the importance of choosing your own values and goals. Joseph also shares insights about a memory recall and sexual arousal study.
Reintegrative therapy focuses on treating traumatic memories and helping individuals develop secure attachment styles, which can result in a shift in sexual attractions.
Understanding sexual attraction as a developmental process rooted in unmet needs or unresolved trauma can lead to healing and a gradual shift in attractions through the therapeutic process.
Deep dives
Reintegrative therapy uses trauma treatment to help individuals with unwanted sexual attractions
Reintegrative therapy, founded by Dr. Joseph Niccolosi Jr., focuses on treating traumatic memories and helping individuals develop secure attachment styles. A byproduct of this therapy can be a shift in sexual attractions. The therapy draws on methods like EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce the power of euphoric recall. The therapy aims to help individuals heal from trauma and live in accordance with their own values.
The role of childhood experiences in shaping same-sex attractions
According to Dr. Joseph Niccolosi Jr., there are common childhood backgrounds among individuals with same-sex attractions. These backgrounds often include distant fathers, anxiety-driven mothers, and troubled relationships with siblings. These dynamics can make it challenging for a boy to develop a secure masculine gender identity. Many clients report initially being attracted to confident, athletic men. But through therapy, they can explore the underlying needs and developmental deficits that drive these attractions and work towards healthier connections and authentic self-expression.
Exploring sexual development and attraction fluidity
Dr. Joseph Niccolosi Jr. highlights the importance of understanding sexual attraction as a developmental process that can naturally evolve and shift throughout a person's life. He emphasizes that attractions are often symbolic and rooted in unmet needs or unresolved trauma. Reintegrative therapy focuses on addressing these underlying issues rather than attempting to directly change attractions. By exploring and healing traumatic memories, individuals may experience a gradual shift in attractions as a byproduct of the therapeutic process.
The freedom of living in alignment with personal values
Freedom from pornography is celebrated as a joyous opportunity to live in alignment with one's own values, desires, and relational patterns. Reintegrative therapy helps individuals regain a sense of integration and self-acceptance. The goal is for individuals to align their behaviors and attractions with their personal values, rather than adhering to external standards or societal expectations. The therapy empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their own lives and make choices that resonate with their authentic selves.
What is reintegrative therapy? Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Jr. explains his approach to treating trauma and how it can help men outgrow porn. Joseph also shares insights about sexual attraction, sexual development, euphoric recall, and the importance of being able to choose your own values and goals.
Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Jr. is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, researcher, and clinical director at The Breakthrough Clinic in Southern California. He received his Ph.D. in 2009 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Joseph is the president of the Reintegrative Therapy Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in which trauma treatment is the goal, and sexual attraction change is often the byproduct. He is the author of multiple peer-reviewed, published articles on Reintegrative Therapy.
To participate in Joseph's new research study on memory recall and sexual arousal, email losangelesresearchcenter@gmail.com. Find out more information here.