Jay Stringer: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Author, & Activist
Apr 22, 2020
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Therapist and author Jay Stringer discusses overcoming unwanted sexual behavior, psychological origins of porn addiction, impact of family dynamics on porn consumption, and self-assessment tools for healing. They explore emotional awareness, self-regulation, confronting shame, and navigating discomfort to address harmful effects of pornography.
Childhood trauma can influence compulsive pornography use.
Addressing shame and self-awareness are key in overcoming unwanted behaviors.
Deep dives
Understanding Unwanted Sexual Behavior and Childhood Trauma
Individuals struggling with unwanted sexual behavior often have underlying reasons driving their behavior. Therapists like Jay Stringer work to help individuals address these issues by understanding their relationship with porn and other sexual behaviors. Childhood trauma, such as abusive experiences, can significantly influence one's sexual behavior later in life. Research indicates a strong link between childhood sexual abuse and compulsive pornography use, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging past traumas in overcoming unwanted behaviors.
Challenges in Addressing Unwanted Behaviors
Addressing unwanted sexual behaviors involves navigating complex emotional landscapes. Jay Stringer highlights the challenges individuals face in breaking free from compulsive behaviors and patterns like indulging in pornography. Many individuals struggle with ineffective strategies, such as trying to suppress their thoughts or seeking external validation, reflecting the need for a more comprehensive approach to address the root causes of their behaviors.
The Role of Family Dynamics in Unwanted Behaviors
Family dynamics, especially in childhood, play a crucial role in shaping one's relationship with porn and sexual behaviors. Stringer's research suggests that family environments characterized by rigidity or emotional disengagement can contribute to compulsive behaviors. Factors like early exposure to explicit content or emotional enmeshment with parents can influence individuals' patterns of behavior and coping mechanisms in adulthood.
Overcoming Shame and Building Self-Awareness
Addressing shame and building self-awareness are essential steps in the journey to overcoming unwanted behaviors. Stringer emphasizes the importance of confronting shame directly and seeking support from trusted individuals to break free from its grip. By acknowledging and naming challenging emotions, individuals can begin to dismantle shame's power and regain agency over their thoughts and actions.
Trigger warning: During this episode we discuss child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.
This week’s interview is with Jay Stringer. Jay is a licensed mental health counselor from Seattle, WA, the author of Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing, and the creator of the Unwanted Sexual Behavior Self-Assessment that guides individuals to connect the dots between their story and their porn use. Listen to Jay and podcast host Garrett Jonsson discuss the nature behind porn addiction and how addressing the root of the issue can be an effective way to reaching long lasting freedom from it.
Thank you for listening, as you go about your day we invite you to consider before consuming.
Fight the New Drug collaborates with a variety of qualified organizations and individuals with varying personal beliefs, affiliations, and political persuasions. As FTND is a non-religious and non-legislative organization, the personal beliefs, affiliations, and persuasions of any of our team members or of those we collaborate with do not reflect or impact the mission of Fight the New Drug.
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