Confession Isn't Enough: A Christian Approach to Porn Addiction Recovery in Fort Worth

Being a Christian counselor allows me to witness many moments of vulnerability, especially when it comes to confessing sexual behavior or pornography addiction. After all, anyone who goes to counseling knows it is a very vulnerable time when people share hardships in their everyday life. Some people share things they have never shared: substance use disorder, gambling addiction, internet porn addiction, fantasy world, psychiatric disorder, compulsive sexual behavior disorder, or other behavioral addictions—for the first time ever in behavioral therapy. They might share these for the first time in support groups or in group therapy. These can lead to complicated mental health problems and behavioral issues.

Without vulnerability, there can be no therapeutic relationship or healthy relationships. It must be part of an individualized treatment plan. Yet, only one form of vulnerability is often emphasized—when there is another, equally important kind.

Signs of Porn Addiction: Confession-Only Lens

When it comes to sex addiction issues, most men are trying to grow in vulnerability by confessing their porn use. This is essential, as pornography addiction causes men to hide their sexual content, thus resulting in negative feelings and negative effects. Even with content filters established, vulnerability is key to recovery. After all, it is a biblical command:

“…confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

It displays courage and strength to take inventory of your life and confess the ways you have been falling short. There is freedom through transparency that does lead to freedom from pornography. This is why a lot of men go to group counseling—because they need examples of vulnerability. It is a humble process that can feel like death, as it is dying to self-image, especially if you struggle with porn addiction.

However, many of my clients equate vulnerability only with confessing their compulsive sexual behaviors. If you only participate in this form of vulnerability in your daily life, it can easily result in the idea that there is nothing good about you. In fact, you can believe that confession is all you have, which leads to feelings of shame, furthering one's porn addiction or compulsive sexual behavior. You may find yourself having relationships centered on confession of porn addiction behaviors. If all you have to offer is confession of your compulsive sexual behavior, then you will live a life of hammering yourself and letting others hammer you—resulting in a shame cycle due to guilty feelings all the time.

At that point, substance use disorder treatment may become necessary, as some addicts turn to recreational drugs to numb painful emotions. This can result in other mental health issues and negative psychological impacts. The sad truth is that you may want personal relationships and spiritual connection—but who wants to be friends with someone who just talks about how terrible they are in their daily life?

What if vulnerability isn't just about confession—even for someone with porn addiction?

Another Form of Vulnerability Other Than Confessing Porn Addiction Behaviors

When we look at the Bible, there are so many examples of men who knew how flawed they were and yet courageously stood up for the truth in love.

• Samuel called out Saul (1 Samuel 15)

• Nathan called out David (2 Samuel 12)

• John the Baptist called out Herod (Matt. 14:1–13)

• Paul called out Peter (Gal. 2:11–21)

• Paul called out churches, and John called out false teachers (1 John)

These men of God didn't have in mind that the only thing they could offer was confession. They had confidence that God was at work in them and through them. They didn't believe that freedom through transparency was the only form of vulnerability. These men were displaying another form of vulnerability by courageously standing for what is true and good for others despite pushback.

They were fulfilling the command:

“Be on alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

This is why men gravitate towards stories of courageous men who stand for what is right despite great cost.

Imagine a world where men never stood up for what is good and just—only wallowed in guilt and shame.

Breaking Free from Addiction: The Effects of Pornography Addiction

When it comes to internet pornography addiction, porn addicts often believe the only thing they have to offer is confession of their compulsive sexual behaviors. But they can offer so much more! The effects of internet porn have not only taken a toll on their intimate relationships and sex life in marriage, but also have made them sink into deep feelings of shame.

This only furthers sexual activity and pornography addiction, as consumption of pornography increases due to a lack of healthy habits.

I often hear from men, “I'll take courageous steps once I conquer my sexual behavior.” But what if taking steps of courage helps them overcome that behavior? The effects of pornography addiction are stealing their ability to contribute to the world, as they are enslaved to their sexual behavior.

Break Free from Addiction to Pornography: Recovery Process and Courage

Internet pornography addiction can be overcome! You can be set free from sexual addiction! You can experience freedom from pornography if you take steps of courage—serving your wife, family, and community—despite pushback.

The cycle of sex addiction wants you to be a coward with a low quality of life. If you are, then you stay in the cycle of shame. Maybe the path to recovery from internet sex addiction is not only confession, but also living for others courageously in all aspects of life.

Treatment communities, like biblical community, should guide us well in truth, how it's wielded, and in correcting error. I am advocating for the type of vulnerability that loves so deeply that it is willing to fight for truth and their neighbor's good, even at great cost to self. This is the best relapse prevention strategy—because you are not focused on self, but on others.

Otherwise, you will only be someone who offers confession and leaves no lasting legacy for others. The only legacy you will leave behind is the effects of your porn addiction.

Begin Therapeutic Work of Healing from Porn Addiction

Work with a licensed counselor in Fort Worth. Find freedom from pornography by no longer being controlled by your sexual impulses. There is freedom through transparency—but also freedom with courageous living!

Schedule a phone call to explore individual or couples therapy with a mental health professional and learn more about our services.

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