Attempts at Rationalization
Whether facing sex addiction, betrayal trauma, grief, drug/alcohol addiction, or any number of mental health issues and life issues, one of the common issues is rationalization. Sex addicts rationalize that it really is not hurting anyone. The betrayed loved ones of addicts who have been unfaithful rationalize away their feelings of hurt. It is a powerful tool and it is used as a defense mechanism to hide from a truth we usually already know.
Moving Forward from Pain
What’s the one thing that you keep wanting but don’t choose? What’s a longing of your heart that you are too afraid to imagine coming true for you?
The Problems List
Whether you are experiencing grief, sex addiction, betrayal, infidelity, trauma, depression, anxiety, or many of the other common issues that beset us, denial is almost there to hold us back from healing. There are a number of tools and assessments I have used to help clients break through various aspects of denial. One of the most straightforward and effective tools I teach my clients is how to create and utilize a problems list.
Sexual Dependency Inventory
The Sexual Dependency Inventory (SDI-V4) is one of the most robust instruments for assisting you in determining if you suffer from sex addiction and would call yourself a sex addict. Secondly, it helps us determine what behaviors we will focus on in treatment if you are a sex addict or even if you are not a sex addict but just have some sexual behaviors you want to stop.