FREEDOM FOR RELATIONSHIP BY GAINING FREEDOM FROM PORN
THE ISSUE:
With most kids exposed to porn as early as 11 years old, internet porn is found to have negative consequences on our relationships, our brain, and our community. Three things make it a difficult struggle to overcome: anonymity, accessibility, and affordability. Anonymity exists because it can be accessed online without feeling like anyone knows who we are (the protection of the screen). With the ease of access from technology like our smartphones, accessibility means anywhere and at any time. Affordability rises from the increasing number of free sites which offer this service. It requires no personal contact, limited barriers to access, and no need to sacrifice our pocketbooks. It is easy to understand how a person coping with stress and loneliness would turn to porn.
For Catholic’s this can be an isolating and shaming experience. The behavior is deeply associated with our concept of sin.
Much like drugs or alcohol, sexual stimulation releases hormones and chemicals in the body that medicate and numb negative emotions or memories, including loneliness, anxiety, fear, stress, disappointment and pain. Often, sexual struggles have their roots in childhood experiences or family issues.
At St. Raphael Counseling, we believe that God desires to free men and women from an addiction to false intimacy and self-medicating measures. Rather than meeting men and women with guilt and shame, He seeks to restore them with grace and tenacity. Only then can we experience the beauty of relationship as it is meant to be.
THE GROUP:
This is a highly confidential group of men and women , 18 years and older, who desire personal, spiritual, relational and physical restoration from pornography. Group therapy is different from accountability groups, small group bible studies, etc. We focus on the core issues related to addictions, while at the same time address masculinity and sexuality from a therapeutic, restorative and Catholic perspective.
Group sessions consist of psycho-educational material, sharing struggles, and processing the progressive actions of cutting out porn from your life. Each man will also have the opportunity to tell his story and receive support from other members. Initial commitment is 12 sessions.
JOINING THE GROUP:
If you are interested in joining the group, please call 720-377-1359 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
