One of the first things individuals and couples dealing with sexually compulsive behavior need is information. They want to understand what is happening and what to do about it.
The compulsive individual is seeking to understand why they do the things they do and why, despite often making great efforts they have been unable to stop.
How does the process of recovery work and how is that different from all the ‘willpower’ based attempts they have made in the past?
Betrayed partners have similar questions:
- Is this really an addiction?
- What does that mean?
- What is driving these behaviors?
- What does recovery look like?
- Is long-term sobriety possible?
- Can our relationship survive this?
Both individuals are, at the core, asking the same very important question:
“Is there hope?”
Foundations for Recovery: Understanding Sexual Compulsivity is designed to satisfy an urgent need for information and hope and to lay the groundwork for successful recovery for individuals and couples dealing with sexually compulsive behaviors.
If you want to recover and you want to recover well, then this workshop is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of the three systems that drive compulsive sexual behavior and learn how to build an informed and supportive plan for recovery.

Workshop Objectives
- Define sexual addiction and compulsivity.
- Explore the 3 systems that drive compulsive sexual behavior: the brain (neurochemistry), the emotions (affect regulation), and our ability to securely connect to others (attachment).
- Identify the thought distortions and self-manipulation that create the ‘double life’ of the cheating partner and manifest as gaslighting behaviors.
- Understand how to establish sexual sobriety and identify sexual health goals.
- Outline key steps and stages in the recovery process.
Who should attend this workshop?
- Individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behavior, who need information and support to transform their understanding of the healing process.
- Partners of those struggling with compulsive sexual behavior, who need a thorough understanding of what drives cheating behavior and what the path to recovery looks like.
- Therapists, pastors, friends and family members who are working with or supporting those impacted by sexually compulsive behavior.

Facilitator

Michelle Mays LPC, CSAT-S
Michelle Mays is an author, innovator and counselor guided by the belief that all change happens in relationship. This relational orientation has directed over two decades of experience articulating new models and approaches for the treatment of individuals and couples impacted by sexual betrayal and trauma.
Michelle the creator of The Braving Hope™ Treatment Model, providing attachment-based healing for partner betrayal. She designed the premier online coaching program for betrayed partners and is the founder of the Center for Relational Recovery in Leesburg Virginia.
Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in both Virginia and Washington DC, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Supervisor and is completing her PhD in Clinical Sexology and certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.