Book cover courtesy of author.

Connie Lofgreen, MSW, CSAT, who has a private practice in Omaha, has spent more than 30 years doing relationship and trauma counseling, including extensive work with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Lofgreen is also an organizational consultant and trainer in clergy sexual ethics, an Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing practitioner, and a specialist in conducting group therapy.

Recently Lofgreen published a book,  “The Storm of Sex Addiction: Rescue and Recovery.” SocialWorkersSpeak.org talked with Lofgreen about the book and why she thinks it is important the public get more education about sex addiction:

Q: Why did you decide to become a therapist and how did you come to specialize in sex addiction?

Lofgreen: I decided to become a therapist while pursing a masters degree in social work in graduate school (Rutgers University) because I had the opportunity to work in several community service agencies and witnessed the benefits of therapy to families and individuals. I later became a marriage and family therapist and worked with many adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and other severe traumas. Ten years ago I completed  training as a certified sex addiction therapist because more clients were struggling with sexual compulsivity.

Connie Lofgreen. Photo courtesy of author.

Q: What prompted you to write “The Storm of Sex Addiction: Rescue and Recovery”?

Lofgreen: The widespread use of the Internet and other cultural factors have combined to drive an epidemic of sex addiction in our culture. I wrote “The Storm of Sex Addiction” because I recognized the need for a book that could readily help addicts and families as well as helping professionals understand the brain disorder of sex addiction and the hopeful option of recovery. I also make a clarion call for awareness of sex addiction as the public health issue it truly is and present strategic initiatives to respond. We must do more than rescue the victims; we must prevent the casualties.

 Q: Is sex addiction really about sex or something else, such as stress or depression?

Lofgreen: Sex addiction is a brain disorder characterized by the compulsive use of sexual behavior over which the addict has lost control. (In 2011 The American Society of Addiction Medicine defined all addiction, including sex addiction, in terms of brain changes—addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.)   Sex addicts are attempting to escape reality by mood-altering using sex, whereas other addicts use their preferred substance or behavior.  Attachment loss is often a predisposing factor — addicts did not learn the necessary coping skills to manage their emotions and life challenges and to connect with others in healthy relationships.  As the illness progresses it wreaks havoc, creating chaos and misery in the lives of addicts and their families.

An addict may have co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, impulse control problems, post traumatic stress disorder, or personality disorder, or other addictions, all of which are evaluated by certified sex addiction therapists or other addiction professionals in the initial assessment and addressed in the treatment plan.

Q: Why do you think your book would be of interest to the general public and a good tool for social workers?

Lofgreen: Social workers, clergy and other helping professionals are encountering more sex addicts and partners among people they serve. “The Storm of Sex Addiction” is a useful resource to help them understand the illness of sex addiction, recognize warning signs and encourage treatment that incorporates the necessary components for predictable recovery.

The general public has become more interested in the topic of sex addiction because of high profile cases in the media or because a loved one or acquaintance is struggling with the problem. People are often astonished and mystified by the reckless behavior of sex addicts. “The Storm of Sex Addiction” goes beyond the voyeuristic entertainment value of personal sex tragedies sensationalized in the media and addresses the illness and epidemic with practical information and compassionate guidance.

You can learn more about Lofgreen’s book on her website. The book is also available at Amazon.com. And to find out more about how social workers help clients overcome depression, anxiety, sex addiction and other mental disorders visit the National Association of Social Workers” “Help Starts Here” Mind and Spirit website.