Reaching out to others can be profoundly healing.
Sexual addiction can harm our sense of reality, interfere with healthy, mutually satisfying relationships and force us into social isolation. One highly effective way to address these issues is inclusion of a group experience in one’s recovery (support groups, group psychotherapy, twelve-step meetings, etc.) In a group setting, we can meaningfully encounter (for perhaps the very first time) other individuals who have faced similar challenges. Group psychotherapy expert Irvin Yalom calls this experience “universality,” the awareness that we are not alone in life and others have experienced thoughts, feelings, and fears similar to our own. This perceived connection with others leads to a realization that our pain is not exclusive or unique, and that others with similar problems are willing to support us.
Just for Today
Think about how you’ve been helped by attending groups. How have you helped others through your group participation?