Treatment of Sexual Compulsivity and Partner Betrayal Trauma Certificate Program

About This Course

Sexual compulsivity and partner betrayal trauma are complex clinical concerns that deeply affect emotional, relational, and spiritual functioning. This course provides an in-depth exploration of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) and its impact on both individuals and their partners within a clinically sound framework, with specific emphasis given to faith-based clients. Content includes diagnostic distinctions between CSBD and normative sexual behavior, along with contributing factors such as trauma, attachment disruption, shame, and neurobiological influences. The emotional and psychological effects of betrayal trauma are examined through a systemic lens, with attention to the clinical needs of partners and the dynamics of disclosure. Various experiential and integrative tools are introduced to support client insight and emotional processing. Ethical considerations, group therapy models, and relapse prevention planning are also addressed to support long-term recovery. This course emphasizes the development of informed, compassionate care for all clients, with specific techniques given for faith-based clients, navigating the complexities of compulsive sexual behavior and betrayal trauma, equipping clinicians to engage these challenges with integrity and clinical confidence. 

Learning Objectives

Participants will…  

1. Define compulsive and addictive sexual behavior using current clinical standards and distinguish it from normative sexual functioning.
2. Describe the neurobiological, psychological, and spiritual mechanisms contributing to sexual compulsivity and addiction.
3. Apply trauma-informed experiential exercises to support insight and narrative processing in clients.
4. Assess the effects of unresolved trauma, insecure attachment, and chronic shame on the development and maintenance of sexual compulsivity.
5. Outline structured disclosure protocols and therapeutic strategies for working with betrayed partners within a clinically sound and faith-sensitive framework.
6. Conceptualize group therapy models and relapse prevention planning into long-term treatment for compulsive and addictive sexual behavior.
7. Summarize ethical considerations and scope of practice issues when integrating faith-informed principles into the clinical care of Christian clients.

Lesson Titles

TSAC 101: Integrating Faith and Treatment: Foundational Approaches to Compulsive and Addictive Sexual Behavior in Christian Clients 
Jim Cress, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 102: Identifying and Defining Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Understanding Healthy Sexuality 
Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 103:  Experiential Tools for Healing 
Jim Cress, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 104: Neurobiological Underpinnings of Compulsive and Addictive Sexual Behavior
Karl Benzio, M.D. 

TSAC 105: The Role of Attachment, Trauma, and Shame in the Development of Sexual Compulsivity
Jason VanRuler, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 106: A Treatment Model for Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 107: Facilitating Disclosure in the Recovery Process 
Sheri Denham, Ph.D., CSAT 

 TSAC 108: Counseling Partners Affected by Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Sheri Denham, Ph.D., CSAT 

TSAC 109: Addressing Couples and Families in the Recovery Journey 
Jason VanRuler, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 110: The Role of Group Therapy in Treating Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 111: Developing Effective Relapse Prevention Plans for Long-Term Recovery
Jason VanRuler, M.A., CSAT 

TSAC 112: Navigating Deep Grief and Loss Recovery for Sexually Betrayed Partners 
Sheri Denham, Ph.D., CSAT 

TSAC 113: Panel Discussion on Case Work and Ethical Considerations 
Presenter: Jim Cress, M.A., CSAT, Sheri Denham, Ph.D., CSAT, Jason VanRuler, M.A., CSAT, and Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT 

Course Presenters

Jim Cress, M.A., CSAT, Sheri Denham, Ph.D., CSAT, Jason VanRuler, M.A., CSAT, and Mike Vaughn, M.A., CSAT

Continuing Education Approval Statements

American Association of Christian Counselors has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7543. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) is an Approved Continuing Education CE provider by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). American Association of Christian Counselors is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) offers some psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers and play therapists Continuing Education (CE) credit due for good standing with certain states and a limited number of professional organizations. It remains the responsibility of each participant to be aware of state licensure and CE requirements.  

Participants should check their state and/or local regulations regarding required continuing education hours. For more information Light University Continuing Education programs, please visit: https://lightuniversity.com/continuing-education-statements/