The Reward Foundation does not offer therapy itself. However we are often asked for advice. To that end we are pleased in this guest blog to introduce our followers to Pivotal Recovery, a cost effective, self-help programme for sex and porn addiction.
“Just a massive thank you for, in no uncertain terms, saving my life! This course is incredible. The systematic approach it takes, day by day, bit by bit, addressing each and every aspect of my life that was keeping me depressed and in addiction. Wow! In my entire life I’ve never been happier. And this isn’t just a post-addiction-quitting honeymoon, it’s a level of confidence and not feeling anxious about myself – being relaxed in knowing that I will make the right decisions. Knowing that if I ever do relapse, I will always come back to where I am now. Never again will I spend so many years in that horrible state of being.” (Satisfied client).
The science
Since the introduction of Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD) in the eleventh revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2019, there has been an increase in research on this subject. The International Sex Survey looked at the prevalence of CSBD across more than 40 countries in 2021 and found that 5% of participants met the criteria for being at high risk of developing CSBD, a similar percentage to other, more recognised psychiatric disorders. Regrettably, only 14% sought help for their behaviours with many citing social stigma and shame as a primary barrier to accessing treatment.
The impact of this on mental health and wellbeing is detrimental as surveys show many people suffering in silence with feelings of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Stigma and shame make it particularly difficult to access traditional therapy, whether in-person or online, even if finances allow. So self-guided, online interventions which are easily and anonymously accessed, and scaled to maintain low or no cost, could for some, be the treatment option of choice. Research into other online addictions has highlighted this.
How does Pivotal Recovery work?
Pivotal Recovery is a not-for-profit community interest company, founded to provide low-cost resources for people with compulsive sexual behaviours, problematic porn use and sex or porn addiction. Based on over a decade’s research and therapeutic experience with thousands of men and women, Pivotal Recovery is a 60-day, professionally guided course consisting of a daily podcast and an interactive workbook. It can be accessed via any internet enabled device or via the IOS and Android Pivotal App. It has been created and written by Dr Paula Hall, who has helped thousands of people into recovery through her work at the Laurel Centre and her books.
Pilot Study
A pilot study undertaken with Leeds Trinity University has recently been completed and full results will be published soon. Whilst some details of the study remain confidential at the time of writing, emerging data show that the Pivotal Recovery course is effective not only in reducing the unwanted behaviours, but also in improving emotional wellbeing. Over 85% of participants reported a reduction in unwanted behaviours after completing the course and over 75% reported improvements in their feelings of depression. Furthermore, compared to other online self-help programmes, the Pivotal Recovery course performed well in terms of engagement and rates of completion.
There has already been support for the programme including partnerships with Relate UK and Northern Ireland and the University of Birmingham Student Counselling Service. Support for Pivotal Recovery continues to grow as they work together with professionals, not-for-profits, and educational organisations across the country. For more information about partnership opportunities, please email [email protected].
Testimonials
“My counsellor put me on the course, and it has made a massive difference to me. I have stopped all acting out and I’m confident that I will continue in recovery and have a happy marriage.”
“I wish I was aware of this course about 3 years ago. It felt like my life was a jigsaw and there were pieces missing as I didn’t understand why I had become so addicted. This resulted in something that has wrecked my family, and I lost many friends. Now I understand how various traumas in my life fuelled my addiction and I feel able to explain this without making excuses for my actions. I am now so much more aware of triggers and what to do. Thank you.”
“Even if you feel there is no hope for you – there is. This course will help you and give you hope. It has saved me. I have been struggling with addiction for longer than I want to admit, but this course made all the difference where so many others do not.”
To learn more about Pivotal Recovery, visit the website www.pivotalrecovery.org.
