CSAT Model & Intensive Treatment for Sex Addiction Recovery
Patrick Carnes Approach
Discover Patrick Carnes’ CSAT approach to sex addiction recovery, based on the 30-Task Model and trauma-informed care. Learn about intensive treatment programs designed for deep healing, accountability, and lasting change.
What is a CSAT Intensive?
Patrick Carnes' approach (CSAT) to sex addiction is based on a task-centered model that emphasizes a sequenced process of recovery, often broken down into three stages. The model includes the Addiction Cycle (preoccupation, ritualization, compulsive behavior, despair) and a 30-task model to guide individuals through recovery. Key aspects of his approach include breaking through denial, addressing underlying trauma, building a support system, and developing healthy coping mechanisms and intimacy skills.
Core components of Carnes' approach
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30-Task Model: A structured path to recovery that helps individuals move from denial to rebuilding their lives.
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Breaking through denial: Acknowledging the addiction and its impact, defining the problem, and taking responsibility.
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Addressing underlying issues: Working through the addiction cycle and addressing the root causes, which often involve past trauma and emotional pain.
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Building a new life: Developing self-care routines, strengthening coping strategies, and building healthy intimacy and relationships.
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Intensive treatment centers for sex addiction offer structured, immersive care within an extended outpatient setting. These programs are specifically designed to assist individuals whose compulsive sexual behaviors—such as excessive pornography use, extramarital affairs, or illegal sexual activities—have become damaging and unmanageable, often affecting relationships, careers, and self-esteem.
In contrast to weekly outpatient therapy, intensive treatment delves deeply into the underlying causes of addiction, trauma, and relational dynamics, employing evidence-based techniques in a supportive and stable environment.
Who Is Intensive Treatment For?
Intensive programs are particularly suited for individuals who:
- Have attempted outpatient therapy but continue to experience relapses
- Are in crisis due to the revelation or acknowledgment of sexual misconduct
- Have a long history of sexual compulsivity or deceit
- Aspire to engage in focused early recovery work rapidly and with accountability
- Face challenges in legal, marital, or professional contexts due to their behaviors
- Require a safe space to interrupt acting-out behaviors
"I was so blessed by Judy. She was so compassionate about my situation and helped me understand my pain. She gave me lots of tools."
Intensive Client
What to Expect from an Intensive with Judy Long
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Individual therapy with certified sex addiction therapists (CSATs)
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Group therapy aimed at fostering accountability, reducing shame, and providing peer support
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Trauma work utilizing approaches such as EMDR, somatic techniques, or inner child therapy (Schema Therapy)
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Integration of 12-Step programs or alternative recovery models
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Psychological assessments and customized treatment plans
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Impact awareness sessions for partners
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A daily structure and containment strategy to prevent acting out
Sex addiction intensives are five days or longer, depending on the severity of the addiction and any co-occurring issues (such as substance use, depression, trauma, or ADHD).
Common Goals of Treatment
The objective of intensive treatment centers is to help individuals struggling with sex addiction:
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Overcome denial and defensiveness
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Understand the roots of their addiction
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Develop a robust relapse prevention plan
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Identify their triggers, behavioral patterns, and core beliefs
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Begin the process of making amends and restoring trust
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Learn to live with integrity, both with themselves and others
Embark on Your Path to Genuine Healing: The 5-Day Men's Intensive
I personally facilitate each 5-Day Men's Intensive at my treatment center located in the stunning Colorado landscape. As a participant in this intensive program, you will experience:
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Convenient accommodations and treatment in a single location
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Minimal time away from your family and job
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A secure and supportive healing atmosphere
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Access to my innovative Psychobiological approach integrating multiple modalities to best address the roots of addiction,
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Comprehensive, cutting-edge assessments of your mental health and compulsive sexual behaviors
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Direct trauma treatment utilizing the Brainspotting Trauma Protocol
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Exploration and resolution of the underlying causes of your sexual addiction or compulsive behaviors
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Insights into the impact on your partner, marriage, and family, along with steps for healing
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A personalized plan to cultivate and enhance healthy connections and interactions
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A smooth transition back to your current therapist or treatment provider
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Detailed discharge planning that can be easily integrated with future support systems
Expect profound healing, genuine connections, and transformative self-discovery throughout this journey.
