Beyond the Behavior: Understanding Compulsive Sexual Behavior, Sexual Concerns, and the Importance of Effective Treatment

Course Description/Abstract:

Compulsive and problematic sexual behaviors are complex clinical concerns often associated with shame, secrecy, trauma, relationship distress, and emotional dysregulation. This two-hour continuing education course provides mental health professionals with a practical introduction to assessing and treating these concerns while distinguishing problematic behavior from high sexual desire, consensual sexual expression, moral conflict, and symptoms related to other mental health conditions. Participants will explore current terminology, diagnostic considerations, and the importance of a non-shaming, sex-positive, and trauma-informed approach.

The course will examine factors that may contribute to compulsive sexual behavior, including trauma, attachment difficulties, shame, impulsivity, substance use, intimacy concerns, and negative core beliefs. Participants will also learn key assessment considerations, the impact of sexual betrayal on partners and relationships, and evidence-informed treatment strategies including cognitive-behavioral interventions, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, shame reduction, accountability, and the development of healthy sexuality and intimacy.

Learning Objectives/Goals:

1. Differentiate compulsive sexual behavior from high sexual desire, infidelity, problematic pornography use, and other sexual concerns.
2. Identify at least five common clinical indicators of problematic or compulsive sexual behavior.
3. Describe the relationship between sexual behavior and trauma, attachment, shame, emotional regulation, impulsivity, and substance use.
4. Explain the potential impact of compulsive sexual behavior and sexual betrayal on partners and relationships.
5. Identify appropriate assessment considerations and differential diagnoses.
6. Describe at least three evidence-informed treatment strategies for clients presenting with problematic sexual behavior.
7. Explain why treatment should address more than simply stopping the sexual behavior.

• 2 CE credits will be given

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Approved through: • Florida Board of Nursing • Florida Board of Clinical SW, MFT, and MHC #726 • Florida Board of Psychology • Florida Certification Board Prov #5225 • Provider Number: 50-204 • Course ID: 20-1410178

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Presenter: Tempany Andersen, PhD, LMHC

Tempany Andersen, PhD, LMHC

Tempany Andersen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate mental health concerns, trauma, addiction, sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. She holds a PhD in Clinical Sexology and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, with additional certifications in EMDR, Sex Therapy, and addiction counseling. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Tempany brings an integrated, trauma-informed approach to her work. Her background includes extensive experience in inpatient and residential treatment settings, where she developed expertise in the complex connections between emotional well-being, trauma, addictive and compulsive behaviors, sexuality, and relationships.

Today, Tempany works with individuals and couples experiencing sexual and intimacy challenges, compulsive sexual behaviors, infidelity and betrayal, trauma and PTSD, and substance and behavioral addictions. She is passionate about providing individualized care that helps clients better understand underlying patterns, heal from past experiences, strengthen relationships, and create lasting change.