The nature of addiction is that usually one can not break free from it without a strong support group. Therefore, I strongly recommend therapy only as a supplement to either a live 12 step group or a GuardYourEyes phone-conference group.

Addictive behaviors are strengthened and ingrained by the emotional and spiritual pain we experience. When we feel the pain of stress, fear, sadness, emptiness, self-consciousness, depression, anger, despair, resentments or jealousy, we want it to go away as fast as possible. For some of us, "acting-out" takes away these pains and gives us some pleasure, temporarily. For others these emotions drive us to "act-out" even though the reprieve and the pleasure are no longer there.   

The emotional and spiritual pain we feel is the result of what we believe and think about ourselves, others, the world, life and G-d.  Through structured cognitive processes and questioning of our thoughts and beliefs we can become free from the tyranny of our obsessive mind and reduce our emotional and spiritual pain. With less pain we feel less need to "medicate" ourselves by acting-out. This approach works on making us happier, calmer, more accepting, more loving, more forgiving, more peaceful and generally healthier and stronger emotionally and spiritually. Being freer from negative emotions, and experiencing greater peace, we are better able to withstand the temptations to act-out and strengthen our recovery.

Couples counseling and spouse-of-addict counseling: Our acting-out hurt our marriages and probably wounded our spouses. An approach of open, honest and direct counseling can restore peace, trust and respect in our relationships. An honest, open and trusting relationship with our spouses is one of the best guarantees for a lasting recovery.