Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships
A Clinical Guide
1st Edition
Published on 28. April 2026
Book
Hardback
240 pages
978-1-041-21843-2 (ISBN)
Description
Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships is a practical guide to understanding the impact of compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB) on intimacy, trust, and emotional connection in relationships. Written from the unique dual perspective of professional expertise and lived experience, this book explores how CSB impacts individuals and couples and offers a path toward recovery, healing, and genuine connection.
Providing a unique blend of clinical insight, personal storytelling, and a dedicated, practical workbook for couples, this guide provides clinicians with practical exercises, guided reflections, and strategies for communication to form the basis of therapeutic interventions, supporting couples in navigating the challenges of rebuilding trust and intimacy following the results of CSB in their relationship. Readers will benefit from accessing a clear, accessible framework for understanding CSB, while also learning key skills for immediate application to their practice. Downloadable exercises to accompany the book are available at https://www.routledge.com/9781041218418. Each exercise is self-contained, practical, and aligns directly with its corresponding chapter. These handouts can serve as clinician session tools, client homework sheets, or supervision resources.
Written with a compassionate and destigmatising approach, this book is essential reading for any mental health professional working with individuals or couples impacted by CSB, such as psychotherapists, counsellors, or psychologists. It may also be of interest to individuals with lived experience of CSB.
Providing a unique blend of clinical insight, personal storytelling, and a dedicated, practical workbook for couples, this guide provides clinicians with practical exercises, guided reflections, and strategies for communication to form the basis of therapeutic interventions, supporting couples in navigating the challenges of rebuilding trust and intimacy following the results of CSB in their relationship. Readers will benefit from accessing a clear, accessible framework for understanding CSB, while also learning key skills for immediate application to their practice. Downloadable exercises to accompany the book are available at https://www.routledge.com/9781041218418. Each exercise is self-contained, practical, and aligns directly with its corresponding chapter. These handouts can serve as clinician session tools, client homework sheets, or supervision resources.
Written with a compassionate and destigmatising approach, this book is essential reading for any mental health professional working with individuals or couples impacted by CSB, such as psychotherapists, counsellors, or psychologists. It may also be of interest to individuals with lived experience of CSB.
Reviews / Votes
'I am delighted to commend this book by Dr Robert Hudson, alumnus of the London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. He guides the reader through compulsive and addictive sexual behaviours, supported by valuable case examples and workbook exercises. We are led to consider the impact on relationships, couples interventions, and the role of shame, trauma bonds, conflict resolution, and the creation of safe therapeutic space. Practical guidance on non-conflict communication, healing ruptures, relapse prevention, and recognising restimulation is included. Clearly laid out and accessible, this book will be an essential resource for training providers and practitioners.'Judi Keshet-Orr, Founder and Course Director, London Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy; UKCP registered; fellow COSRT
'Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships: A Clinical Guide is grounded in both professional and lived experience. Written by one of the UK's pioneers in this field, it honours those who have moved beyond struggle with the support of partners and allies. It stands as testimony to human resilience and the healing power of connection. Robert navigates the tension between clinical pathology and hopeful relational recovery with clarity and compassion. The integrated workbook offers reflection, exercises, and connection-building tasks, demonstrating his expertise as a relationship psychotherapist. This guide is valuable for clients and clinicians alike.'
Bernd Leygraf, Consultant Psychotherapist, CEO Naos Institute
'Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships: A Clinical Guide is an essential guide for couples working towards restoration and healing from the devastation of betrayal. It highlights the essential fundamentals of couples therapy for compulsive and addictive sexual behavior and instructs couples how to navigate the challenges and pitfalls of couples therapy when a loved one has CSBD. Additionally, it provides beneficial tools, exercises and journal prompts to cultivate insight for couples seeking to repair intimacy and trust.'
Stefanie Carnes, PhD, CSAT-S, CST, CPTT, Clinical Sexologist, LMFT
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Professional Practice & Development, Professional Reference, and Professional Training
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
31 s/w Tabellen
31 Tables, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
531 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-21843-2 (9781041218432)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2026
Taylor & Francis
€40.99
Available for download
E-Book
04/2026
Taylor & Francis
€40.99
Available for download
Book
04/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€38.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Dr Robert Hudson is a UKCP-registered psychotherapist, sex and relationship therapist, and certified sex addiction and trauma specialist (CSAT-S supervisor). He is an accredited member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT), a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), and a trained EMDR trauma therapist. Dr Hudson has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and groups affected by compulsive sexual behaviour, intimacy issues, and relational trauma. His clinical work focuses on helping clients and couples navigate the challenges of trust, betrayal, and recovery. He has developed and facilitated numerous treatment groups, workshops, and therapeutic retreats in the UK and internationally. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr Hudson provides clinical supervision, training, and teaching in the fields of compulsive sexual behaviour, trauma, and relationship therapy. He regularly contributes to professional development programmes for therapists and is actively engaged in research aimed at improving understanding and best practice in this specialist area.
Content
PART I Understanding the Struggle: How Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Impacts Relationships
1 Understanding Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB)
2 Impact of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour on Couples: Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Consequences
3 Types of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB) and Their Effects on Couples 34
PART II Broken Connections: The Pain of Betrayal and Lost Intimacy 63
4 Assessing and Treating Trauma and PTSD in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
5 Attachment Theory and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB)
6 Trauma Theory and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB)
7 OAT Model: Out of Control Sexual Behaviour
8 Shame and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Effect on Relationships
PART III Rebuilding Trust and Intimacy: From Betrayal to Connection
9 Creating a Safe and Non- judgemental Space for Couples
10 Developing Effective Communication Skills for Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
11 Building Trust and Intimacy in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
12 Supporting the Partner of the Person with Compulsive Sexual Behaviour: Coping Strategies and Self-Care
PART IV Finding Healing, Freedom, and Hope Together
13 Managing Triggers in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
14 Working with Couples to Develop a Long-Term Recovery Plan and Prevent Relapse
Conclusion: Moving Beyond Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships
1 Understanding Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB)
2 Impact of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour on Couples: Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Consequences
3 Types of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB) and Their Effects on Couples 34
PART II Broken Connections: The Pain of Betrayal and Lost Intimacy 63
4 Assessing and Treating Trauma and PTSD in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
5 Attachment Theory and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB)
6 Trauma Theory and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (CSB)
7 OAT Model: Out of Control Sexual Behaviour
8 Shame and Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Effect on Relationships
PART III Rebuilding Trust and Intimacy: From Betrayal to Connection
9 Creating a Safe and Non- judgemental Space for Couples
10 Developing Effective Communication Skills for Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
11 Building Trust and Intimacy in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
12 Supporting the Partner of the Person with Compulsive Sexual Behaviour: Coping Strategies and Self-Care
PART IV Finding Healing, Freedom, and Hope Together
13 Managing Triggers in Couples Impacted by Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
14 Working with Couples to Develop a Long-Term Recovery Plan and Prevent Relapse
Conclusion: Moving Beyond Treating Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and Its Impact on Relationships