LifeSTAR Treatment Program

LifeSTAR is a four-phase group treatment program designed to help individuals, partners, and couples heal from the effects of pornography addiction and other sexually compulsive behaviors. The phases of treatment build on one another, providing a long-term and comprehensive approach to eliminating addictive/compulsive sexual behaviors. Each phase is conducted in a respectful and confidential setting designed to promote understanding, healing, and recovery success.

Research shows that success in recovery is most likely to occur and be maintained when an individual uses a combination of approaches—psychoeducational material (Phase 1), group work (Phases 2 and 3), and individual/couples therapy. LifeSTAR offers this comprehensive treatment program.

LifeSTAR is a nationally recognized treatment program run by therapists who are trained in sexual addiction recovery. Participants receive workbooks and other materials to help them through the recovery process. The phases are specifically designed to gently uncover and heal patterns that create and maintain addictive behaviors.

The primary feature setting LifeSTAR apart from other treatment programs is the support offered to spouses and partners of addicts. A major focus in each of the four phases is providing spouses and partners with educational information and tools that help in the healing process. Couples are encouraged to attend together, and single adults and those whose partners are unable or unwilling to attend are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

LifeSTAR provides participants with the resources, support, and structure they need to experience a successful recovery and to find healing from the damaging effects of pornography and sexual addiction.

The 4 Phases in Detail

Phase 1: Getting Started is a six-week educational course designed for people struggling with sexual addiction as well as for their partners. This course provides workbooks and materials to educate participants about the cycle of sexual addiction and the underlying issues that contribute to sex addiction, and it teaches individuals how to begin their recovery journey toward sobriety and healthy, balanced living. The primary focus of the Getting Started workshop is to educate and create an environment of support and hope. We have found that when clients are well informed about the underlying issues that influence unhealthy behaviors, they become empowered to take a more proactive and successful approach toward sobriety and complete recovery. During this phase, clients are also taught how to help create safety for their partners and to understand how their behaviors have likely created trauma for their partners.

The Getting Started workshop is intended for those starting out in recovery, and it is also recommended for those who have been attending 12-step programs or for those being discharged from an in-patient setting. We strongly recommend that couples attend so they can begin the process of education together; however, the workshop is also designed for single adults and for those clients whose partners are unable or unwilling to attend. During these six weeks, all participants are together for educational portions of the workshop. When reviewing homework, clients are divided into smaller groups consisting of men and women separately.

Phase 2: Recovery Group is intended to help clients develop solid sobriety and employ successful strategies that will help them live healthier, happier lives, free from compulsive behaviors and addictions. The workbooks in Phase 2 focus on providing a deeper look at denial, the addiction cycle, fantasies and objectification, relapse prevention, and healthy living. Clients are also taught, in greater depth, how to help create safety for their partners. Clients are encouraged to continue working in Phase 2 until they have established solid sobriety, are implementing an effective treatment plan—including having a network of support—and have a detailed understanding of their addictive system. Partners in Phase 2 are provided with a supportive environment to explore their trauma, anger, grief and fear, in addition to creating healthy boundary systems and self-care.

Phase 3: Advanced Group is geared toward helping clients maintain their new-found healthy lifestyles. Phase 3 addresses the underlying issues that created the addiction cycle, such as faulty negative beliefs, dysfunctional systems, trauma, and abuse. Once the addiction has been stopped and the underlying issues have been addressed, healthy lifestyle changes are reinforced in order to not only maintain sobriety gains but to continue on to full and complete recovery. For couples in the program, this is the time to focus on re-building their relationship on a foundation of trust and healthy intimacy.

Phase 4: Phase 4 Couples Group is a powerful and supportive experience for couples that have achieved a level of recovery success and are ready to continue healing their relationship in a group setting with other recovering couples in the LifeSTAR program. Phase 4 integrates the Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy model “Hold Me Tight” into the recovery process. Criteria for entering Phase 4 are: A solid sobriety for the addict and stabilization from the acute negative impact of sex addiction on the partner so that a foundation of trust in the relationship has been established. Skills and understanding of negative interaction patterns are mapped out and healthy relationship, attachment and intimacy are defined and explored. Phase 4 meets 1-2 times monthly and can be added during Phase 2 or 3 when the coupleship is stabilized and ready to add Phase 4 to their group, couples and individual therapy. Phase 4 is also available for tune-ups for couples who have completed the program and want to continue to work on strengthening their marriage relationship.

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