Sex & Pornography Addiction Recovery & Resources to Support Healing & Personal Growth

Recovery from problematic or compulsive sexual behavior often involves more than simply stopping a behavior. It can include understanding triggers, identifying patterns, developing healthier coping strategies, addressing shame, strengthening emotional regulation, establishing appropriate boundaries, and developing a healthier relationship with sexuality and intimacy.

The following resources may be useful as supplements to individual therapy and structured recovery work.

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Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase a resource through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. My recommendations are based on the potential usefulness of the resource rather than whether I receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Facing the Shadow, 3rd Edition

Patrick Carnes, PhD

Facing the Shadow is a structured recovery workbook designed to help individuals examine patterns of problematic or compulsive sexual behavior and begin developing a healthier approach to sexuality, relationships, and recovery.

The exercises encourage readers to identify behavioral patterns, recognize triggers and consequences, establish boundaries, and develop practical strategies that support ongoing recovery.

I may recommend this workbook as a supplement to therapy when its exercises are appropriate for a client's individual treatment and recovery goals.

Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a small commission if you purchase this book through the link below, at no additional cost to you.

Out of the Shadows

Patrick Carnes, PhD

Out of the Shadows is one of the foundational books addressing compulsive sexual behavior and sexual addiction. It explores how problematic sexual behaviors can develop into repetitive patterns and how secrecy, shame, emotional distress, and relationship difficulties can become part of the cycle.

This book may be useful for individuals beginning to examine their sexual behaviors and for people who want a better understanding of the addiction and recovery framework.

Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a small commission if you purchase this book through the link below, at no additional cost to you.

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook

Kristin Neff, PhD & Christopher Germer, PhD

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook provides practical exercises for developing a healthier and more compassionate relationship with yourself, particularly during times of stress, failure, shame, or emotional pain.

The workbook combines mindfulness and self-compassion practices to help readers recognize patterns of harsh self-criticism, respond differently to difficult emotions, and develop a more balanced inner dialogue. Rather than ignoring mistakes or avoiding personal responsibility, self-compassion encourages people to acknowledge difficult experiences while responding to themselves with greater understanding and intentionality.

This resource may be particularly helpful for individuals struggling with shame, perfectionism, self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, or difficulty extending the same patience and understanding to themselves that they might offer to others.

In therapy and recovery work, self-compassion can also be useful when learning to distinguish accountability from shame. Taking responsibility for behaviors and their consequences does not require defining yourself entirely by your mistakes. Developing self-compassion can help create space to acknowledge harmful or unwanted behaviors while continuing to work toward meaningful change.

I may recommend this workbook as a supplement to therapy when its exercises are appropriate for a client's individual treatment and personal growth goals.

Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a small commission if you purchase this book through the link below, at no additional cost to you.