Been There, Done That
Submitted by Ben on February 11 2002 19:08:52
In reply to Therapy to eliminate sexual feelings submitted by Mark on February 10 2002 22:43:31
|
Hey Mark, I just thought I'd share my two cents since I have been in Behavior Therapy myself. I wouldn't disagree with Heather's perspective that someone whose behavior is clearly damaging (ie - rapist, child molester, etc) might have no choice but to be in some sort of reconstructive therapy to modify their behavior, lest they be locked away. But for the majority of us, behavior therapy is an incorrect approach based on my experience. I underwent the therapies listed above as Covert Sensitization, Imaginal Desensitization and some Satiation Techniques. After years of therapy and alot of money, I developed some attraction to women and less desire for boys. That being said, the route causes of my attraction to boys hadn't changed a bit, and I went right back to where I had been before after enough time passed. Furthermore, I was left feeling like an animal, whose behaviors were more important than it's feelings. I desperately wanted to talk about how I felt, how much I loved boys and wanted to be able to have them as part of my life. I was told though that these "warm feelings" were just part of the disease and I had to ignore them. So, I did. And here I am. I do believe that change is possible, but I am quite opposed to behavior therapy being the solution. I believe that God, the bible, a strong support group and a good Christian therapist are the best chance of changing one's lifestyle. You are not alone. Love, Ben |
Follow ups: