Sexuality in the Therapeutic Office: “Addiction” vs. Compulsive Sexual Behaviors

Who this workshop is for:

The workshop is intended for people working psychotherapeutically in various modalities, especially those who feel uncertain in the area of sexuality.

Both trainees in psychotherapeutic training and experienced psychotherapists can participate.

Participation provides 20 teaching hours that meet the requirements for EAGT certification and the training conditions required by institutes training Gestalt psychotherapists.

What this workshop is about:

Clients come to therapeutic offices with a self-diagnosis of "sex addiction." In popular culture this term is often overused, which leads to misdiagnosing compulsions as an addiction. Social pressure and stigmatization around sexuality make this area taboo, and people experiencing problems may be seen as "addicted," even when their behaviors are compulsive or stem from other disorders.

• stigmatization of patients,
• abuses in therapy,
• overlooking underlying real problems.

The classes focus on the practical dimension of working with clients experiencing compulsive sexual behaviors. We will cover both theoretical and clinical aspects, with an emphasis on ethics, therapist self-awareness, and effective intervention methods.

Workshop program:

• Ethics and boundaries in work with hypersexuality – how to maintain professionalism and avoid violations.
• Diagnosis and differentiation – disorder criteria, diagnostic tools, co-occurrence with other issues (e.g., addictions, trauma).
• Working with shame and resistance – practical rules for building a safe therapeutic relationship.
• Sexuality and social norms – deconstructing introjects and beliefs that influence therapy.
• Practical case studies – case analysis and session simulations.

Workshop goals:

• Deepen the therapist’s self-awareness in the area of sexuality and personal beliefs.
• Acquire tools for diagnosing and working with compulsive sexual behaviors.
• Develop skills to conduct open, nonjudgmental conversations about sexuality.
• Practical application of selected therapeutic methods in a safe workshop environment.

08-09 November 2025, 9:00–19:00

Time: 20 h

Place: Centrum Psychoterapii Przestworza, ul. Narzymskiego 22/1

Regular price: 1200 zł

Price for trainees in psychotherapeutic training and students of psychology/sexology: 900 zł (upon presenting a school certificate or proof of study)

To activate the discount enter: SZKOŁA before finalizing the purchase in the: add discount window

Send the certificate to: centrum.przestworza@gmail.com

Format: In-person, accommodation on mattresses is possible by prior arrangement.

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About the instructor:

Krzysztof Kościółek

I am a certified supervisor and Gestalt psychotherapist, sexologist, trainer of psychotherapists, and founder of Centrum Psychoterapii Przestworza.

I hold a certificate from the European Association for Gestalt Therapy. I prepare future psychotherapists at the Łódź Gestalt School and the Gestalt Institute in Kraków.

I specialize in working with people with GSRD (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity), both those who have just discovered their identity (sexual, gender, relational, or kink) and struggle to accept it, and those who experience problems in relationships or the sexual sphere. I approach free expression of gender, sexual, and relational diversity with respect.

The therapeutic relationship for me is a space where people (regardless of their problems, gender identity, sexuality, faith, beliefs, race, or skin color) can expect respect and understanding — not only for the problems they bring, but above all for themselves as human beings.