Where can you find counseling for pornography addiction? If you’re struggling with compulsive use of pornography, you might need a Christian counselor. And if you want to receive professional counseling but don’t know where to find it, here’s some help to get started.
Christian Counseling Associations for Porn Addiction
One of the best ways to find counseling for porn addiction is to start with a counseling association. These associations are large umbrella organizations of like-minded counselors. There are many in the United States, but here are two of the largest.
American Association of Christian Counselors
The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) is the largest faith-based mental health organization in the world. The AACC represents counselors from a wide variety of Christian denominations and backgrounds and combines the latest psychological research and treatments with a commitment to Christian principles and biblical teaching.
Covenant Eyes has partnered with the AACC many times. You can use their webpage to find a counselor.
Association of Certified Biblical Counselors
The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) seeks to train counselors who are competent to counsel according to biblical standards. This means having biblical knowledge and understanding (Romans 15:14), and “spiritual” counselors that are thus able to restore those who are caught in the grip of sin (Galatians 6:1).
You can search for a counselor in the directory of the ACBC.
Counseling Organizations That Can Help With Porn Addiction
There are many fine Christian organizations devoted to helping individuals overcome pornography addiction. If you contact these ministries, they won’t judge you or shame you. Your unique temptations and struggles won’t surprise them. They are a part of God’s provision for you.
- Focus on the Family—Focus on the Family provides a free, one-time phone consultation with help from licensed Christian counselors and pastoral counselors. Call 1.855.771.HELP (4357) on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (MST).
- PureLifeMinistries.org—PureLifeMinistries offers counseling, live-in programs, and online programs.
- BeBroken.com—BeBroken provides counseling, workshops for men & wives, and a huge collection of educational resources.
- SexAddict.com—This website is run by sexual addiction expert Dr. Doug Weiss and offers many resources for individuals, couples, spouses, and groups.
- SettingCaptivesFree.com—Setting Captives Free offers online studies and mentoring for a variety of addictions and besetting sins.
- PureDesire.org—PureDesire offers counseling as well as great materials for support groups.
Other Porn Addiction Support Groups
Here are some other organizations that can provide support groups:
- SamsonSociety.com—Samson Society offers recovery groups for men. You can find an online meeting or an in-person group, depending on your area.
- SheRecovery.com—In addition to counseling resources, SheRecovery offers online recovery groups for women.
- CelebrateRecovery.com—You can use this location finder tool to find a Celebrate Recovery group in your area.
We also have an article that compares 12-step groups for recovery and their differences.
Other Counseling Materials for Porn Addiction Recovery
Are you a counselor, pastor, or just someone who wants to learn more about porn addiction? Here are some lists we’ve created of the best resources available:
- Covenant Eyes Resources Page
- The Best Books on Porn Addiction Recovery
- 9 Podcasts Sure to Help Your Recovery From Porn
- 11 Powerful Sermons on Porn
Are there other counseling resources for porn addiction that you have found helpful? Let us know in the comments!
First of all, thank you for serving the hurting people of the world with your blog and covenant eyes service.
I have been addicted to pornography/masturbation since August of 2008 when I was 10 years old. I have always known it was wrong and the effects that it can have on the health of my body and mind. I hate it with a passion, but I do it anyway. When my parents who are pastors found out, I was shamed further by them. Since then, I have established an accountability partner in my grandfather, who has also been struggling with porn.
However, I am now 19 years old and at college, so I can’t actually see him face to face. Besides, he told me that porn can never been beaten and that it’s a constant battle and to take it one day at a time. While that’s all good and well, I feel like I should find an accountability partner who has actually overcome the cancer that is pornography. This is easier said than done at a campus with only other young Christians who shame this behavior. I am also fairly busy and do not have a car, which makes finding a certified sex addiction therapist near me in this town.
I am mature and already educated on why pornography and masterbation are both sins and how they effect an individual, but I DO need help to actually get rid of this thing. I’ve gone on streaks of up to three weeks before, but that’s as high as I’ve gotten within the 430 weeks that I’ve battled and constantly lost against this thing. I even have covenant eyes as my browser on my device(s), but there’s always another way to bypass it if I try hard enough. As a result of this addiction, I have become apathetic, fearful of dating, and after thousands of prayers, I have become doubtful that God can/will save me from this one. I despise showing weakness, but I’ve reached out on campus and been told there is no such counselor or accountability group on campus. I need help. I’ve admitted that for awhile now, but denial isn’t the problem–stopping the addiction is. Sorry for the long message. Thank you for your time.
Hi, Jacob – I can sense that you truly do want to overcome. It’s not easy, brother! I’m years removed from a porn habit, and I find that I’m still only one click away from trouble. I was having a talk with my wife about it Saturday night, and I told her that it constantly feels like a “near and present danger” lurking around every click. So, I commend you for wanting to “beat the cancer.” I wonder if victory looks slightly different than what you have in your mind right now. Your grandfather might be right – one day at a time. Can you find victory today? I bet you can. That’s all you need to focus on. Have you tried our 40 Day App? Something that can be a form of digital accountability: https://www.covenanteyes.com/challenge/
The apathy and fear are not from God. I bet you know this. Press on in freedom! If your mind believes freedom is possible, then your behaviors will follow. You cannot simultaneously be fearful and victorious. So, yes, date, and be very open and honest with whoever you are dating that this is a “near and present temptation” for you that you are actively fighting. One day at a time. It’s not that God can’t save you from this one. Do you believe God can save you from this one? Don’t answer me too quickly – do you truly believe He can? Or, do you tend to buy more into the fear and doubt? I’m being direct, so forgive me, but I’ve totally been there. I would consider myself as someone who is walking in the light, and YET, I found myself tempted on Thursday night to click in wrong places. The enemy’s tactics are wicked and brutally effective if we take even a moment to bask in our own strength and forget that only Christ is stronger. The combination of Christ + Community + a strong desire to never stop believing in the power of God to redeem and restore. That’s the truth. Here’s more truth – porn wants to rip our your heart and crush you. Steal. Kill, Destroy. But, that is not your destiny. No, sir! Here’s something to read: https://www.covenanteyes.com/2016/07/01/stop-looking-at-porn-you-sicko-part-2/
God is for you, Jacob! I am, too. Please let me know how you are doing as you step forward – one day at a time.
Chris
please help me….have been addicted to porn for 3 years now. I do not only watch it I also masturbate at it. ever since this act started have been experiencing lots of drawbacks in my life and academics. my brain no longer concentrate each time I try studying for any exam I find it difficult to comprehend what a reading. I was once an avid reader but ever since porn came into my life all my potentials died down. lots of time it makes me feel as if my brain cells are damaged I can’t feel a thing any longer not even a sense of compunction. I don’t want to committed suicide because I believe somehow this issue can be fix am already tired of life. please help me save a life please.
Hello, Wisdom – I’m so sorry that you’re struggling with this issue. Your life is precious, precious, precious. Absolutely unique. Are you still having suicidal thoughts? If so, please reach out to a friend to talk (please speak openly and honestly about your struggle – the talking helps) and/or call the suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255. You said, “I believe somehow this issue can be fixed,” and you are absolutely right. It’s hard work, but completely worth it – your life is worth it!
Peace, Chris
Please understand that I am NOT a troll; this is a serious question. I am a middle-aged man, nearly 50 years old. First exposed to porn by an older family friend while my brother and I stayed at his parents’ house while my mother was in the hospital for surgery. He let me ride with him on his motorcycle to an old abandoned house where he exposed himself to me and began to masturbate in front of me, and encouraged me to do the same. He did not touch or force me, but as a 9-10 y.o. I was afraid and ashamed. I have since come to suspect that his younger sister was his victim as well.
Fast forward 20 years: married to a woman who is a sexual “gatekeeper” and I, having no other outlet, go back to a porn habit that was largely dormant until then.
I don’t blame my relapses on the events of that week (magazines, exposing himself), but when you consider the astonishing number of “sexless marriages” (and I’m going to be generous and say for the sake of an example that it is 50/50 as to wives/husbands who deny their spouse), together with the exponential rise in porn addiction, can I REALLY be the only one who can see the connection?
Yes, porn is wrong, and the best practice is to not look at all,but if it keeps you from reaching for the phone, Facebook etc to kindle a real affair, how bad is it? That’s not a hypothetical question: I’d love nothing better than to look at my wife naked, her body and her sexuality for me alone (and vice verse) but if a spouse doesn’t want to share themselves, what do you do? Serious replies only PLEASE-I’m to my breaking point in more ways than one and have no time to waste on foolish answers.
Hi Alan,
Well, first of all, I want to ask if you have had therapy for the sexual abuse you experienced as a child? That would be the most important thing for you to take care of, in my professional opinion. Regardless of what your wife chooses, YOU choose to be healthy and whole. Find a therapist who specializes in treating male victims of child sexual abuse.
Secondly, “the astonishing number of sexless marriages” appears to be an overexaggerated statement. From what I can find, “sexless marriage” means having sex less than 10 times per year, and it’s possibly 10-15% of marriages. Also, the person who doesn’t want to have sex is equally likely to be the male partner or the female partner. This sounds like a rationalization to me.
Please find a therapist who can help you process through the trauma of your childhood. Your therapist can also help you sort out what’s going on in your life at present, so you can take responsibility for your choices without rationalizing or blaming others.
Peace to you, Kay
Please help me. My fiance, the father of our child due in September, has a porn addiction. Ive told him multiple times how it hurts me, and he always turns to it again soon after. Almost as if he doesn’t care. And it is becoming increasingly hard that yes, he does love me and that it is an addiction and the devil’s work. I cannot come and sit peacefully in my own home because I have such an overwhelming need to check his browser history. If I don’t find anything, I am so distrusting at this point that I convince myself he has just cleared his history. If I do find something, and confront him about it, he lies and says he didn’t do it. That he doesn’t know how it got there. I’ve tried putting a block on our internet’s router, but he will just unplug the ethernet cable from the router and plug it straight into the modem. Therefore bypassing the website block. I know I cannot force him to change, that he needs to do it himself, but I am falling apart here.
Hi Kaylee. I am so, so sorry. I think you’re seeing what it looks like when someone you love is really in the thick of addiction. And, you’re experiencing the very normal reaction to that; many, many women will meet the clinical criteria for PTSD in situations like this.
So, I would suggest the following: find a counselor in your area, preferably someone who’s had experience helping women through trauma. Read some profiles on that therapist directory I just linked to, make some calls, ask some questions and find someone who helps you feel comfortable. Here’s a little short on finding your best-fit counselor, so you’ll feel informed as you decide.
Your counselor can help you process the emotions you’re feeling so that you can think about what healthy boundaries will look like for you. Here and here are two articles about boundaries. And you might be interested in Luke Gilkerson’s article about porn and divorce. I know you’re not married yet, but clearly you’re in a deeply committed relationship, so I think it’s helpful to consider the circumstances that contribute to the end of a relationship like this.
You might also appreciate the online resource, Bloom, which takes a trauma approach to healing for women, and an attachment approach to relationship healing. I think both of those are outstanding aproaches.
I hope your fiance chooses to take responsibility for himself. But whatever he chooses, you choose good health for you, and for your new baby. Peace to you, Kay
I’m addicted to porn. I’m 20 years old I’ve been addicted since I was 11, I don’t know what to do anymore I don’t want to talk to anyone about it because I’m scared of being looked at differently. What do I do? I need help I feel so disgusted everyday with myself.
Hi Danielle. A counselor could be a great help as you process emotions and build healthy behaviors for yourself. Shame tells us that we’ll be looked down on, but every good counselor knows that every person is simply a person, none better than any other. God sees us all and loves us all, even when we can’t love ourselves or imagine that others could love us. The very best kind of counseling relationship will allow you to experience that kind of acceptance with another human being, and that is the most healing human experience I know of. Shame never, ever heals us; it only sends us into isolation, which makes us feel worse, which makes porn addiction even more necessary. I would encourage you to break that shame cycle with a safe person, and a counselor is a great place to start. You might appreciate some of the resources listed here, as well. Peace, Kay
I am woman who has returned to watching porn after a 7 year hiatus. I need help .
Hey Ann. Getting into counseling should help you unravel what’s going on for you. You might also appreciate connecting with other women who are working on the same issue. Here’s a link to a number of resources you might find helpful. Peace to you, Kay
I’m addicted to porn for two or three years. It feels impossible.. Addicted to masturbation as well since 2012.
Please advise..
Hi Albert, you’ve taken the first step in reaching out for help. Addictions to pornography and masturbation can be overcome with hard work, but I trust you can do this. Here are a few steps:
1. It might be helpful to read about what the addiction is actually doing to your mind. I know this helped me significantly as I was breaking free. Covenant Eyes has an e-book called The Porn Circuit that really explains it very well, along with steps to break free.
2. We believe in the power of face-to-face accountability. I can attest to the power of looking someone in the eye and being honest about where you’re at. It’s the same premise as AA, but with more focus on having a solid trusting relationship with the person you pick for accountability. Here’s a resource that might help you find that right person.
3. Finally, guarding the doorways is essential to breaking free. What I mean is to guard the internet in a way that you can’t poke around in dark places that get you into trouble. This is exactly what Covenant Eyes does – whether you have a computer or smartphone, it monitors your internet activity, shows it to an accountability partner, and creates conversations that heal. I use it! I have for a few years. You can read about the service here.
Let’s start there. There are a few things I would share if you are a Christian, but I don’t know, so please let me know. What, I’ve given you are some big steps, but freedom from these addictions is possible! Let me know what else I can do to help.
Peace, Chris
I’m so confused. I recently discovered my husband’s porn use (again). This has happened every 6 months- 1 yr, for the last 12 years. He tells me now it’s actually been going on for 20 of our 23 years of marriage. We’ve started attending recovery/support groups through a local gospel centered ministry. We were planning to start counseling with nouthetic counselors through another local ministry but so much that I’ve read and heard is pushing certified sex addiction therapists. I’ve always believed that the scriptures were sufficient for counseling, no matter what the crisis might be. Now, I’m afraid that by not seeking out a c-sat, my husband may not get the help he needs. But this line of thinking bothers me as well. The more I read, the more confused and anxious I feel. Do you know of people who’ve had successful counseling for porn addiction from nouthetic counselors?
Hey Lis, well, I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. And for someone who’s been using porn for 20 years, I’d prefer a certified sex addiction therapist. There is so much involved with a 20-year addiction that I’d go with someone who specializes in that.
As far as the scriptures being sufficient for counseling–I think the principles are real and true, but God also gifts us with more than just the words of scripture. There’s research and experience and scientific inquiry, which all offer help in dealing with something like a porn addiction. I think that’s what you’re discovering as you do your own research into all this.
Life is like this. Our ideas work to a certain point, and then we find ourselves in situations that challenge our ideas. That is scary! But God is there, he loves you, and he provides help in so many ways. Often, in ways we didn’t think of before. Maybe even a c-sat counselor, if that seems like a good fit for your situation.
Blessings, Kay
need help please write back to break porn addiction
How can we help?
Just found out my 12yr old daughter has been watching porn on a regular basis. My next step is to find a couselor/therspist.
Please advise
I highly recommend you look up a counselor in your area from the AACC or the ACBC.
My name is Katrina and I am 17 and pen has been taking over my life for 3 years
Nothing has worked Ipve gone to every counselling group I could find. Please help
Hi Katrina, I’m sorry to hear this, but total recovery is possible with a lot of hard work. There’s a huge difference between a counseling group and an accountability partner who will speak to the heart and not just the behavior. Read this blog and tell me what you think: https://www.covenanteyes.com/2012/04/23/how-to-quit-porn-6-essential-steps/
Peace, Chris
Covenant Eyes
Porn has taken control of me
I had a dream last night that was so horrible it woke me up . I have a porn addicion since I was 15 years old I am so sick and ashamed of my addicion that I cant handell it any more I am 57 years OLD . THE DREAM I HAD SEEM SO REAL AND VERY SCARY IT WAS SO REAL AND LIFE LIKE . I REALY THINK GOD WAS TRYING TO GET MY ATTION . I NEED TO TAIK TO SOME ONE THAT WOULD UNDER STAND ME AND MAY BE MY DREAM I HAD . I HATE PORN ITS NOT GODS PLAN FOR ME . THERES TIMES I WANT TO TELL THE HOLE WORLD ABOUT JESUS SHARE MY HEART AND I HAV E HUGE HART FOR THE STARVEING AND HUNGRY SICK AND DIEING AND THOSE THAT ARE LOST . BUT I HAVE THIS THORE IN MY SIDE CALLED PORN . IN SIDE I AM SCREAMING WHATS IS WRONG WHITH ME WHY CANT I KICK THIS ADDICTION PLEASE GET BACK WITH ME .
Hi.
I am a 23 year old lady.I am still a virgin and I would like to remain a virgin until I get married . I started watching porn at 13 when I accidentally saw my older cousin watching it and I become curious and thought it was harmless but I tried to stop when I realized the harm but its difficult. Just when I think I have finally overcome it,may be a year without watching it,suddenly I find myself watching porn again and frustrates me a lot. What should I do,help me please.I want to set myself free.
Hello, Tarcy – I’m so glad that you’ve decided to stop and now is the hard work of actually doing things to help you stop. Your last sentence – “I want to set myself free.” I do not know if it’s possible to be completely set free on your own power. The power of Christ and the power of open conversation with a trusted friend are a powerful tool to defeat the issue. I see that you’ve posted this comment on the post, “Find a Christian Counselor for Porn Addiction.” Is this something you might be able to do?
Chris
Please help. My husband quit porn an year ago. He didnt even feel any wanting to watch it for an year. Today he told me, that at the start of this month he felt the wanting to watch again. This month we have been apart quite often due to career demands and our sex life has been on and off. please tell me how to help him. He and i have been apart before but he never felt like this. Why would he feel like relapsing an year later? Please advise me on how to help him
Hi, Jane – this may sound direct, but I do not believe it is up to you to help him. What is he going to do to stay committed? To avoid the sin that feels so near? Will he pray against it? Invite “iron-sharpens-iron” friendship into his life – other men who can help steer him clear? I’m sorry, but wives generally make for lousy accountability partners. It’s just not fair to put wives in that spot. This is on him to take the right steps and step up.
Peace,
Chris
Is there a face to face Christian counselor in the Dallas Texas area where myself and my grieving wife can get help from my porn addiction and looking at other women in her presence?
You’ve got two separate issues here: your porn addiction, and your wife’s trauma. Therefore, you need two separate therapists.
Check the CSAT therapist directory for a counselor for yourself.
Your wife can find a trauma-experienced therapist at the American Association of Christian Counselors, or through the directory at Psychology Today. She would also benefit from a trauma-informed group, and she might want to check into the resources online at Bloom for Women.
No doubt your marriage needs work as well, but that will only be possible when you’ve taken responsibility for your actions in therapy, and she’s had a chance to heal as well. I know a lot of people want to jump right into marriage counseling, but if you skip the treatment of the individuals within the relationship, you’ll be doing band-aid work instead of the deep healing that’s required.
Peace to you,
Kay
My 18 yr old son just recently revealed to me he watches porn online and fantasizes abiut me. Help. I’m devestated.
Find a CSAT counselor for your son. Find a counselor for yourself who can help you process your emotions and build healthy boundaries. Be grateful that he told you, so that you can both get the help you need. Peace to you, Kay
porn addiction help pls
Hi Maya – I’m sorry that you’re struggling. What have you tried? When you look at the 6 items listed in this blog post, which have you tried? Have you gotten rid of your phone? Do you have accountability in your life? Have you made a clear and effective decision about this sin? You will not be able to break free unless you’re willing to do whatever it takes to break free. Counseling, dumb phone, whatever it takes! Are you willing to do that?
God is for you! You can do this! But, you have to be willing to “pluck out your eye” before God can really help you. It’s your choice.
Chris
My husband has a problem with porn. He wants me to look for a counselor in the Macon, GA area. This is ruining our marriage. Please help.
Hello, I wish you the best. Finding a counselor isn’t easy – talk to multiple local churches to get a list of possible counselors.
Chris