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From Craving to Connection: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Pornography Addiction & Recovery

Previously Recorded
Yechiel S Aharonof, LCSW, CASAC-T
$39.99 Cost For Member: $29.99

This presentation explores the intersection of trauma and pornography addiction, highlighting how unresolved emotional wounds contribute to compulsive sexual behaviors. Participants will examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, the role of shame and isolation in reinforcing compulsive cycles, and the impact of pornography use on emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Using a trauma-informed and attachment-focused lens, the presentation will introduce evidence-based treatment strategies—including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and mindfulness—to support clients in shifting from escapism to authentic connection. Practical tools for working with individuals, couples, and families will be provided, with attention to cultural and religious considerations in treatment planning.

About the Presenter

Yechiel Aharonof, LCSW, CASAC-T, is a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor with over a decade of experience helping teens, adults, and families navigate the challenges of pornography, sex addiction, and trauma. He specializes in trauma-informed addiction treatment and works from an integrative lens, drawing on evidence-based modalities such as TF-CBT, DBT, IFS, and Motivational Interviewing. Yechiel maintains a private practice in New Jersey and presents regularly to schools, agencies, and community organizations, focusing on relational healing, emotional regulation, and long-term recovery.  

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify key neurobiological, emotional, and trauma-related factors that contribute to compulsive pornography use in clinical populations.
  2. Demonstrate how to implement CBT, DBT, EMDR, and attachment-focused interventions in the treatment of clients struggling with pornography addiction.
  3. Apply therapeutic techniques to reduce shame, enhance emotional connection, and promote relational healing within the recovery process.

Agenda:

I. Understanding Pornography Addiction (30 min)

  • Defining Addiction vs. Compulsive Behavior – What distinguishes problematic use from addiction?
  • The Cycle of Addiction – How cravings, triggers, and shame create a self-perpetuating loop.
  • Neurobiology of Pornography Addiction:
    • Dopamine and the reward system.
    • Desensitization and tolerance – why clients escalate behaviors.
    • The role of novelty and fantasy in addiction development.
  • The Impact on Emotional Regulation:
    • Using pornography as an emotional coping mechanism.
    • Connection between anxiety, stress, and compulsive use.

II. Trauma & Its Role in Compulsive Behaviors (30 min)

  • Unresolved Trauma & Emotional Avoidance:
    • Early childhood wounds and attachment trauma.
    • How trauma rewires the brain for addiction.
  • Shame, Isolation & Addiction:
    • Why secrecy maintains compulsive behaviors.
    • The self-perpetuating cycle of guilt, relapse, and avoidance.
  • Attachment & Relationship Wounds:
    • Impact of pornography on intimacy and relational connection.
    • How unmet emotional needs drive compulsive behaviors.

III. Assessment & Intervention Strategies (40 min)

  • Comprehensive Clinical Assessment:
    • Screening for trauma and attachment wounds.
    • Identifying core emotional needs behind the addiction.
  • Therapeutic Modalities & Treatment Planning:
    • CBT & DBT: Restructuring thoughts and emotional regulation.
    • EMDR & Somatic Work: Healing trauma stored in the body.
    • Attachment-Based Therapy: Addressing intimacy deficits.
    • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion: Developing distress tolerance.
  • Religious & Cultural Considerations in Treatment:
    • Navigating guilt and religious conflict in recovery.
    • Addressing community expectations while fostering healing.

IV. Moving from Craving to Connection (30 min)

  • Breaking the Shame Cycle:
    • Developing self-compassion and self-acceptance.
    • The role of accountability and support systems.
  • Rebuilding Healthy Relationships:
    • Tools for restoring emotional and relational intimacy.
    • How spouses and partners can support healing.
  • Developing Sustainable Coping Mechanisms:
    • Practical exercises for emotional regulation and stress management.
    • Helping clients identify meaningful replacements for addiction-driven behaviors.

V. Q&A & Case Consultation (20 min)

  • Open discussion on real-life clinical challenges.
  • Troubleshooting common obstacles in treatment.
  • Practical strategies for immediate application.
This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.