Treating Problematic Sexual Behavior with Internal Family Systems

In this chapter, we will cover how the compassion-based modality of internal family systems (IFS) is informed by the non-pathological lens of the polyvagal theory to treat out of control sexual behavior (OCSB). Based on empirical research and neuroscience, we will discuss how an individual’s physiology transforms in response to stress, trauma, and the environment, often resulting in behaviors such as OCSB. We will further discuss the treatment approach with a case study of a 34-year-old American male who self-identifies as heterosexual and engages in numerous sexual encounters without his partner’s knowledge or consent, which sometimes include same-sex encounters.