Conclusion

This chapter concludes the handbook with final thoughts from the editor. This handbook is a global collective work in advancing the specialist field of sexual compulsivity, with international contributors. Over the last 20 years, the body of knowledge on sexual compulsivity has grown exponentially, with some controversy, some disagreements, and plenty of well-informed (and some less informed) arguments. It is crucial that arguments happen and keep happening because it is with respectful arguments that the field can continue to grow. There is nothing more dangerous than certainty and arrogance in the field of psychotherapy, psychology and sexology. When treating compulsive sexual behaviours, the clinician’s unchecked biases and blind spots and the unwillingness to explore those, can cause harm to clients. The opposite of certainty and arrogance is curiosity and humility. Curiosity means that we, clinicians, are perpetual explorers with an open attitude to changing our thinking with new discoveries. We will never know everything about the great depth of the human psyche and the vast world of eroticism; the mysteries keep us humble. This handbook offers a major update of the knowledge of sexual compulsivity, bridging many gaps in the literature, and integrating diverse populations throughout, and it also provides multiple treatment approaches, so that we can keep learning from each other. This handbook captures the essence of curiosity and humility while following the great tradition of sexology in its sex-positive philosophy, innovative thinking, and respect for social justice.