Hope & Healing Institute

Depending on the presenting problem and needs of the client, a variety of treatment methods are available at the Hope and Healing Institute. Whether individual, couples, or group treatment, the clinicians at the Institute are committed to confidentiality, privacy, respect, and dignity.

Because many of our clients live hundreds of miles from our Grand Rapids’ location, clinical services are available on the telephone or online via webcam. Many of the psychological assessment instruments can also be completed online.

CYBERSEX ADDICTION

At the Hope and Healing Institute we recognize that Internet pornography and cybersex is the number one threat to the stability and integrity of individuals and the family. Current research indicates that of the 83 million Americans who currently have Internet access, 20% deliberately use their computers to access pornography or to engage in some form of online sexual activity. In a recent poll, 1 in 10 respondents state that they are addicted to cybersex and 1 in 4 acknowledge that on at least one occasion their online sexual activities have felt out of control. Many people who use the Internet to access pornography or engage in cybersex (interactive sexual dialogue with others) do so out of curiosity. With the assumption of anonymity they venture into cyberspace to discover for themselves what is available. While some are able to “take it or leave it”, others become consumed by what they discovered. What may have begun as curiosity can quickly transform into a cybersexual addiction. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

SEX ADDICTION

Sex addiction is a behavioral illness with a clear set of symptoms and is treatable. As with other addictions there is a definite four-step addiction cycle: preoccupation; ritualization; compulsive sexual behaviors; and then despair. The addictive system is maintained by a false belief system that includes, shame, secrecy and impaired thinking, which keep the behaviors unmanageable. Sex addicts, in the later stages, have lost control over their ability to choose and find themselves powerless over their behaviors. The obsessions transform sex into a primary unhealthy need for which all else may be sacrificed, including family, friends, values, health, safety and employment. As the addiction progresses the sex addict despairs, feeling helplessly trapped in cycles of degradation, shame and dangerous behaviors.

A number of common preconditions have been identified which contribute to vulnerability to sex addiction including: a high probability of having been sexually abused as a child; a high probability of having been raised in a dysfunctional family in which self-esteem has been damaged (resulting in severe problems with intimacy); and a history of emotional, spiritual and physical abuse (which intensify a sense of unworthiness and fear of abandonment). With the availability of pornography on the internet, we are finding an increase in sex addiction. This venue makes pornography and fantasy much more accessible and anonymous than ever before. The Internet feeds the addictive cycle rapidly with it’s convenience, availability, anonymity, isolation and escalation of degrading images and fantasies.

Contact us at info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com to see how we can assist in the recovery process.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Evaluations and Treatment

Substance abuse is common for people struggling with sexual issues. It is known, for example, that substances can interfere with sexual arousal and can be a factor with orgasmic disorders. Research indicates that persons with a history of trauma, depression, or anxiety may turn to substances as a means of self-medicating. Many persons who struggle with sexual addictions also battle a chemical dependency and, if not recognized and treated, may be a powerful trigger for relapse. Due to the high rate of comorbidity, the clinicians at the Institute are specifically trained and equipped to screen, evaluate, and treat issues related to substance abuse. In cases where the severity of substance abuse warrants intensive outpatient or inpatient treament, the Hope and Healing clinicians will assist the client in finding appropriate treatment facilities.

CRISIS ASSESSMENT

The clinical staff of the Hope and Healing Institute provides an objective, intensive clinical assessment of people in crises related to their sexual behavior. Typically, the presenting problem includes behaviors such as: pornography; cybersex; compulsive masturbation; professional boundary violations; habitual use of strip clubs, adult bookstores, or massage parlors; prostitution; and anonymous sexual encounters.

A key component of the Crisis Assessment is a comprehensive psychological evaluation which includes a complete social/sexual history and numerous psychological inventories. In addition, an extensive clinical interview is conducted by experts proficient in the differential diagnosis of sexual addictions, compulsions, and other problematic sexual behaviors. The assessment culminates in an extensive report which delineates the psychosexual difficulties and problem areas of the client. Included in the report are clear recommendations for treatment. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

CLERGY IN CRISIS

Recent empirical research conducted by the Hope and Healing Institute found that 33% of pastors have deliberately used the Internet to view pornography. Clergy are particularly at risk for a number of reasons including the apparent anonymity of the Internet and absence of an accountability system. The most prominent risk factor, however, is the fear of consequences if their struggles are disclosed. Because of a blend of shame and worry that their ministry will be jeopardized, many continued to struggle in isolation.

For clergy whose online sexual behavior has been exposed, creating chaos within their congregation or ministry, it is of paramount importance to seek guidance from experts. The staff at the Hope and Healing Institute provide an objective, intensive clinical assessment of clergy in crisis. The purpose of this Crisis Intervention is to assist judicatory leaders make responsible, effective decisions in the midst of difficult and complex situations.

Our clinicians also work collaboratively with the Leader Renewal Institute, a ministry that serves Christian leaders who are experiencing an emotional, spiritual, interpersonal, or organizational conflict. LRI offers a brief residential program where participants have the opportunity to examine their vocational role as well as their relationship with God, others, and themselves in a confidential atmosphere of acceptance. This program is facilitated by licensed professional counselors. For more information, go to: www.leaderrenewal.org or contact us directly at: info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

VICTIMS OF ABUSE

Statistics in regard to sexual abuse suggest that in the United States between 150,000 to 300,000 children are identified as abuse victims each year. Most offenders are men; females are at higher risk for abuse than males by a ratio of four to one; the modal age of first abuse is approximately seven; the mean duration of abuse is more than two years; and the frequency of reported abuse has increased 300% within an eight year period.

While the effects of sexual abuse among children are often devastating, they are not uniform. A surprising number of children cope, survive, and even function in spite of their unfortunate histories. A recent comprehensive review of 45 empirical studies on the impact of sexual abuse on children reported that about 20% to 50% of the children studied were asymptomatic at the initial assessment. A majority (70%) of these children will remain symptom free, but perhaps as many as 30% will develop problems over time.

The types of problems which often develop among sexually abused children are varied. They include: Anxiety, Fear, Nightmares, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Depression; Suicide; Poor Self Esteem; Aggression; Delinquency; Inappropriate Sexual Behavior; Promiscuity; School/Learning Problems; Hyperactivity; Regression/Immaturity; Running Away; Substance Abuse; and Self-Injurious Behavior. Our professional staff are particularly sensitive to the needs of child, adolescent and adult survivors of abuse and trauma. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

CHILDREN

Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse Victims

The Hope and Healing Institute offers an array of psychological services intended to help the victim and his or her family cope with the immediate impact of discovery of abuse and to prevent the development of short and long-term psychological problems. The development of these services is guided by two prevailing assumptions: 1) that abuse almost always results in conditions that can and should be treated; and 2) that the amount and timing of treatment correlates with the likelihood of success. Treatment programs are designed to reduce acute responses to the abuse and to prevent the onset of negative short- and long-term effects that may disrupt the child’s social, emotional, and personality development.

Sibling Sexual Abuse

The Hope and Healing Institute recognizes the sad reality of sibling sexual abuse even among families in the faith community. Victims can be both boys and girls, and their abusers both male or female. Numerous studies have indicated that survivors whose perpetrators are close family members generally report that they have suffered from one or more of the following: guilt, shame, substance abuse, revictimization, diminished self-esteem, depression, difficulty maintaining relationships, and/or dissociative disorders. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

ADULT SURVIVORS

The Institute provides a safe and supportive environment for adult survivors of child abuse. Each survivor is recognized as a unique individual and all are treated with respect, sensitivity and compassion. Depression and anxiety are common issues that many survivors struggle to overcome and effective treatment helps encourage emotional growth and healing.

Rape and Sexual Assault

The primary mental health problem effecting victims of rape and sexual assault is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an extremely debilitating mental health disorder occurring after a highly disturbing traumatic event. Almost one-third (31%) of all rape victims develop PTSD sometime in their lifetime.

Major Depression is another mental health problem affecting victims of rape and sexual assault. The National Women’s Study found that 30 percent of rape victims had experienced at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime. For some, this depression can be life threatening, with rape victims being 4.1 times more likely that noncrime victims to contemplate suicide.

Rape victims also have higher rates of drug and alcohol related problems. Compared to women who had never been crime victims, rape victims with rape-related PTSD are 26 times more likely to have two or more major serious drug abuse problems. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

The following are the most common forms of sexual dysfunction which are all treatable with a high probability of success. The Institute recognizes the sensitive nature of these difficulties and both male and female clinicians are available for consultation.

For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS

In most relationships, both partners usually have different sexual needs, and what can seem excessive for one partner is often not enough for the other. The result, for some couples, is tension in the bedroom. The tension may not the result of differing levels of sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse, or a discrepancy in two people’s sexual styles and interests. The tension may be a result of an inability to address the issues, which include:

Our clinicians help couples to restore pleasure to their sex lives by helping them improve their communication, by educating them about each other’s sexual response, and by guiding them through the sexual retraining process. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

SEX OFFENDERS

The psychologists at the Hope and Healing Institute are often called upon to conduct assessments related to sex offending. The request for such evaluations come from a variety of sources such as:

The Institute conducts phycological evaluations and risk assessments for both adult and adolescent offenders.

Treatment for Sex Offenders

The treatment programs at the Hope and Healing Institute are staffed by persons trained to provide sex-offense specific interventions. All offenders are given a thorough assessment to develop an individualized program of care designed to meet their specific needs. The clinicians at the Hope and Healing Institute use a combination of individual, group, and family therapy, depending on the needs of the individual and the circumstances of the offense. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

INTENSIVES

Many clients at the Institute choose to participate in our three-day intensive outpatient program. Knowing that there are limitations to work-schedule, travel, and family requirements, this program is designed to provide individuals and couples an opportunity to benefit from psychological assessment and brief, structured clinical therapy. Participants travel to our location in West Michigan and reside in hotels within walking distance of the Institute. On occasion, members of our clinical staff will travel to the client’s location. For more information, please contact us, info@hopeandhealinginstitute.com

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