I know my teen frequently views porn, but is this really a mental health issue requiring treatment?

I know my teen frequently views porn, but is this really a mental health issue requiring treatment?

In most cases, the answer is yes. This is a question that parents of today’s teens ask themselves upon discovering their child has developed a habit of viewing internet pornography. Increasing numbers of teens are regularly viewing porn because of easy access and the...
When is out of home treatment needed for teens who sexually offend?

When is out of home treatment needed for teens who sexually offend?

When sexual abuse involving a minor occurs, the decision must be made regarding whether a teen sexual offender can remain in the home or if out of home placement is needed. This decision usually involves the parents of the teen as well as the authorities involved with...
What are the factors considered when assessing risk for teen sex re-offending?

What are the factors considered when assessing risk for teen sex re-offending?

One of the primary focuses of the Star Guides Wilderness program is conducting an accurate, comprehensive and thorough psycho-sexual evaluation. This evaluation includes assessing the risk for future re-offenses which is often a piece of information that parents,...
Internet Pornography: The new sex ed for teens?

Internet Pornography: The new sex ed for teens?

Is internet pornography providing many of today’s teens with their first lessons in sex education?  Earlier generations, if exposed to porn at all, encountered it through stumbling across magazines or video tapes.  Traditionally, parents had the “Birds and...
Neuroscience, porn and the developing teen brain

Neuroscience, porn and the developing teen brain

Recent research in neuroscience is shedding light on the damaging impact that the use of pornography has on the developing adolescent brain. Because of the ease of access to internet porn, increasing numbers of children and teens are experiencing the negative effects...
Voyeurism: A sexual behavior disorder that begins during adolescence

Voyeurism: A sexual behavior disorder that begins during adolescence

Voyeurism, one of several paraphilia disorders listed in the DSM, is the sexual interest in or practice of spying on people engaged in intimate behaviors, such as undressing, sexual activity, or other actions usually considered to be of a private nature. The principal...
Teen compulsive sexual behavior, mental health and drug abuse

Teen compulsive sexual behavior, mental health and drug abuse

In many cases, teens struggling with compulsive sexual behavior also struggle with mental health issues including anxiety, depression as well as drug and alcohol abuse. This can make it difficult for parents to know which issue to focus on when it comes to seeking...
The Impact on Family of Sex Addiction

The Impact on Family of Sex Addiction

We define addictions as those forms of obsession that are most obviously destructive, like alcohol, drugs and gambling, but any habit can become an addiction when the behavior becomes more important than a person’s loved ones, work, and even life itself. Sex addiction...