Guest Info

Dr Paula Hall is a distinguished Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapist with a commendable 30-year career. Recognised by the UKCP, she has dedicated the past two decades to supporting individuals grappling with sex and porn addiction. Driven by an unwavering passion, she strives not only to address the escalating issue on a national and international scale but also to advocate for enhanced education and social responsibility to shield others from the pitfalls of sexual addiction.

Dr. Hall embarked on her therapeutic journey as a volunteer at a local drug addiction agency three decades ago. Her commitment led her to formal training with Relate, where she earned qualifications as a couple’s counsellor, psychosexual therapist, young people’s counsellor, and family counsellor. However, her trajectory took a turn in 2002 when she noticed a surge in clients grappling with compulsive sexual behaviours. Seeking specialised training, she delved into the Patrick Carnes CSAT program. Yet, feeling it didn’t align with the UK market or her experience, she forged her path, developing internationally recognised models outlined in her groundbreaking book, “Understanding & Treating Sex Addiction,” and the creation of the Accredited Diploma in Sex Addiction Counselling.

Dr. Paula Hall’s most recent initiative, Pivotal Recovery, is a not-for-profit community interest company that strives to make self-help for sex addiction accessible to everyone. The program, consisting of 60 insightful podcasts guiding individuals through the CHOICE Recovery Model and an interactive workbook, aims to provide affordable and anonymous assistance to those unable to afford traditional therapy. Having just concluded a successful pilot study, the results are eagerly awaited, marking another milestone in Dr. Paula Hall’s relentless pursuit of compassionate, committed, and courageous solutions to combat sexual and porn addiction.

About the Show

In a world where social media champions the mantra “less is more,” the question looms: How much is too much? Join host Shireen Ashton in the latest episode of “Sexuality and Identity,” where she delves into sex and porn addiction with the esteemed Dr Paula Hall, a certified sexual and relationship psychotherapist.

Dr Hall unravels the intricate web of porn addiction in the digital age, asserting that addiction is a gradual process. The pervasive influence of phones, technology, and social media has propelled a surge in porn addiction rates. The internet, acting as a catalyst, offers easy access to explicit content, triggering dopamine spikes that culminate in addiction. Dr Hall further underlines the crucial role of consent, sex education, and awareness in navigating this digital era dominated by artificial intelligence.

As the discussion draws to a close, Dr Hall confronts the prevailing shame and taboo surrounding sex and porn addiction, particularly impacting women. In the face of this stifling stigma, she advocates for open dialogue and professional intervention as powerful tools to support individuals grappling with these challenges. She guides us through the remarkable endeavours of her non-profit community interest initiative, dedicated to making self-help accessible to all.

If you or someone you know is seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of sex and porn addiction, don’t miss out on the insights shared by Dr Paula Hall. Join the conversation, break the silence, and discover a path towards healing. It’s time to prioritise your well-being.

Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran

Introduction music: (Sound Title) – by Steven F Allen
https://freesound.org/people/audiomirage/
https://soundclick.com/AuDioChosisStevenFAllenAuDioMiRage

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