209 | Couples and Porn: Breakthroughs for Developing Emotional Safety, Intimacy, and Trust

In a revealing survey by the Barna Group, striking statistics show that 58% of men and 22% of women engage with pornography, ranging from daily use to a couple times a month, with the majority doing so in secrecy. As professionals working with couples, it’s essential to recognize that a significant portion of clients may be struggling with problematic pornography use, which can deeply impact any relationship. The discovery of a partner’s pornography use often leads to feelings of confusion, betrayal, and trauma deeply affecting trust and emotional well-being. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, and pastors will identify key indicators of problematic pornography use and how to skillfully assess these issues. Participants will outline a holistic framework for addressing the impact of pornography on relationships, focusing on trauma, conflict, emotional regulation, empathy, and more. Additionally, participants will assess how betrayal trauma from pornography use often manifests in relationships as intense, emotional pain, distrust and feelings of insecurity, leading to difficulty in establishing emotional intimacy and communication between partners.