056: Why I’m No Longer a Sex Addiction Therapist: Joe Kort

Podcast Description:

Natasha Helfer Parker interviews Dr. Joe Kort in regards to his background in both the sex addiction certification process and becoming a Certified Sex Therapist. They discuss the issues with looking at sexual behavior through an addictions lens, even when there are problematic issues that should be treated. There is an important overlay to be aware of between values and behaviors as well as the challenging of heteronormative culture – where only certain types of sexual behaviors or tastes are credited as healthy. Being aware of the different types of training is useful information for both professionals and the general public, who is looking to get help from the most credible sources. Sex positive approaches are best when dealing with behavior that feels out of control or that is in conflict with a person’s or partner’s values.

Dr. Joe Kort is a leading expert on sex and relationships.  He specializes in Out-of-Control Sexual Behaviors, Relationship Problems and Marital Conflict, Sex Therapy, and Sexual Identity Concerns, Depression, Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  His practice is located in Royal Oak, Michigan but he welcomes clients from all over the Metro Detroit area. Dr. Kort is also available for long-distance coaching and consultation.  Dr. Kort graduated from Michigan State University with dual majors in Psychology and Social Work. At Wayne State University, he earned his Master’s in Social Work (MSW), then a Master’s (MA) in Psychology, and has received his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical Sexology from the American Academy of Clinical Sexologists (AACS).

More about Dr. Kort:

• Teaching Faculty at University of Michigan Sexual Health Certificate Program
• Certified IMAGO Relationship Therapist
• Board Certified Sexologist
• Member of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH)
• Member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers
• Member of the National Association of Certified Social Workers
• Certified AASECT Therapist, Supervisor of Sex Therapy and Member of American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)
• Member of EMDRIA Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Basic Training
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

He has been featured in Huffington Post Live & Huffington Post, Psychology Today, The New York Times, and Woman’s Day.

Resources Mentioned During this Podcast:

Thank you to Jeff Meyers for the intro and Peter & Mary Danzig of Otter Creek Duo for the concluding bumper music.

Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST, CSTS can be reached at natashaparker.org and runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex Info Podcasts, is the current past president of the Mormon Mental Health Association and runs a sex education program, Sex Talk with Natasha. She has over 20 years of experience working with primarily an LDS/Mormon clientele.