In his groundbreaking book, TINSA (Trauma Induced Sexual Addiction), Dr. Michael Barta contends, “In my findings, the single commonality that sex addicts share is that they were all subjected to developmental trauma.” He further states that “most addicts suffer from abandonment and neglect.” Barta concludes, “The TINSA model theorizes that episodes of past trauma are the primary cause in the case of sex addiction.”
Trauma may best be understood as the impact that an overwhelming event (or series of events) has had on the brain and autonomic nervous system. It is the result of adverse developmental experiences.
The answer, according to Dr. Barta, requires a three-stage process: (a) self-regulation, (b) outer regulation, and (c) interregulation.
In other words, trauma is complex. While I disagree that trauma is always at the root of sex addiction, it is a defining force for most addicts. That is really not even debatable.
Jesus understood trauma, because he understood man. He said, “Come to me all you who have heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The new, Denison translation says it like this: “Come to me all you who have been traumatized, and I will give you rest.”
You can find healing for your addiction. But first, you must find healing for your trauma.
Recovery Step: Get help for your trauma. Start by seeking God. But don’t stop there.
