How does the group program work?
Each client signs up for a specific group and will attend that group once per week for 90 minutes at the same time each week. All of the groups are hosted on zoom. Every member will have access to the CJT course and therefore be working with the same material.
Each group session will start with a short structured check-in from each member and then the rest of the group time will be used to work through specific topics covered in the course, process individual and relational issues that might be arising, and providing ongoing accountability and guidance with the development and maintenance of each persons treatment plan.
How much does it cost?
The subscription cost for the group program is £180 per 4 weeks. If the group isn’t running for any reason (due to a public holiday or the facilitator being unavailable for example) the subscription simply carries forward 1 week, so each payment will always give access to 4 group sessions.
There is also an initial cost of £250 for access to the CJT course and £75 for an initial assessment call to determine whether the group program is a good fit for each client.
Is this a therapy program?
Whilst this program is offered as a subsidiary of Chris Jones Therapy, the groups themselves are accountability and coaching groups rather than therapy. This program should be viewed as an adjunct to personal therapy rather than as a replacement for it and is particularly targeted at clients who already have therapeutic support but are looking to incorporate the DST model and group work in particular into their treatment plan.
What is “DST” and why are the groups based on this model?
“DST” stands for Deceptive Sexuality Trauma and is the name of the model developed by Dr. Omar Minwalla of the institute for sexual health (minwallamodel.com). I believe this model most accurately and ethically incorporates traditional sexual compulsivity treatment whilst also broadening the scope to identify and treat both sexual entitlement (as a concept unique from sexual compulsivity or addiction) and also the corresponding deceptive and/or abusive behaviours that so often keep the intimate partner in the dark and lead to power imbalances in the relationship.
It also contains a clear and structured framework for understanding and processing the traumatic repercussions to the intimate partner, the relationship, and the family system, therefore providing the scope and the clinical tools to treat clients presenting with compulsive sexual behaviour, as well as partners presenting with deceptive sexuality trauma (often referred to as betrayal trauma).
Are the groups open to clients from different countries?
As these are coaching and accountability groups they’re open to any clients regardless of geographical location. Please note however that any acceptance to the program is based on individual assessment.
What are the group guidelines for members?
When joining the group program you will receive a document laying out the guidelines in more detail, but as a starting point, here are some of the foundational guidelines for the group:
Consistently high attendance is expected from all members.
Integrity and honesty within the group is a foundational principle and an expectation of all group members.
Adhering to the treatment plan and the model will remain the foundation of all group work.
We also focus on developing your ability to deal healthily with the post-traumatic reality of the relationship.
Discussing challenges within the relationship is important, however partner bashing is NOT tolerated.
Can my partner be involved in the process?
Confidentiality is a prerequisite of group attendance so the discussing of other group members outside of the sessions is strictly prohibited, even with the intimate partner. That being said, discussion of what you’re working on in the group and what you’re learning is encouraged. Your partner is also welcome to view the course materials and watch the videos so this can provide a good opportunity for discussion and connection if appropriate.
Finally, if you’re accepted for membership to this group program, your partner is welcome to schedule a 30 minute consultation call to discuss the program and any concerns that they might have.
How do I apply?
In order to apply for this program, please visit the contact me page in order to reach out. If there are group spaces available we can then organize an initial assessment call.