Why Choose a CSAT?
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) in Lake Charles, LA
I'm Brent Woods, LPC-S, and I've been a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist since 2018. I see clients in person in Lake Charles and online throughout Louisiana and Texas.
Request an AppointmentDoes the type of therapist really matter?
For most concerns, a good general therapist is enough. Sex addiction and betrayal trauma are different. They call for specialized training in assessment, recovery, and support for partners.
What a CSAT is
CSAT stands for Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. It's a specialty certification for licensed therapists, issued by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). The training is based on the work of Dr. Patrick Carnes, whose research and 1983 book, Out of the Shadows, helped shape how sex addiction is understood and treated today.
A CSAT has completed advanced training and supervised clinical work in treating porn and sex addiction, as well as the impact on partners. You can read more about me and my background.
What the CSAT credential requires
Becoming a CSAT through IITAP requires specialized training, supervised clinical work, and ongoing education.
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Training
I completed four IITAP training modules, about 120 hours in total. The training covers assessment, treatment, work with partners, and therapeutic disclosure.
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Supervision
I completed 30 hours of clinical supervision with an approved CSAT supervisor while working with clients.
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Renewal
I've held the CSAT credential since 2018. It must be renewed every two years with continuing education.
What this means for your treatment
My CSAT training shapes how I approach every session.
Experience with these issues
I've worked with these patterns for years, so we can focus on your situation from the start instead of explaining the basics.
A thorough assessment
We begin by getting a clear picture of what is driving the behavior. This may include structured assessments from my CSAT training.
A plan built around you
Together, we identify your triggers and patterns and build a relapse prevention plan that fits your life. If setbacks happen, we adjust the plan.
A space without judgment
Shame often keeps people from sharing the full story. My office is a safe, nonjudgmental place to be honest, and honesty is where change begins.
If you're the partner
CSAT training also focuses on partners and the impact of discovery.
What happened is not a reflection of your worth or anything you did or did not do.
Betrayal trauma can resemble post-traumatic stress. Hypervigilance, trouble sleeping, and replaying what happened are common responses to a real injury.
Individual support often comes first. You can read more about betrayal trauma recovery. When both partners are ready, we can work together in couples counseling. I'm also trained to guide therapeutic disclosure when it's needed.
How a CSAT is different from a general therapist
Many skilled therapists help people with a wide range of concerns. A CSAT has specialized training in this area.
A general therapist
- Broad training across many concerns
- Sexual behavior may be one focus among many
- May not have specific training in betrayal trauma
- Often a great fit for anxiety, depression, or life transitions
A CSAT
- Specialized training in compulsive sexual behavior
- A structured recovery model based on Dr. Carnes's work
- Trained to work with partners and formal disclosure
- Able to address both partners' experiences
Hear it from me
In this video, I explain what a CSAT is and why this training matters in treating porn and sex addiction.
Questions people ask
Do I need a CSAT, or will any therapist do?
Many therapists can help with parts of this. However, porn addiction, sex addiction, and betrayal trauma involve patterns that are easy to miss without specialized training. If this is your main concern, it's worth seeing someone trained in it.
Is sex addiction a real diagnosis?
Yes. As a CSAT, I see sex addiction as a real and treatable condition. The World Health Organization recognizes compulsive sexual behavior disorder in its diagnostic manual, the ICD-11, although the DSM-5-TR does not use the term sex addiction. Whatever it is called, if porn or sexual behavior is causing harm in your life or your relationship, it deserves real care and support.
Do you work with porn addiction?
Yes. Many of my clients struggle with compulsive pornography use. Others are dealing with affairs, dating or hookup apps, or other sexual behaviors that feel out of control. You can read more on my porn and sex addiction therapy page.
Can my partner see you too?
Yes. I work with both individuals and couples, though usually not with the same people in both settings at once. In some cases, a partner may join an individual session. In others, couples counseling is the better place to start. We'll decide together what fits best.
How much does it cost?
60-minute sessions are $150. Longer sessions may be available on a case-by-case basis. You can read more on my fees and payment page.
Can we meet online?
Yes. I offer in-person sessions at my office on Lake Street in Lake Charles, and online sessions for clients located in Louisiana or Texas at the time of the session. Some clients prefer online sessions for added privacy.
When you're ready, I'm here
Reaching out is often the hardest part. Whether you're the one struggling or the partner trying to make sense of what happened, you don't have to figure this out alone. I'd be glad to help you take the next step.
Request an Appointment