I developed this EMDR future template protocol for porn and sex addiction recovery combining the EMDR Future Template (Shapiro, 2010) and a protocol learned from my former CSAT supervisor Dr. Matthew Hedelius of the Paradise Creek Recovery Center.

In my approach to sex addiction recovery, I use EMDR in a few different ways. The EMDR Future Template Protocol is a powerful therapeutic tool that can aid individuals recovering from porn and sex addiction.

The protocol starts with the creation of a future template (see below for sample). The individual visualizes a specific future situation they’d like to work on, incorporating all senses into this visualization and identifying a positive belief about themselves. The therapist then guides the individual to run this movie script in their mind, using bilateral stimulation while the client imagines the movie. If any disturbance arises, the client focuses on the disturbance to process it. This process is repeated until the client feels calm and there is no tension.

EMDR Future Template Protocol inspires hope for those battling porn and sex addiction, enabling them to envision a future defined by their strength, resilience, and potential. It empowers individuals to break free from self-limiting beliefs, fostering meaningful steps towards recovery.

The EMDR future template protocol for sex addiction recovery enhances resilience, equipping individuals with tools to navigate future challenges. It offers a transformative opportunity to envision a future free from addiction.

 

The following is a sample future template protocol. Try the following:

1. Take this sample and edit it and customize it to your own personal situation.
2. Record yourself reading this.
3. Playback the audio while performing self-administered EMDR. For example, perhaps play the script on your phone while pulling up this youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1YVvndNyqM and following the ball with your eyes and putting headphones on so you hear the BLS (bilateral stimulation) sound in the right or left ear that’s aligned with the ball. Alternatively, you could close your eyes to better visualize the future script while the sound in your ears does the BLS and you do a tapping exercise to enhance the BLS, ie coordinate the sound with butterfly taps or hand tapping on your knees or tapping your toes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTOkpSPyMtk
4. Repeat this often: a few times a week for a while would be good until you feel it is being absorbed into the subconscious mind. Then doing occasionally to help reinforce it.

Sample Future Template Script for Porn and Sex Addiction Recovery

 

I notice I’m feeling a sexual urge. I observe it feeling stronger to the point that a part of me feels like it would be a good idea to engage in sexual behavior that would break my personal values and/or relationship agreements.

I understand that, in this moment, my conscious, adult mind is not fully accessible. So, I channel my inner Self, taking a moment to breathe and track my breath and observe my thoughts and bodily sensations.

I recognize the fusion of thoughts such as “I feel a sexual urge”, “It will always be this way”, “I might as well act out now.” I make space for these thoughts. My mind is a great expanse where all these thoughts and feelings and emotions can coexist.

My mind and body go to radical acceptance of the present moment. Hello sexual urge, welcome. This belongs. Yes. I accept this discomfort of feeling the sexual urge while not acting on it, knowing it is temporary.

I observe my bodily responses, noting the fluctuating intensity of the urge. I welcome and check in with the part of me that feels compelled to act out, tracing back my thoughts to understand its activation. The roots of this might have been stress, anxiety, shame, or boredom. When I identify the underlying trigger, I welcome this feeling without judgment. Hello stress. Hello boredom. Welcome and stay as long as you need. This belongs.

I nurture myself, offering compassion to the hurting part of me. I ask “what does this part need right now?” Whether it be comfort, connection, fun, or pleasure, I strive to meet these needs in a way that aligns with my values.

I notice the subsiding urge and express gratitude to my sexually acting out part for working with me to endure this urge. If the urge persists, I resort to higher interventions. Maybe I take a cold shower or dip my face in cold water, exercise or take a walk, or reach out to a friend or sponsor.

I remember my commitment to my recovery goals, myself, my wife, my group, and my therapist. I am resolute in upholding my commitments, acknowledging that nothing can deter me.

I remember every moment of allowing and enduring is a step towards recovery. I am not alone in this journey, and every victory, no matter how small, brings me closer to my goal. I am stronger than my urges, and my commitment to recovery is a testament to my strength.