Oct. 31, 2025

Healing from Sexual Compulsion: The Power of Mindful Habits

Healing from Sexual Compulsion: The Power of Mindful Habits

Healing from Sexual Compulsion: The Power of Mindful Habits Ep 377, October 31, 2025

Overcoming Compulsive Sexual Behaviors and Addiction

In this episode of Real Men Feel, hosted by Andy Grant, the guest is Craig Perra, a renowned expert in overcoming compulsive sexual behaviors, sex addiction, and porn addiction. Craig shares his journey from being a successful attorney to hitting rock bottom due to his addictions, and how he found a new path by creating the Mindful Habit System with his wife, Michelle. They discuss the deep impact of shame, the importance of leading all parts of oneself, and the necessity of creating healthy sexual habits.
Craig emphasizes the flaws in traditional 12-step models for sex addiction, advocating instead for a habit-based recovery approach. They also touch on the unique pressures faced by high-profile individuals and the growing challenges posed by the easy availability of porn in the digital age. Craig highlights the need for proactive self-care, emotional regulation, and a supportive community to overcome these compulsive behaviors.

Walking Through the Fire: Craig Perra’s Journey

Craig Perra's path to becoming an expert in combating compulsive sexual behaviors was forged in his own challenges. Once a high-powered attorney, Craig faced abrupt changes when a series of professional setbacks forced him to reevaluate his life. Struggling with addiction and mental health, Craig reached a breaking point that led to a significant personal transformation.

Building Foundations: The Mindful Habit System

After realizing traditional methods were not working for him, Craig developed the Mindful Habit System with his wife, Michelle. Their program focuses on understanding compulsive sexual behaviors not through a disease-based lens but as symptoms of underlying needs. Craig emphasizes that many treatment models fail to address the root causes of compulsive behaviors, such as shame and unmet needs, which often stem from childhood experiences.

The Power of Partnership and Thriving Relationships

Craig's relationship with his wife is not only personal but integral to their professional lives. They co-created the Mindful Habit System, demonstrating that relationships can thrive even amidst personal struggles. According to Craig, a supportive relationship is crucial for both physical and mental health, and thriving should always be the goal.

Unpacking Shame and Addiction

Shame plays a massive role in keeping men trapped in cycles of self-destructive behavior. Craig discusses the importance of changing the narrative around shame, urging men to understand and lead the parts of themselves they dislike rather than suppress them. Through tools like the Internal Family Systems model, Craig helps clients manage shame by integrating these parts into their identity.

A New Approach to Sex Addiction

Craig argues that current models, especially 12-step programs for sex addiction, fail to address core issues and may even cause harm. Instead of focusing solely on avoiding certain behaviors, he advocates creating healthier habits and understanding the true purpose of addictive behaviors.

Addressing the Modern Landscape

In today’s digital age, access to porn has shifted the landscape significantly, exacerbating compulsive sexual behaviors. Craig warns that technology, such as AI companions, only intensifies these problems. He calls for protective measures, especially for children, to prevent early exposure and its damaging effects.

Purpose and Recovery

A theme Craig returns to is anchoring individuals in their purpose. He identifies this as crucial for navigating recovery from compulsive behaviors. By finding a purpose, men can lead more fulfilling lives, combat shame, and build healthier habits.

Moving Forward

For those feeling trapped by compulsive behaviors, Craig advises seeking help immediately and stresses the importance of building a great life as a form of recovery. Recovery extends beyond stopping the behavior to include pursuing a life filled with purpose and meaning.

Conclusion

Craig’s insights remind us that people are not defined by their worst habits. His conversation with Andy Grant on Real Men Feel is both a call to action and a beacon of hope—men can reclaim control over their lives through awareness, community, and authenticity.
For those interested in learning more about Craig’s work or joining a supportive community, visit the Mindful Habit System at MindfulHabitHelp.com or check out the Authentic AF community at realmenfeel.org/group.
Join us next time for more insightful discussions on living authentically and embracing all parts of the self. Until then, be good to yourself.
For those looking to continue these conversations and support each other in living fully, Andy invites listeners to join the Authentic AF Community, a supportive online space for men.

Tune In

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Listen on Apple Podcasts.
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Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group

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