As we close out 2015, we are pleased with the work we’ve done at Documentary Events®, screening films that represent social issues of the day. Looking back we launched this year with several screenings of The Connection, a film that explained the important link between mind and body, encouraging us to relax our minds through meditation. Award winning Alive Inside revealed the healing power of music. Code Black took us on a riveting ride through the busiest emergency room in the nation. The film, DisHonesty served as a powerful reminder that the choice of telling the truth is part of our everyday human experience. We celebrated Limited Partnership, screening that film in June just a few weeks before the Supreme Court’s ruling to legalize same-sex marriage.
Looking ahead to 2016, here’s a glimpse at The Courage to Love, which we will screen on January 26th with Starlite Recovery, The Right Step, Global Breakthrough Education, Inamorata LLC, and Twelfth Step Ministry. Just like most of our screenings, a panel discussion will follow this film.
It’s estimated that at least 18 million Americans are suffering from sex addiction yet up until now, there has not been a documentary on this public health issue. Filmmaker, Paul Ginocchio told me that he made The Courage to Love because of his own journey through sex addiction and recovery. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and is in the process of becoming certified as a CSAT® (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist). Ginocchio will attend the screening and participate in the panel discussion after the film screening. Click here to view a short trailer to the film.
The area of sex addiction and therapy has been recognized for about a decade but is rapidly gaining ground in both scientific research and consumer awareness.
According to Tami VerHelst, Vice President, The International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, “IITAP provides training to therapists wishing to specialize in working with those struggling with sexual addiction as well as provide support for their partners. Dr. Patrick Carnes created the task-centered approach to addiction recovery that constitutes the Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT®) training and certification program. This is a rigorous training which requires therapists to participate in four training courses for a total of 120 classroom hours with an additional 30 hours of supervision required by a qualified CSAT Supervisor. No other training or certification process is as rigorous or comprehensive. “In other words, this is not an online program or DVD in a box program.”
VerHelst emphasized, “No other organization provides tools and assessments that the IITAP trained professionals have access to and are trained with which truly help clients seeking recovery.”
Now you may be wondering, how does someone know if they are addicted to sex? VerHelst refers this question to a quick screening tool (Sexual Addiction Screening Test or SAST) which is available on www.sexhelp.com There is also a short assessment to determine if you may be a partner of a sex addict. There you can also find a list of qualified, IITAP trained professionals.
What exactly is fueling the growth in sex addiction? The answer is - our cell phones and technology. Unlike alcohol and opiates, the sex addict doesn’t have to leave his or her home to get their needs met. Technology offers accessibility and convenience. According to VerHelst, it’s vital for a therapist working with sex addicts to keep up to date with apps, sites and vernacular that surrounds this addiction.
Documentaries serve as a wonderful educational tool. We come together in a dimly lit auditorium and commune with strangers to widen our knowledge on a range of topics. By doing so, we become less judgmental, increase our tolerance of others and quite possibly we learn how to find help for ourselves, a loved one, co-worker or neighbor.
We invite you to join us for the screening of The Courage to Love on Tuesday, January 26th at Studio Movie Grill located at NE corner of Royal/Central Expressway in Dallas. Doors open at 6:30 pm and film starts at 7:00 pm. Documentary Events® screenings are complimentary. Here’s a short link to share: http://tinyurl.com/TheCourageToLove-DallasEvent
Interested in attending? RSVP to Diane@DianeMarketing.com
Find out how Documentary Events® can be a part of your company’s overall marketing strategy. Reach out to Diane@DianeMarketing.com or call me at 972-670-7078. We can find a documentary that aligns with your corporate mission and organize an event around that film.