#74 - Addressing Pornography: Understanding the Impact on Relationships and Mental Health
In this podcast episode, Dr. Cameron Staley discusses how to approach the topic of pornography with both adults and children. By understanding the nature of pornography and its role in society, individuals can be more aware of its potential adverse effects on their perception of relationships and sexuality. Dr. Staley stresses the importance of viewing pornography as a symptom rather than an addiction, pointing out that mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, might be the underlying cause of someone's struggle with pornography. When discussing pornography with children, Dr. Staley emphasizes the need for age-appropriate conversations and acknowledges that kids may be exposed to sexual images at a younger age. He encourages parents to be open to discussing the topic and to normalize the feelings and reactions children might experience when exposed to such images. To assist people in overcoming their concerns about pornography, Dr. Staley has created resources such as the Life After Pornography online program and the Life After Pornography Coach app. These tools aim to help individuals address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their struggles with pornography.