*The name and identifying information of this testimonial has been changed to protect his privacy.

"My name is Jake, and for years, I struggled with a secret I thought would destroy my life if anyone found out. Pornography addiction had me in its grip, and I spent every day fighting a losing battle. I was constantly ashamed, always afraid, and convinced I was alone in this. I feared the fallout of telling anyone the truth. I was terrified of what my wife would say, of the hurt and anger she’d feel. I wondered if she’d even stay with me if she knew the depth of my struggle. And it didn’t end there. I held a leadership role in my church, and I knew that if this came out, I’d have to step down. The respect of my community, the friendships I’d built, the job that sustained my family—all of it felt like it could be lost the moment my secret was revealed.

For years, these fears held me back. Every time I thought about getting help, the risk felt too high. But the longer I tried to handle it alone, the heavier the weight became. Eventually, I reached a breaking point. I couldn’t go on living a double life, pretending I was okay when I was anything but. I knew that if I didn’t get help, I’d not only lose the things I valued—I’d lose myself.

I reached out to Family Strategies Counseling Center. That first call was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also the first time I felt genuine hope in years. I started meeting with a therapist who specialized in sexual addiction. I was surprised to feel, right from the beginning, a sense of relief. My counselor wasn’t there to judge me. He understood what I was going through and had guided many men like me toward recovery.

Through the SABR program, I began to confront the real reasons behind my addiction. I learned to see it not just as a moral failing but as a behavior rooted in unresolved pain and patterns. It was a hard journey—I won’t lie. There were times I had to have difficult conversations with my wife, times when I had to face the consequences of my actions head-on. But instead of the anger and rejection I feared, I experienced something unexpected: support. My wife and I began attending counseling together, and, over time, we started rebuilding trust. Yes, I had to step back from my role in church and deal with the embarrassment that came with that. But even in that, I found unexpected support from friends who stayed by my side, encouraging me on this journey.

The SABR program didn’t just help me manage my addiction—it gave me my life back. I learned strategies to manage urges, identify triggers, and break free from destructive habits. But even more importantly, I discovered that I wasn’t alone and that there was a future for me beyond this struggle. Today, I stand here, not as a perfect man, but as a man who’s free, honest, and healing. I’m rebuilding my marriage, growing in my faith, and living a life I’m finally proud of. Reaching out for help was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it was also the best decision I’ve ever made."

Family Strategies Counseling Center has actively serviced clients since 2000 in treatment for pornography addiction or sexually compulsive behavior. Our SABR program for adults and Valor Groups for young men can help you! Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: Family Strategies Counseling Center.