*The name and identifying information in this testimonial has been changed to protect his identity and privacy.
My name is Cory. As a high school student, I felt overwhelmed by a problem I couldn’t seem to shake—an addiction to pornography. It started as something I stumbled upon, but before long, it turned into a habit I was ashamed of yet couldn’t seem to control. The fear of anyone discovering my struggle made it almost impossible to seek help. I worried endlessly about what might happen if I opened up about it—whether my parents would get angry, how my youth pastor would react, and the humiliation I’d feel if my friends found out.
The pressure kept building until it felt unbearable. There were times I wanted to share, but imagining my parents’ shock and disappointment paralyzed me. I kept thinking, What would they think of me? My church community always seemed focused on “doing the right thing,” and I feared being judged or lectured by my youth pastor. And as for my friends? The idea of them knowing made me cringe—high school wasn’t exactly a place to admit struggles like this.
Yet, I realized that the secrecy was eating away at me. I started researching ways to get help without anyone knowing, and that’s when I found Valor group. They seemed to understand that people my age go through this, that I wasn’t alone in facing it. After reading about their work, I knew I had to be brave enough to ask for help.
It took everything in me to tell my parents. Their reaction wasn’t easy to handle at first, but once they knew I was serious about overcoming this, they listened. They were upset, but also supportive, which I never expected. The first talk with my youth pastor was also hard, but his understanding and encouragement were incredibly comforting. Little by little, I found the courage to stop hiding.
Getting connected with Valor group was the turning point. They provided professional help and gave me a safe space to talk about my struggle without shame. Through the educational support and counseling I received, I started to understand the roots of my addiction. I learned coping mechanisms and strategies that made me stronger every day. Talking openly with people who understood made a world of difference.
The relief I felt was enormous. Instead of living in constant fear, I now felt supported. Valor group gave me tools I didn’t have before, helping me face the addiction head-on and heal from it. Thanks to their help, I’m no longer carrying this burden alone, and my relationships have improved in ways I never thought possible.
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.
