Interrupting the Cycle of Sexual Addiction: Emotion Regulation in Recovery
Inspired by a Presentation Facilitated by Troy and Melissa Haas
For those struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors, the road to lasting freedom begins by learning to face emotions rather than avoiding them. Breaking the cycle of addiction requires a willingness to embrace honesty, work through unresolved trauma, and form authentic connections. At the center of it all is a vital, yet often overlooked, skill: emotion regulation.
The Role of Emotion Regulation in Recovery
Research continues to affirm what many counselors have witnessed firsthand, revealing a strong link between emotional dysregulation and compulsive sexual behaviors. When individuals rely on pornography or other acting-out behaviors to soothe stress, loneliness, or pain, the pattern is reinforced.
Sexual addiction often multiplies in severity when a person lacks healthy ways to cope with emotional distress. For instance, if an individual uses pornography to ease uncomfortable feelings, he is likely to repeat the behavior in times of stress.
Learning to recognize, express, and manage emotions in healthy ways is central to the healing process. Without it, challenges and triggers can become an invitation to relapse. [READ MORE]
Clinicians and Faith-based Practitioners
Troy and Melissa Haas will present “Interrupting the Cycle of Addiction: Building Emotion-Regulation Strategies for Compulsive Sexual Behaviors” at the PSAP Summit, hosted by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The online event will be held via Zoom® Video Conferencing. CLICK HERE for details.
CELEBRATING FREEDOM
An Evening of Worship and Celebration
We invite you to join us for the biggest event in HopeQuest’s history, Celebrating Freedom 2025! Featuring worship artist Adam Kersh and John Lynch, pastor and author of TrueFaced: Trust God and Others With Who You Really Are and Gospel Zero: Reclaiming the Radical Message of Grace, the night will be filled with worship, inspiration, and stories of freedom and grace.
DATE: Friday, November 7
TIME: 6–9 PM
LOCATION: His Hands Church, 550 Molly Ln, Woodstock, GA
*Dinner will be provided.
While admission is FREE, registration is required. Experience God’s transforming power as we celebrate His work through HopeQuest!
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Recap: 2025 Georgia Recovers Bus Tour
In what has become a meaningful annual tradition, the Georgia Council for Recovery (GC4R) and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) sponsored the 2025 Georgia Recovers Bus Tour throughout September to commemorate National Recovery Month.
HopeQuest was honored to co-host the Woodstock bus stop on Saturday, September 6, which brought together members of the local recovery community, including treatment providers, advocacy organizations, support groups, and mental health professionals.
In addition to the Woodstock gathering, Seth Harris, HopeQuest’s Director of Community Engagement, participated in 10 other stops across North Georgia… often accompanied by his furry recovery companion, Maddie. Each event featured proclamations from local officials, policy discussions with recovery leaders, and opportunities to connect with faith leaders, legislators, and community partners.
“It was inspiring to witness the various ways in which each city chose to acknowledge, promote, and celebrate the impact that recovery has had on their community,” said Seth. “From hearing heartfelt testimonies and recognizing multiple recovery pathways to connecting with peers, I was reminded that we at HopeQuest are surrounded by an incredible network of individuals who care deeply about walking alongside others. Indeed, recovery is real!”
Recap: 2025 AACC World Conference
The 2025 American Association of Christian Counselors’ (AACC) World Conference, held September 23–27 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, embraced a theme that was both timely and much-needed: United. HopeQuest was honored to take part in this powerful gathering of Christ-centered professionals, returning home encouraged by new connections, fresh insights, and the opportunity to share our ministry with others. A highlight of the week included a compelling presentation from Troy and Melissa Haas on integrating faith and emotional healing in recovery from compulsive sexual behaviors.
We are grateful to everyone who helped make this meaningful event possible. Until we meet again in 2026, our hearts are full.
STAFF UPDATES
She Said Yes!
HopeQuest is delighted to celebrate the recent engagement of our receptionist, Katie Richardson, who said ‘YES!’ while vacationing with her fiancé, Dallas, in Orange Beach, Alabama. Dallas popped the big question on September 14—his birthday—making the occasion even more meaningful. Though Katie sensed a proposal might be on the horizon, she was still surprised and elated when the moment arrived.
Katie and Dallas met while working at Bass Pro Shops. Their first date—a Braves game in May 2024—marked the start of something special. As for wedding planning, Katie reports having finalized the guest list and scheduled an engagement photo shoot. They are now working to set an official date.
When asked what excites her most about their future together, Katie shared, “We are looking forward to starting a family and deepening our relationship with God.”
Please join us in congratulating Katie and Dallas on this beautiful milestone!
Celebrating Years of Impact
This month, we celebrate our team members for another year of service at HopeQuest. Their dedication and heart for ministry make a tangible difference every day.
- OCTOBER 2: Katie Richardson, 1 year
- OCTOBER 8: Sean Scarry, 4 years
- OCTOBER 30: Bryan Bailey, 12 years
ADMISSIONS REPORT
In September, ELEVEN men took a courageous leap of faith by choosing to leave addiction behind and trusting God with a new beginning. Please cover them in prayer as they move forward in recovery.