LifeSTAR, founded by Dan Gray and Todd Olson, has opened a new Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Murray, Utah, to help those addicted to pornography and sexual compulsive behaviors begin recovery. The IOP is a six-day workshop running once a month. It is designed to help jumpstart recovery and free participants from the harmful effects their addiction has brought on their marriages, families, jobs, and personal well-being. The program builds on concepts the clients can take with them as they continue a plan of counseling and aftercare.
In recent years, IOPs have grown in popularity across the United States as a way to treat various addictions. The popularity comes from the convenience and low cost of the place: compared to long-term residential programs, IOPs offer a workable solution that still gives premier, intensive counseling and therapy. On their blog, Gray describes the clients as, “men of all ages are fighting this addiction. There’s a lot of men who get in a stuck-mode while doing once-a-week therapy, or they may be in crisis with their spouse, family, or job; and that’s when the IOP opens up the best options for their treatment.”
The LifeSTAR IOP is the first of its kind in the state of Utah. Founders Gray and Olson gained attention after the success of their longer running 3-Phase Program already used by many therapists in the United States and Canada. After seeing many people from the 3-Phase Program looking for additional help, Gray and Olsen decided to design the IOP, which offers help to those wanting a bigger first step to kick off the recovery process. “It’s what we already teach clients over a longer period, but in a concentrated form. Concepts that build day after day sometimes sink in more than those taught only once per week. We’ve seen great breakthroughs with men in the IOP, but maintaining aftercare is still key,” stated Gray.
The experiential program creatively teaches concepts through use of audio, video, guest speakers, and off-site events like a ropes course and equine therapy. Gray and Olson also stress the use of homework, note taking, and journals as key to a meaningful and memorable experience. Olson observed, “During the week each client sees where their heart is in relation to their family, their work, and with God. We teach them to learn who they really are, and can be, and to battle for the things that matter most.” They help the client understand that recovery is possible, and that regardless of their addiction they are loved. The program is non-denominational, but uses Christian-based principles to help participants gain hope in a greater power on their path to healing and recovery.
About LifeSTAR: LifeSTAR intensive Outpatient Program is located in Murray, Utah. The IOP has helped many across the U.S. who struggle with their pornography and sexual addiction. Lifestar is an internationally recognized treatment program in nearly 40 Cities across the U.S. and Canada. Developed by Dan Gray and Todd Olson, LifeSar is run by highly trained and licensed therapists who specialize in sexual addiction recovery.
Each phase of recovery is specifically designed to gently uncover, yet aggressively heal, the destructive patterns that create and maintain addictive behaviors. Workbooks, along with other materials, help provide education and structure throughout the different phases of treatment. In addition to offering professional help to those with the addiction, Lifestar also offers treatment for the spouse with workshops, groups, and individual therapy. Lifestartherapy.com
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