Dr. Doug Weiss: A Profile of the Psychologist and Author
Dr. Doug Weiss is a licensed psychologist known for his work in the fields of relationship counseling, sexual addiction recovery, and trauma. As the executive director of the Heart to Heart Counseling Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he leads a team of clinicians focused on helping individuals and couples. His career extends beyond clinical practice into authorship, media, and professional training, establishing him as a recognizable figure in niche areas of mental health and relationship therapy.
Table Of Content
This profile outlines his professional background, therapeutic concepts, published works, and media activities. It also notes public discussions surrounding his methodologies and practice, providing a multifaceted view of his work and its reception.
Professional Background and Clinical Practice
Dr. Doug Weiss holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a licensed psychologist in Colorado. He has dedicated over three decades to counseling, with a practice that addresses marital issues, addiction, and trauma.
He is the founder and executive director of the Heart to Heart Counseling Center. The center offers various services, including intensive multi-day therapy programs for individuals and couples dealing with sexual addiction, partner betrayal trauma, and intimacy issues. The center’s stated approach integrates therapeutic techniques with Christian principles.
Beyond direct client care, Weiss is also the president of the American Association for Sex Addiction Therapy (AASAT). This organization provides training and certification for other therapists, pastoral counselors, and coaches specializing in sexual addiction and related topics.
Therapeutic Concepts and Approaches
A significant part of Dr. Weiss’s public work involves defining and treating specific relationship dynamics. He has authored literature and developed therapeutic models around several key concepts.
- Sexual Addiction: He describes sexual addiction as a condition with potential biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, where compulsive sexual behavior is used to cope with pain, trauma, or fill an emotional void. His recovery framework for addicts emphasizes structured daily behaviors.
- Intimacy Anorexia: Weiss is widely associated with coining and popularizing the term “intimacy anorexia.” He defines it as a pattern of actively withholding emotional, spiritual, and sexual intimacy from one’s partner.
- Partner Betrayal Trauma: This concept addresses the traumatic impact on individuals who discover their partner’s sexual addiction or infidelity. His programs aim to help these partners heal from the shock, grief, and loss of trust.
A core behavioral strategy he promotes, especially in early addiction recovery, is the “Five Commandments of Recovery.” This daily practice consists of:
- Praying in the morning for sobriety.
- Reading recovery literature.
- Attending a support group.
- Making a recovery-focused phone call to a peer.
- Praying in the evening to give thanks.
The following table summarizes these core concepts and their focus:
| Concept | Primary Focus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Addiction | Compulsive Behavior | Treating patterns of out-of-control sexual activity used as a coping mechanism. |
| Intimacy Anorexia | Relational Withholding | Addressing the active withholding of emotional and physical intimacy within a relationship. |
| Partner Betrayal Trauma | Trauma Response | Helping partners heal from the traumatic impact of discovering addiction or infidelity. |
| Five Commandments | Daily Recovery Structure | A set of daily actions (prayer, reading, group, call, prayer) to support early addiction recovery. |
Authorship and Media Presence
Dr. Weiss has extended his influence through writing and television. He is the author of numerous books, with some sources noting he has written over 40 titles on topics including addiction recovery, marriage, and intimacy.
In the media, he hosts the television program “Healing Time with Dr. Doug Weiss,” which airs on the Daystar Television Network. The show is part of Healing Time Ministries, a non-profit media outreach ministry he founded to produce Christian-focused programming on relationships and healing. Through this platform and past appearances on other national shows, he has reached a broad audience.
Discussions and Considerations
While Dr. Weiss has an established professional profile, his methods and practice have been part of broader discussions within the context of relationship therapy.
Some former clients of Heart to Heart Counseling Center have shared critical experiences with media outlets. Reports from these individuals have described feeling traumatized, blamed, or pressured during intensive therapy programs. Specific concerns have been raised about the administration and interpretation of polygraph tests used within the program, with some experts questioning whether the reported methods align with standard professional practices.
These accounts highlight the deeply personal and challenging nature of treating sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. They also underscore the importance for individuals seeking help to conduct thorough research, understand the specific methods of any therapy program, and ensure the approach aligns with their personal needs and comfort level. Professional therapy should ideally be a safe space for healing, and clients are encouraged to seek services where they feel fully respected and supported.
Conclusion
Dr. Doug Weiss has built a distinct professional niche focusing on sexual addiction, intimacy disorders, and partner trauma. Through his counseling center, association leadership, books, and television ministry, he has promoted specific models for understanding and treating complex relationship issues.
His work has provided a framework for many seeking help, though it has also been accompanied by patient reports that emphasize the sensitive nature of this therapeutic field. For those considering his or similar specialized programs, reviewing all available information, including therapeutic philosophies and patient experiences, is a crucial step in making an informed decision about their care.
