In January 2026, a new three-day intensive healing workshop will be offered in Melbourne for Catholic men battling various forms of sexual addiction.
The Cor Sanctum Intensive will be led by three male Catholic therapists who will integrate best clinical practice with the church’s vision of men as beloved sons of the Father.
The program is open to Christian men of all denominations who are struggling to stop sexual behaviours that feel compulsive or out of control.
These can range anywhere from pornography use, affairs, or visiting brothels.
The NSW Parliament recently found that young people exposed to pornography experienced poorer family and social relationships, and greater sexual aggression and sexual objectification of women.
These can become longstanding and debilitating problems in an adult man’s life.
They can damage marriage and other close relationships, leading to increasing loneliness and addiction.
Clinical psychologist and treating team member Dr Nicholas Lawless says that Catholic men face unique barriers to seeking help.
“Catholic men often feel more shame for sexual behaviours such as these than a secular person might, which actually drives them further towards the addiction,” he said.
“In response, well-intentioned secular therapists may try to address the shame by making people feel better about their harmful sexual behaviour rather than helping them stop it.
“Unfortunately there is a lack of Catholic therapists to encourage and facilitate real recovery.”
The Cor Sanctum Intensive is based on the “My House” program offered at the Kansas City Center for Healing in the US, which team member Fr Nicholas Pearce audited last year.
Fr Nicholas is a Melbourne-based Catholic priest and qualified counsellor specialising in sexual addiction treatment.
He and Dr Lawless will also be joined on the team by Catholic counsellor and psychotherapist Matthew MacDonald.
With a confidential and supportive group environment, the setting is structured, compassionate, and oriented toward healing and freedom.
The workshop’s immersive format allows participants to go deeper than typical therapy sessions allow.
This can help participants to break through long-standing resistance or gain a strong head-start to their recovery.
The treating team hope that the program will help men to deepen their understanding of masculinity and authentic love, and to develop pathways out of secrecy.
Having an all-male treating team is an important part of the workshop.
“There’s enough shame as it is without having to confess this to a woman who is typically the object of their harmful sexual behaviour,” Dr Lawless explains.
The workshop will run from Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 January 2026 at St Michael’s Parish, North Melbourne.
It will include daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and time for confession, as well as times for prayer and reflection.
Individual sessions will cover topics such as understanding sexual addiction, managing triggers, the influence of past trauma, and encouragement for men to redirect their sexual desire rather than crushing it.
The total workshop cost is $685 per participant. Medicare rebate, payment plans, Afterpay, and financial subsidies are available for eligible participants.
The program fee includes the participants’ manual and resources, all sessions, and all meals and refreshments.
The workshop is offered on a day-attendance basis to Melbourne residents, and there are accommodation options (additional cost) for men travelling from interstate.
The team also plans to run a second workshop from Thursday 4 June – Saturday 6 June 2026.
Due to the nature of the program and the need to foster a therapeutic group environment, places are strictly limited at each workshop, so early registration is a must.
Feeling drawn, but still struggling with the idea? Dr Lawless has a message for you.
“Change is possible. Healing is possible.
“The whole intention with this program is to provide something that people haven’t yet experienced on their recovery journey, no matter how long they’ve been trying: deep, intensive, clinical group work with Catholic mental health professionals who know this area well.”
For more information: https://northmelbourneparish.com/cor-sanctum