Michael Barta, Ph.D., LPC, CSAT – S, CCPS

Michael Barta, PhD, CSAT, CCPS, is the creator and author of Trauma Induced Sexual Addiction (TINSA®) and a leading expert in addressing and treating the core of sexually compulsive behaviors. He is a pioneer in the neurobiological treatment of addictions. His research based, cutting edge treatment has successfully treated hundreds of men, women, and couples facing the devastation caused by sexually compulsive behaviors and helped them return to living authentic lives.

He has over 37 years of addiction recovery experience and 15 years specializing in the treatment of sex and porn addictions, compulsive sexual behaviors, intimacy disorders as well as partner betrayal.

Dr. Barta is no longer associated with Begin Again Institute and is now personally offering 5–Day intensive treatment for men at his new practice facility using his newest neuroscientific IDP™ Model. His new model works directly with the specific areas of your brain and nervous system that were impacted by trauma to treat the origins of your sexual addictions or sexually compulsive behaviors. 

*In 2020 Dr. Barta sold the copyright to TINSA® to the Integrative Life Network in Nashville, Tennessee

Training and Experience

Dr. Barta is a Ph.D. level Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist – Supervisor, and Certified Clinical Partner Specialist. He has extensive training in the treatment of trauma including Brainspotting, EMDR and Somatic Experiencing. His expertise granted him the privilege of serving on the board of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health and is a nationally recognized speaker in the field of both substance and process addictions. Throughout his career he has frequently provided lectures and trainings for therapists regarding sexual addictions and compulsions, neurobiology, and neurobiological treatment models.

Dr. Barta exhibits exemplary clinical skills and an approachable style of treatment and communication. His effectiveness is enhanced by his own recovery process to assure that each individual and/or couple’s needs are thoroughly addressed.

His research and practice have led to the development of treatment programs that identify trauma as the root of all addictive behaviors. His work treats your compulsive and/or sexually addictive behaviors from a neurobiological approach that finds and heals the traumas that are the source of your addiction.

He is now offering treatment at his new practice using his newest neuroscientific model IDP™ which works with the specific areas of your brain and nervous system that were impacted by trauma and treat’s a broader spectrum of addictions, including drugs and alcohol and other compulsive behaviors that mimic addictions. Additionally, he will be offering onsite training in the Neurobiology of Trauma and Addiction to Counseling Practices, Treatment Centers, and Organizations that want their staff trained in the new IDP™ Model.

Dr. Barta is the author of the book TINSA® A Neurological Approach to the Treatment of Sex Addiction, published in 2017; and the creator of the TINSA® model, now owned by the Integrative Life Network, Nashville, Tennessee.