Sex addiction expert Robert Weiss applauds Tiger Woods, notes the five things he did right

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 19, 2010 — Following Tiger Woods’ statement this morning that he is returning to treatment for sexual addiction, Robert Weiss, a leading sex addiction expert and founding director of the Sexual Recovery Institute, issued this statement praising the golf legend for placing recovery over fame, and noting the “five things Tiger did right.”

“Those who struggle with sex and love addiction, like Tiger, should not return to work or the situations that were problematic so soon after treatment. It’s an invitation to return to the clandestine life of addiction and break the promises he made during therapy. I applaud Tiger for making the difficult decision to eschew handlers who want him to return to the game of golf and instead focus on treatment for him and his family.”

Weiss, who has been providing commentary on Tiger Woods’ sex addiction treatment since the scandal broke in November 2010, also commended the superstar by calling out the five things he did right:

1. Listened to the recommendations made by experts with whom he worked with while in treatment.

2. Learned that healing and trust-building with a spouse involves what he does, and not what he says.

3. Decided not to go back to work right away, and possibly not any time soon.

4. Committed to additional aftercare and therapy.

5. Let others know where he stands and does not expect forgiveness, but rather is simply telling his truth and letting the chips fall where they may.

“Sometimes good things do happen. Sick people get better, painful relationship problems are worked out; and an addict goes into rehab and learns his lessons. While it’s easy to be cynical when money, fame and power are involved, it is also important to consider the possibility we all share for healing and grace. This may just be Tiger’s tale.”