Sex Addiction & Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Polygraph Examinations
Clarity, Accountability, and a Structured Way Forward.
A sex addiction or compulsive sexual behaviour polygraph examination can help explore specific, agreed questions about past behaviour, disclosure, pornography use, online activity, or relationship boundaries. It is not a therapy session, diagnosis, or guarantee of truth, but it can provide a structured process to support accountability, disclosure, and informed decision-making.
The term 'sex addiction' is commonly used by the public and in relationship recovery settings. Clinically, some presentations may be discussed in terms of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder, which is recognised in ICD-11. A polygraph examination is not a clinical diagnosis and should not replace therapy or medical advice.
Living with Doubt
Uncertainty about a partner's sexual behaviour, undisclosed contact, pornography use, or online activity can cause significant anxiety, distress, and damage to relationships. Whether you are experiencing doubt as a partner or carrying the weight of undisclosed behaviour yourself, the situation can feel overwhelming and isolating.
A polygraph examination does not promise certainty or resolve complex relationship issues on its own. However, it can offer a structured, carefully scoped process to address specific, agreed questions — providing a foundation for accountability, informed decision-making, and, where appropriate, the beginning of a recovery process.
"It is not about blame. It is about creating a structured opportunity for honesty, clarity, and a way forward."
Integrating Polygraph Examination into Recovery Support
Confidential Examinations. Respectful, Recovery-Focused Support.
The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience understands the sensitive nature of these enquiries. The examination process is guided by professional standards, careful question formulation, and respect for everyone involved.
Qualified Examiner
Dr Keith Ashcroft is a Chartered Psychologist, polygraph examiner, and member of the American Polygraph Association. All examinations are conducted to recognised professional standards.
Confidential and Discreet Process
Information is handled discreetly and professionally. Any limits to confidentiality, such as safeguarding concerns or agreed third-party reporting, are explained before the examination.
Respectful and Trauma-Informed Approach
The process is conducted with sensitivity. You will be treated respectfully, without judgement, and with an understanding of the emotional difficulty of these situations.
Structured, Evidence-Informed Method
The examination follows a structured process using recognised polygraph procedures. Results should be considered alongside wider context, professional judgement, and any therapeutic or safeguarding input.
How the Process Works
Each polygraph examination follows a structured procedure designed to ensure clarity, informed consent, and a respectful process throughout.
Initial Enquiry and Suitability Review
We discuss the purpose of the examination, the proposed topics, and whether a polygraph examination is appropriate for the situation.
Consent and Scope
The examinee must understand the process and agree to the scope of questioning. Questions are agreed in advance and must be clear, relevant, and behaviour-specific.
Pre-Examination Interview
The examiner explains the process, reviews the issue, and ensures the examinee understands each question before any data collection begins.
Polygraph Examination
Sensors record physiological responses while the examinee answers agreed yes/no questions.
Analysis and Report
Results are analysed by the examiner and summarised in a written report. The report should be interpreted cautiously and in context.
Types of Polygraph Examination
Every case is unique. The type of examination is agreed during the suitability review and tailored to the specific questions and context.
Disclosure Polygraph Examination
Used where a person has prepared a structured disclosure and the examination is designed around clearly defined areas of concern.
Specific Issue Polygraph Examination
Focused on a narrow, agreed question such as whether a particular behaviour, contact, or online activity occurred.
Maintenance or Monitoring Polygraph Examination
Used periodically during recovery or therapeutic work to support accountability around agreed boundaries.
Preparing for a Disclosure Polygraph Examination
A disclosure-focused examination is usually most useful when the examinee has already prepared a clear written disclosure or summary of the relevant behaviour.
Before the appointment, it may be helpful to clarify:
- the period of time being considered;
- the relationship boundaries or behaviours at issue;
- any pornography, online activity, contact, messaging, or in-person behaviour that needs to be addressed;
- whether a therapist, solicitor, or other professional is involved;
- who will receive the report;
- how the result will be used.
Questions should be specific, behaviour-based, and agreed before the examination. Broad questions such as "Have you told me everything?" are usually too vague without careful preparation.
Who This Service May Help
- Individuals in recovery from compulsive sexual behaviour
- Couples working through disclosure after betrayal or hidden behaviour
- Therapists supporting structured disclosure work
- Partners seeking clarity around agreed relationship boundaries
- Legal or safeguarding professionals requiring a carefully scoped private examination
Important: This service is not suitable where a person is being coerced, where informed consent is absent, or where the examination is being requested to intimidate, shame, or control another person.
Working With Therapists and Supporting Professionals
Where a therapist, counsellor, solicitor, or safeguarding professional is involved, Dr Keith Ashcroft can work within a clearly defined professional framework.
The role of the therapist or supporting professional is to manage the therapeutic, legal, or safeguarding context. The role of the polygraph examiner is to conduct a structured examination around agreed, behaviour-specific questions. The examiner does not provide therapy, diagnose Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder, or determine what decisions a couple, therapist, or professional should make after the examination.
Where appropriate, written instructions or professional context may help ensure that the examination is properly scoped, ethically appropriate, and aligned with the wider support process.
Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
A polygraph examination may produce a result that is consistent with no significant response, a significant response, or an inconclusive outcome.
The result should not be treated as a standalone verdict. It should be considered alongside the wider context, the examinee's disclosure, any therapeutic or safeguarding input, and the purpose for which the examination was requested.
Where a significant response or inconclusive result occurs, the next step may be further discussion, additional disclosure work, therapeutic support, legal advice, safeguarding review, or a decision not to proceed further. The appropriate response depends on the circumstances.
What a Polygraph Examination Cannot Do
It is important to understand the limitations of any polygraph examination before proceeding.
A polygraph examination cannot diagnose sex addiction or Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder.
It cannot replace therapy, counselling, or medical assessment.
It cannot guarantee truthfulness.
It cannot prove guilt or innocence in criminal proceedings.
It cannot replace safeguarding procedures.
It cannot resolve relationship conflict on its own.
It cannot test vague, broad, or emotionally loaded questions.
Trust and Professional Standards
Our work is guided by professional ethics, structured examination procedures, careful question formulation, and respect for the sensitivity of the issues being discussed.
- Qualified Polygraph Examiner
- Member of the American Polygraph Association (APA)
- Advanced, Computerised Polygraph Technology
- Professional Written Report
- Supportive, Respectful, Trauma-Informed Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a therapy session?
Can a partner or therapist suggest questions?
Can medication or anxiety affect the examination?
Will the report be sent to my partner or therapist?
Can this prove someone is telling the truth?
Is this suitable if someone is being pressured to attend?
Professional Boundaries and Suitability
Not every enquiry is suitable for a polygraph examination. Dr Keith Ashcroft may decline or postpone an examination where there are concerns about coercion, informed consent, mental health, safeguarding, unclear question scope, or potential legal prejudice.
Request a Confidential Consultation
If you are considering a polygraph examination for disclosure, accountability, or recovery support, contact Dr Keith Ashcroft to discuss whether the process is appropriate for your situation.
This page is provided for general information only. A polygraph examination is not therapy, counselling, medical diagnosis, legal advice, or a guarantee of truthfulness. Results should be interpreted cautiously and in context. Where there are safeguarding, legal, or mental health concerns, appropriate professional advice should be sought.