Sex Addiction
It’s only natural to enjoy sex, and wish to engage in it more often, but persistent sexual desires, thoughts, and behaviour can become a serious problem. However, with the help of counselling, and therapy you can reclaim control of your life.
Counselling and Therapy for Sex Addiction
Many people enjoy sex, and wish to engage in it more often than they normally do, but persistent sexual desires, thoughts, and behaviour can become unwelcome and problematic.
Sex addiction is a condition that causes a person to become excessively preoccupied with sexual thoughts and behaviours. In some cases, they might become so preoccupied that the condition disrupts their daily functioning. They’ll also continue to engage in sexual activities regardless of any negative consequences they might cause.
It’s important to stress that someone with a high libido for sex is not necessarily a sex addict. In most cases, sex addiction will disrupt a person’s day-to-day life and more often than not, affect their personal relationships. A person with this condition will spend an extreme amount of time and means fulfilling their sexual urges. Sexual behaviours they may exhibit include:
- Spending an excessive amount of time-consuming pornographic content or masturbating
- Regularly visiting strip clubs
- Cheating on partners
- Paying for sex
Many people living with sex addiction operate under the false belief that they can manage their symptoms. However, without professional treatment, the condition will not simply go away.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sex Addiction?
It is important to appreciate the difference between a healthy sex life and an addiction. While the following may not accurately reflect how you’re feeling or your experience, these are common behaviours associated with sexual addiction.
- Having multiple affairs regardless of whether you are in a relationship
- Excessive use of pornography
- A desire to stop having sex but finding yourself unable to
- Using sex as a distraction or coping mechanism for you emotional state
- Needing to increase the frequency of sexual encounters to get the same ‘high’
- Spending a long time thinking about and planning sexual encounters
- Missing important events or work to engage in sexual activities
- Undertaking risky sexual behaviours without thought of consequences
- An increased need to pursue sexual fantasies or gratification, despite any negative consequences
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or disgust following sexual acts
Donna Marie Thomas
Hello, my name is Donna, I am a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and Registered Member of BACP based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
I have a passion for helping people to enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life via a person centred approach to therapy tailored to meet each individuals specific needs.
Get in touch to find out more or book an appointment with me today.
What are the Causes of Sex Addiction?
As with other forms of addiction, such as alcohol or drugs, one of the reasons that you may become addicted to sex is that it offers a form of escape or ‘high.’ Below are some of the most common causes of sex addiction:
- Genetics and family dysfunction
- Sexual abuse during childhood
- Substance abuse or other addictions
- Existing mental health problems
- Biochemical and/or hormonal imbalances
- Medical conditions
What is the Impact of Sex Addiction?
The specific ways that sex addiction can affect your life depends on a range of personal factors. The following are among the more common types of damage that sex addiction can inflict:
- Strained or ruined relationships
- Problems forming and maintaining relationships
- Separation and divorce
- An increased risk of STDs/STIs
- Job loss relating to unacceptable behaviours
- Substance misuse and addiction
- Reduced sense of self-worth
- Persistent sense of shame, guilt and self-loathing
Counselling and Therapy Options
Treating sex addiction requires a unique approach and treatment plan for each person, which is why the multiple approach of psychotherapy and counselling is such an incredibly successful one.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) remains the primary form of therapy used in the treatment of sex addiction. However, there are also other therapeutic methods that effectively address some of the potential underlying causes of the addiction.
The following are some of the most common treatments:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Mindfulness
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
Benefits of a Personalised Relapse Prevention Plan for Sex Addiction
Breaking free from sex addiction is a long-term journey, and it can be a life-long pursuit. After the initial recovery phase, it doesn’t mean that all the external and internal triggers have disappeared. Instead, this means that you now have to actively apply the tools you have learned in therapy to your daily life.
The key to recovery from sex addiction is to have a relapse prevention plan in place in order to help you build up your resilience to temptation.
Here are some of the benefits that a personalised relapse prevention plan can offer:
- Identification of triggers and warning signs
- Empowerment and ownership
- Improved coping skills
- Improved self-awareness and insight
- Resilience building and preparedness
- Support and accountability
How Innerworth Counselling Can Help
The recovery process for sex addiction is a journey, and for many a lifetime commitment. There isn’t a quick fix or a magic bullet to treat it, however with counselling and therapy you will receive a safe, soothing and confidential space where you can begin to discuss and understand the root causes of your sex addiction.
It is also a space where you can begin to explore the emotional aspects behind your sex addiction and learn a range of techniques which will allow you over a period of time to emerge from the shadow of addiction.
Take the First Step Now
I offer private therapy, and take a person-centred approach, meaning that I’m non-judgemental, see clients as equals, and collaborate on your healing journey together.
If you feel you could benefit from therapy for sex addiction, please book an initial consultation. You don’t have to prepare for this, just come as you are and we can look into how I might be able to help.
Additional Information
Here are some links that you may find helpful:
Samaritans
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call them on: 116 123.
www.samaritans.org
Mind
The team at Mind provide information on a range of mental health problems.
www.mind.org.uk
Contact me today to book a confidential consulation
What My Clients Say
Jason Osborne
I shall be forever bewildered by the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. I had always remained sceptical until my very last session, then the “weight” that suddenly lifted was both physical and emotional and continues to benefit both myself and those around me three years on – thank you Donna.
Jason Osborne
Abigail Johnson
I’ve finally found a solution to my dependency on food. Your weight-loss therapy sessions have seriously transformed my life. Honestly, I could cry, I am so happy and feel like a totally new person, inside and out! Truly amazing Donna.
Abigail Johnson
Charlotte Dickinson
I went to see Donna because my anxiety and depression had spiralled out of control. I now have skills and techniques that I can use for the rest of my life to help me cope with any challenges. Thoroughly recommend psychotherapy from Innerworth Counselling. Donna is warm, professional and clearly passionate about what she does.