In its simplest form, sexual addiction is a progressive, compulsive pattern of sexually acting out behaviors. It manifests itself as a loss of control over one’s sexual behaviors, where one is powerless to independently stop their sexual acting out, despite adverse consequences, as well as a sincere desire and efforts to stop. These compulsive acting out behaviors can include but are not limited to:
- Pornography
- Sexting
- Masturbation
- Strip Clubs
- Prostitutes or Escorts
- Anonymous Sex
- Online Chatting
- Affairs-emotional and/or physical
Sexual addiction IS NO T just a “man’s problem.” Women are also entangled by its web. Additionally, sexual addiction IS NOT just about sex. There are triggers which lead to the acting out behaviors. These triggers can be such things as stress, fear of abandonment, experiencing a loss, anxiety, etc. If untreated, sexual addiction, just as any other addiction, can destroy lives. It can bring an end to careers, to relationships, as well as facilitate serious physical, legal, health-related and financial problems.
If you believe that your behaviors may be an indicator of being sexually addicted, or if you know of someone who may compulsively engage in these types of behaviors, THERE IS HOPE. The first step is recognizing that there may be a problem and then taking the necessary steps to seek help. We provide assistance to both men and women.
We believe that sexual addiction impacts not just the one entangled by the addictive cycle, but for the spouse or partner, a great deal of trauma and pain is incurred, resulting in significant relational strain. As such, in addition to providing individual therapy to the sex addict, we offer therapeutic services such as individual therapy and support and work groups, to spouses or partners of the sex addict.
If you are a spouse or partner, please see our Partners of Sex Addicts tab