Sexual Addiction
What is Sexual Addiction?
An addiction occurs when one has lost the ability to control or stop unwanted actions and behaviors despite dangerous and harmful consequences to oneself and their loved ones. With sex addiction, these uncontrollable and unwanted behaviors include: Excessive viewing of pornography Compulsive masturbation Sexual and/or emotional infidelity – and often times with multiple partners Inappropriate relationships via chatting, sexting, social media Sexual acting out such as frequenting massage parlors and strip clubs or engaging escort services and prostitution Living a double-life (Jekyll & Hyde) Sex addiction can be defined as a compulsive physiological or psychological need for a sexual experience that has become habit forming. It is the condition of being habitually or compulsively preoccupied with the pathological (sick or unhealthy) need for a sexual event or experience. Sex becomes central to the addict’s life—more important than family, friends, hobbies, health, and work. Sexual addicts frequently deny that they have a problem, even to themselves, and frequently use compulsive sexual behavior as a means of dealing with pain. This often leads them into living a double (or secret) life, creating more shame, pain, and isolation When someone is addicted to sex, the brain chemistry is physiologically altered. Sex addiction can be as severe as chemical dependencies to drugs such as Alcohol, Heroin, Cocaine, LSD, and Marijuana! I approach sexual addiction treatment through either individual/couples therapy or a structured program called LifeStar. See descriptions below.
Individual/Couples Therapy
Whether you are someone struggling with unmanageable sexual behavior or you are the spouse or partner of that person, I offer compassionate and honest treatment through Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), assisting people in understanding the nature, causes, and pathways related to recovery. I also strive to work with couples as they learn to understand the forever changed dynamics of their relationship and navigate how they can heal together, rebuild together, and thrive together in their new relationship.
LifeStar Program
For over 20 years, LifeStar has been helping individuals, spouses, and families heal from the devastating affects of pornography addiction and other sexually compulsive behaviors. Through an innovative and proven 3 Phased treatment program, this intensive outpatient group therapy approach gives participants the resources, support, and structure needed to experience a successful recovery from the damaging effects of pornography and sexual addiction. LifeStar is an Internationally recognized treatment program in nearly 40 Cities across the U.S. and Canada. Each phase of recovery is specifically designed to gently uncover, yet aggressively heal, the destructive patterns that create and maintain addictive behaviors. Workbooks, along with other materials, help provide education and structure throughout the different phases of treatment. If you are struggling with sexual addiction or you are concerned about some of your behavior but are unsure how severe it is, click this link to learn more. https://lifestarnetwork.com/the-addiction/the-addict/ If you are the spouse or partner of an addict or you have concerns but are unsure of the severity, click this link to learn more. https://lifestarnetwork.com/the-addiction/the-spouse/ If you are a teen or the parent of a teen and you are concerned about a potential or clearly identified problem click here for more information. https://lifestarnetwork.com/the-addiction/youthstar-2/ For more information about our 3 Phased program follow the link below.
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