Sex Addiction

Sex Addiction & Compulsive Sexual Behaviours

Sex addiction and compulsive sexual behaviours are terms used for any sexual behaviours that feel out of control. The person experiencing these may seek out and engage with these behaviours despite the negative and debilitating impact they are having on their lives, and will often feel unable to stop or to make different choices.

Issues with sex addiction and compulsive sexual behaviours can have a devastating and highly distressing impact on individuals, on partner relationships and on families. There is hope however, and things can change. Counselling can start to unpick the behaviours, explore the contributing factors and emotions involved, and look at how to start making different choices that lead to a healthier and happier life. Exploring thoughts, feelings and experiences in counselling sessions can help you start to understand more about what’s led you to this point, gradually building self-awareness, reducing shame and finding a sense of empowerment within yourself.

Some examples of addictive and compulsive sexual behaviours are:

  • Compulsive use of pornography
  • Compulsive masturbation
  • Ongoing, multiple affairs
  • Repeated sexual hook-ups
  • Compulsive phone/online sex
  • Dangerous or harmful sexual practices

It’s important to remember that the behaviour itself is not the problem, it’s when the behaviour feels out of control to the person engaging with it. These behaviours are often used as a way of coping with the world, and to ease psychological discomfort or pain.

I work with individuals, with partners and with couples looking for support and to work through their experiences and difficulties.