Sex Addiction Treatment
Are You Struggling With Out-Of-Control Sexual Thoughts And Behaviors?
Do you find yourself engaging more and more with out-of-control sexual behaviors and urges, that you worry your family, friends, and even co-workers will find out? I am glad that you found this page. I understand that the burden of your secret behavior has become too much to handle. Living with the fear of discovery begins a cascading effect, and you feel like your world is crumbling.
When you struggle with sex addiction and /or out-of-control sexual behaviors, you also shroud yourself with guilt and shame that you try to regulate. Instead, it becomes harder to control your sexual urges, fantasies, infidelities and sexual addiction. In an attempt to escape your guilt, you may start to increase your out-of-control sexual behaviors, such as, using escorts or online chatting services. As you live your double life and engage in unrestrained sexual behaviors, you also continue to spend an exorbitant amount of time and money on feeding your sex addiction. Ultimately, your relationships with your loved ones suffer.
The good news is that many individuals who have struggled with similar sexual impulses have recovered with the help of an experienced therapist. Through sexual addiction treatment, you too, have hope to free yourself from your overwhelming sexual thoughts and behaviors.
Sex Addiction Is More Common Than You Think
Sex is a taboo subject in our culture and sex addiction is a misunderstood disorder. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy estimates that nearly 12 million Americans suffer from sexual addiction. Types of sex addiction vary widely depending on the sex addict's impulses and behaviors. Studies also suggest that the increase in fast and easy accessibility of pornography, videos and chat rooms has led more individuals to develop a harmful sex addiction.
Sometimes, betrayed partners believe that sex addiction is just an excuse for their partners to give themselves the “green light” to engage in out-of-control sexual behaviors. In addition, betrayed partners often do not understand what sex addiction is because they are overwhelmingly devastated by their partners' actions. Unfortunately, in many cases, the fear, shock and trauma in their relationship keep both the person acting out and his or her partner from seeking help.
So What is Sex Addiction?
People who suffer from sex addiction or out-of-control sexual behaviors cope maladaptively to stresses in their lives. Through time, their brains get caught in a cycle that continually feeds itself. Usually a stressor, whether conscious or not, triggers a cue for an upswing of immersion of sexual thought and fantasy in order to entertain and heighten arousal in the fantasy or to act on the sexual thoughts that become harmful. These include but are not limited to, searching pornography sites on the Internet, looking for hook-ups on Craigslist or Backpage as well as seeking out massage parlors and strip clubs. The next part of the addictive cycle is to move toward the preparation and ritualization stage in order to intensify arousal. This may include more of the behaviors mentioned above, while adding the use of drugs and alcohol to experience a continually heightened state.
After the sex addict completes their engaged behavior, the feeling of shame and guilt occur, often leading to despair. It is not uncommon for sex addicts to feel that they are “bad” individuals and quickly tell themselves that they will control this behavior or never do it again. Others do not recognize the guilt and shame they feel because the continued sex addiction becomes compartmentalized in order to avoid what is happening. Yet, the intense pain from shame, guilt and anxiety is the driving force that begins a cycle of “numbing” or “self-soothing,” as the addict tries to recapture that excitement once again.
Through time, some people who struggle with sex addiction may slowly feel the need to seek out more intensity or different behaviors, pairing their compulsion with the use of substances (drugs like cocaine and/or alcohol). The old sexual behaviors may not be as arousing, and the sex addict feels the need to heighten his or her arousal. The sex addict’s brain is continually seeking to recapture the pleasurable rewards of excitement in order to push back the shame, guilt and anxiety that lies underneath. In this scenario, the paired sex addicted behaviors and substances are part of the cycle – both becoming necessary for arousal.
Regain Control Of Your Life With Sex Addiction Treatment
My approach to treatment is compassionate, non-judgmental and understanding. During your sex addiction treatment sessions, you and I will design a holistic treatment plan unique to your situation. You will gain recovery tools and techniques that help you cope with triggered urges and out-of-control sexual behaviors. We will identify stresses and links to these behaviors and discover positive coping mechanisms that help in remapping the brain (thinking patterns), so you do not relapse into old patterns of sexual addiction to cope.
Different treatment approaches are available for harmful sexual behaviors. I offer individual treatment intensives, group psycho-educational therapy, as well as therapy for partners suffering from the trauma of betrayal. As healing progresses, you may choose to enter into my couples program to learn to build trust with your partner. If you or your partner are ready to take courageous steps to reclaim your life, I am here to work with you, and I look forward to helping you every step of the way.
Since 1986, I have specialized in addiction treatment, and in 2013, I became a certified sex addiction therapist through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction (IITAP). I also trained with the National Association of Forensic Counselors and I am certified to work with sex offenders.
As human beings, we often get stuck and are unsure of how to move forward. Even though you may now feel helpless and hopeless, you can recover. Through sex addiction treatment, I will guide you to a tailor-created program with tools and techniques that assist you to sever the grip of sexual addiction and out-of-control sexual behaviors, so you will be able to move toward that harmonious life of contentment that you desire.
You may be interested in sex addiction treatment, but still have questions or concerns…
I am worried about what others will think of me if I attend sex addiction treatment.
Our sessions are strictly confidential. My office is a safe environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences. By taking this courageous first step toward your recovery, you are opening a door to free yourself from the burdens of secrecy and impulses so you can become more connected to your loved one.
I don’t want to give up my sex addiction. Can treatment still help me?
You may have been caught with acting on your sexual impulses, or you fear giving up the “rush” of your out-of-control sexual behaviors. In either case, give sex addiction treatment a chance. While I cannot construct change for you, you can comfortably learn about sex addiction and what our-of-control sexual behaviors are. As you attend sessions, you will begin to feel more empowered to take the steps to make changes in your life.
Will the benefits of sex addiction treatment outweigh the costs?
The initial investment of your time, money, and energy in sex addiction treatment can drastically improve your life in the future. Living a double life of anxiety, shame, guilt and sadness is burdensome. It is harming you and your family in many ways. Once you free yourself from your impulses and become more in tune with your full self, you will start to feel more focused at work and rebuild strong relationships with your loved ones – an invaluable investment.
Confidently Overcome Harmful Sexual Impulses
If you are ready to take the steps to begin the work toward emotional freedom and recovery, contact me now for a complimentary and confidential 20-minute phone consult to learn more about the treatment program. I look forward to discussing your needs and answer any questions you may have about sex addiction treatment and how you can begin your journey. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (810) 964-5400 or via email at nvcase0911 (at) outlook.com.
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Being addicted to sex is the same as any other addiction in that you are only harmed by the secrecy. Hiding and delaying help will only keep you stuck. One of the best treatment methods for healing from sex addiction is safe, ongoing support.