Sex Addiction

Sex addiction is a preoccupation with sexual behavior (masturbation, sex clubs, anonymous or casual sex, etc.) that is ritualized and compulsive. These behaviors can cause social, economic, and interpersonal difficulties, causing one to lose relationships, employment, and a sense of self.  Individuals can experience withdrawal symptoms when abstinent from sexually acting out behavior, even when the behavior will sabotage meaningful relationships or self-respect.

Sex addicts use sexual behavior to enhance and alter their mood. Their behavior closely resembles the patterns of alcoholics and drug-addicted clients.  Patterns are  1) a loss of control; 2) a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences such as arrests, broken marriages, & financial problems; 3) an obsession or preoccupation with obtaining, using, or recovering from sexual acting out behavior (Carnes & Schneider, 2000).

Sex addiction is a way to cope with life stress and intense emotions. Once someone has developed a sex addiction, the behavior can escalate.  Secrets and lies tend to increase to hide from shame and guilt. Often, individuals justify and rationalize their behavior because “it’s just sex” and “we’re all sexual beings, right?”

The truth is that, yes, we are all sexual beings. Sex becomes a problem only when we are unbalanced and when sex becomes all you think about, talk about, and desire--and when lies and denial become necessary to keep the behavior active.

Sex addiction treatment involves Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment and somatic based treatments. Clients will develop skills to stay accountable. Clients will receive individual and possibly couples therapy. Typically, the root cause of addictions is often caused by trauma. Elana is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Certified Sex Therapist. She and her team are trained in Brainspotting, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Experiencing. Clients will develop skills to manage their urges and impulses. They will develop coping strategies to replace problematic behaviors.