What is Problematic Sexual Behavior?
Sometimes problematic sexual behavior is called “sex addiction.” Though the terms are used interchangeably, there are some differences.
Problematic sexual behavior generally refers more broadly to sexual behaviors causing personal distress, harm, or impairment in a person’s life, relationships, or daily functioning. It emphasizes behaviors or thoughts that are happening rather than labeling the person as an “addict.” As a term, it doesn’t necessarily imply addiction or compulsivity, although it can include both of those components.
Sex addiction, on the other hand, generally suggests a pattern of sexual behavior characterized by loss of control, obsessive preoccupation, and continuation of the behaviors despite negative consequences. “Sex addiction” is the common term most people use, but the official clinical term recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) is Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD).
Struggles with sexual behavior – whether termed problematic sexual behavior, compulsive sexual behavior disorder, or sex addiction – affect millions of people. Both problematic sexual behavior and sex addiction nearly always sit atop a history of traumatic experiences. Proper clinical assessment and therapy performed by a trained, mental health professional is essential to healing. Group work with a specially trained therapist or coach also can be an integral part of healing and recovery.
We know people who struggle with problematic sexual behaviors and sex addiction are often filled with shame. The struggle may have been hidden for moths to years to decades. We get it. We also know hiding never works if we want change. If you are struggling with uncontrollable sexual urges or are engaging in sexual behaviors that impact your well-being, relationships, or health, we can help. We offer specialized therapy to help you get to the root of the issue, heal, and restore or create a healthy sexuality. Our Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSATs) or Associate Sex Addiction Therapists (ASATs) are trained specifically to provide evidence-based treatment focused on lasting recovery and trauma healing.
How do I know if I have a problem?
Often, if you are asking the question, you may already know but be afraid to admit it. We understand. This assessment can help you explore whether there is an issue. Answer the questions as honestly as you can.
Other ways to know are if a friend or family member has indicated you may have an issue. There may be other indicators as well. We can help you during your free consultation.
How Does Therapy Help Problematic Sexual Behaviors or Sex Addiction?
Therapy helps you understand the root causes of their behaviors, heal from trauma, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild self-worth and relationships. Our therapists use evidence-based methods to help you explore your story, heal from past traumatic events, and walk in real recovery, not just white-knuckle sobriety.
The Therapeutic Process
In specialized therapy at The Journey and The Process, our expert clinicians will help you uncover the the root causes driving problematic sexual behaviors, such as:
- Trauma (sexual, emotional, physical)
- Attachment wounds or relational deficits
- Low self-esteem and shame
- Unresolved emotional pain (loneliness, grief, rejection)
- Mental health concerns (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
Problematic sexual behaviors often arise as unhealthy coping mechanisms. We teach clients to cope in healthier ways by:
- Teaching emotional regulation and stress management
- Developing mindfulness practices
- Building interpersonal skills and meaningful relationships
- Learning healthier boundaries and communication skills
Evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help clients:
- Identify problematic thoughts and triggers.
- Reduce impulsivity and compulsivity.
- Modify distorted thinking patterns.
- Develop self-awareness and behavioral self-control.
Finally, we work to heal trauma using specialized therapies such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
- EMDR & Brainspotting help clients process traumatic memories causing distress or driving compulsive behaviors.
- Somatic Experiencing helps release trauma stored in the body, reducing emotional dysregulation.
- IFS identifies and heals fragmented parts of self, reducing internal conflicts and compulsive behaviors.
What Should I Expect from Therapy?
Recovery from problematic sexual behaviors/sex addiction takes time, but with the right treatment, you can absolutely regain control and lead a fulfilling life. I get that right now you might not even feel like that’s possible. We promise you it is. Here’s some of what you can expect from therapy:
- Assessment and Evaluation: We’ll work with you to understand your unique experiences and identify patterns, helping us create a personalized treatment plan. This isn’t a cookie-cutter model. We create a plan just for you.
- Therapeutic Interventions: You’ll learn tools to manage triggers, reduce impulsive behaviors, and develop healthier coping strategies all while healing from past traumas.
- Ongoing Support: Recovery is a journey, and we provide continuous support through individual and group therapy to help you stay on track and to provide healthy community support. We know healing happens in community!
- Relapse Prevention: We’ll help you build a relapse prevention plan to handle challenges with confidence. Just like the treatment plan, your relapse prevention plan will be tailored to your unique needs.
- Healthy Relationship Skills: We’ll help you understand how behaviors have impacted their relationships, learn and practice healthy intimacy and vulnerability, develop or increase in empathy for yourself and your partner, and establish healthy boundaries and rebuild trust.
Sex addiction therapy can help if compulsive sexual behaviors are impacting your relationships, work, or mental health. Therapy may be beneficial if you’re struggling with:
- Uncontrollable sexual urges or behaviors that disrupt daily life.
- Difficulty maintaining relationships due to secrecy or sexual behaviors.
- Chronic pornography use or risky sexual behaviors.
- Low self-esteem or other emotional issues contributing to compulsive behaviors.
Don’t let compulsive sexual behavior control your life. Reach out today and take the first step toward healing.
