Sex Addiction & Sex Addiction Therapy | Virtual Sessions
What Is Sex Addiction?
Sex addiction is a “behavioral” addiction similar to pathological gambling, gaming, compulsive spending, and eating disorders. It has many of the characteristics of substance addiction including obsession, unsuccessful promises to stop, and often huge losses of cherished people and life goals. It is a disorder of behavior and brain chemistry which may continue over a period of many years until the addict finally faces catastrophic losses, sometimes leading to a willingness to engage in treatment.
Sex addicts face many consequences including emotional, physical, spiritual, loss of family and friends, career loss, and sometimes frightening legal consequences. Behaviors may include compulsive use of pornography, affairs, fantasy, sex workers, voyeurism, and/or exhibitionism.
Criteria for sex addiction is similar to other addictions. These includes three major components: 1) problematic sexual behaviors creating powerful and rewarding brain chemistry, 2) a realization of consequences and pledging to stop (or manage) behaviors, and 3) inability to stop. Sex addicts lose the power of choice—the addiction almost always has the final say.
Sex Addiction TREATMENT with our Therapists
How We Treat Sex Addiction at HSC
Clients at Healthy Sex Consultants receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment for sex addiction. Initially, each client is administered The Sexual Dependency Inventory (SDI) 4.0. The SDI is a confidential diagnostic test which assists the clinician in understanding the various aspects of problematic sexual behavior. Information is also collected and evaluated on drug use, masturbation, paraphilias, and internet usage behaviors. The results from the SDI are extremely important for the clinicians at HSC when establishing a treatment plan for their clients. Having all of this information available in one report is essential when treating a complex process addiction like sex addiction.
Once the HSC clinician has made the initial assessment through careful evaluation of the SDI and preliminary meetings with the client, formal treatment may begin. At HSC, our clinicians treat sex addiction using a number of evidence-based approaches addressing mind, body, and spirit. Modalities including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Gestalt, IFS (Internal Family Systems), EMDR, Reiki, and the 30-Task Model (developed by Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., a leading researcher in the field of sex addiction treatment).
The 30 Task Model is a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to the treatment of sex addiction. Focus is primarily on the completion of Tasks and acquiring the critical skills to achieve long-term sobriety. Each Task is associated with a specific set of performable behavioral assignments completed by clients to create a foundation for long-term success and sustainable recovery from sex addiction. When followed, the 30-Task Model has proven effective for achieving long-term recovery.
Today we know that most people suffering from sex addiction may have co-occurring problems such as depression, anxiety, or a history of trauma. Your therapist at Healthy Sex Consultants will develop an individualized treatment plan utilizing the 30-Task Model in addition to a variety of other approaches which best fit your needs. A comprehensive approach from the multidisciplinary team at HSC is often the kind of combination which leads to long-term success.
Speak with a Professional Therapist
Clinicians at HSC have all received training from The International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP)—an organization developed to train mental health professionals in the treatment of sex addiction and betrayal trauma. In addition, clinicians at HSC are Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT) and have many years of experience in the field of sex addiction treatment.
Speak with us today and discover how we can restore balance and harmony in your life.