Compulsive Sexual Behaviours
Many people struggle with feeling that they have an ‘addiction’ to sex or porn.
It can feel that way when your thoughts and urges to have sex or view porn seem nearly impossible to control.
This experience is also referred to as ‘hypersexuality’ or ‘compulsive sexual behaviours’.
The terms ‘sex addiction’ and ‘porn addiction’ originated from the ’12 step models’ of addiction recovery.
Many therapists and treatment programs use this ‘addiction based model’ and this language because it is familiar and relatable.
This approach to treatment, however, is not consistent with best practices in our field. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counsellors and Therapists reports:
‘AASECT recognizes that people may experience significant physical, psychological, spiritual and sexual health consequences related to their sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors. AASECT recommends that its members utilize models that do not unduly pathologize consensual sexual behaviors.
AASECT 1) does not find sufficient empirical evidence to support the classification of sex addiction or porn addiction as a mental health disorder,
2) does not find the sexual addiction training and treatment methods and educational pedagogies to be adequately informed by accurate human sexuality knowledge.
Therefore, it is the position of AASECT that linking problems related to sexual urges, thoughts or behaviors to a porn/sexual addiction process cannot be advanced by AASECT as a standard of practice for sexuality education delivery, counseling or therapy.’
You can read more about the AASECT position statement on sex therapy for hypersexuality here: https://www.aasect.org/position-sex-addiction
The terms ‘sex addiction’ and ‘porn addiction’ are originally from the ’12 step models’ of addiction recovery.
My approach to treatment is based upon medical / psychological interventions that have been developed to assist people with reaching their own personal goals.
My treatment is focused on helping people to clarify what they truly value in their lives, such as intimate relationships, employment, social connections or financial freedom.
Time for Change
Treatment strategies are developed to assist you to reach your goals. Your motivation to make healthier decisions for yourself comes from the values you have identified.
Change is possible.
It can be a difficult decision to seek treatment for sexual difficulties and it is important to seek treatment from an experienced, skilled and compassionate therapist. I welcome any questions you may have to support you to achieve better control.