What is Sex Addiction?

Sex Addiction is a label that the mental health community has come up with to identify when a person is struggling with overly compulsive sexual behaviors usually manifest with a specific set of symptoms. Some symptoms that are typically seen in the case of sex addiction are:

• Inability to cease behaviors although their has been continued attempts to stop.
• A need for more intensity in the behavior to get the satisfaction needed (tolerance).
• Possibly irritability, anxiousness, moodiness or other intense emotions when the behavior cannot be performed for a longer period of time (withdrawal).
• More and more time spent in the activity which negatively affects major areas of life (job, relationships, health, school, spirituality).
• Lots of time spent thinking about the activity or planning to do the activity or obsessing about the activity.
• Behavior persists despite negative consequences or outcomes.

When Should I Seek Counseling for Sex Addiction?

If you think you are struggling with this issue, seek an assessment with an counselor or psychologist immediately. Especially, if you notice one or more areas of your life being affected by sexual behavior, find someone who is able to provide Sex Therapy or Sex Addiction Counseling in your area. The sooner the better. It is better to know what is going on with you than to wait till it gets worse.

You can find Christian Sex Therapist on this website

What happens in counseling when you have Sex Addiction?

The first step is to assess if you have a sex addiction. This will be done by a trained counselor or psychologist who will ask you questions about your lifestyle, your history, your health, your mental health, your relationships, and other very important facts concerning you. Second, you and your therapist will develop a treatment plan around the goals that you agree that you want to complete. Third, will continue to seek counseling and work with you therapist to complete these goals. Your therapist will provide homework, resources, and guidance to help you inch closer and closer to sobriety.

Some therapists believe in the 12 – Step Program that alcoholics and other addicts use to work towards recovery. If this is the case, they will have you work a 12 step program in conjunction with therapy to provide the boundaries, accountability, and structure you need to heal, grow, and get yourself back on track.

If you want to know more about Sex Therapy, go HERE.