Sex Addiction and Compulsive Sexual Behavior
The term “sex addiction” is used to describe those with compulsive and problematic sexual behavior. “Sex addiction” is not a formal diagnosis and has been rejected by the DSM V manual as a viable diagnosis after reviewing available research. We utilize a model similar to Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) rather than Sex Addiction. We are biologically wired as sexual beings, making abstinence from all sexual behaviors an unrealistic goal. We focus our treatment on understanding what is underneath the behaviors that have been deemed as problematic and move towards a place of sexual health, connection, and emotion regulation. People engage in OCSB for many reasons and we don’t take a pathological stance.
We are curious about what is driving the behaviors and what tools are needed to assist with getting to a place of sexual, relational, and emotional health. Some reasons may include, but are not limited to: emotion dysregulation, difficulty with deep emotional connections, untreated and/or undiagnosed mental health or neurological conditions. There can also be a long history of escaping and avoiding the underneath challenges with various behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, or other pleasurable activities.
All Groups are telehealth and facilitated by a clinician
All Groups Are Telehealth and Facilitated
By A Clinician
We offer an intensive approach to managing out-of-control or compulsive sexual behavior. Individuals typically attend multiple groups a week and need to be involved in individual therapy at our agency or elsewhere. Members provide one another with support outside of the group and can gather socially.
Support group
For adult men with out-of-control sexual behavior. This is an open forum to discuss challenges that come up. It is also an opportunity to practice emotional connection and get feedback on skill implementation. Participants talk to one another outside of the group in a supportive and social role. The frequency of groups varies from weekly to every other week.
Partners support group
For adult women whose partners are struggling with out-of-control sexual behaviors. It is a place to talk freely without worrying about judgment, stigma, or managing another person’s reaction/emotions. This is an open forum for participants to bring up topics and receive support/feedback from one another. Participants may talk to one another outside of the group in a supportive and social role.
Skills Group
For adult men struggling with out-of-control sexual behaviors and/or substance use. The skills are a simplified DBT approach to teach coping strategies to manage what is underlying the out-of-control sexual behavior and safety planning to assist with managing behaviors that are problematic. This is a weekly evening class. There is an e-learning component as well as handouts.
Sexual and Emotional Health Seminar Class
For adult men struggling with out-of-control sexual behaviors. Topics can include mindfulness, healthy sexual development, mindful masturbation, emotion, and regulation/distress tolerance. This class meets weekly and topics change periodically.
ADHD Support group
For adult men with out-of-control sexual behavior and/or substance use challenges. This group meets monthly to discuss issues specific to these topics such as understanding symptoms, executive functioning strategies, relationship challenges, safety planning around behaviors, understanding the impact of the diagnosis from childhood, and topics that participants bring to the meeting.
The first step in working with us is to complete our simple Client Intake Form. You can do that by clicking the button below
