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. In fact, after reviewing the available research, the DSM-V manual rejected “sex addiction” as a viable diagnosis. We use and combine models such as Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB) and self-regulation. We are 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 problematic and move towards a place of sexual health, connection, and emotion regulation.
We focus on teaching tools for leading an authentic life, deepening relationships, and emotional regular. We offer individual, couples, and group therapy to help people to recognize long-standing patterns of behavior that impede intimacy and sex, and we give them skills to create a more emotionally connected and meaningful life.
Groups are Virtual and Facilitated
by a Clinician
We offer an intensive approach to managing problematic sexual behavior. Individuals typically engage in one therapy session and 1-2 groups each week. Groups offer a safe place for individuals to give and receive support. In the process, group members practice and develop emotional intimacy skills. Groups often become a space for intentional community-building. Members have the option to gather socially outside of the group context.
We can provide support to partners who may be experiencing Betrayal Trauma. We offer a support group for partners that is supportive and focuses on their healing journey. It empowers partners to have a voice and set boundaries.
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. Generally, groups are every other week, but members can attend multiple support groups if needed.
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 Dialectical Behavior Therapy approach to teach coping strategies to manage what is underlying the out-of-control sexual behavior and to safety plan around managing difficult situations. Members and their partners are encouraged to complete the elearning together because the language used in the materials can be an effective tool for emotion regulation as a couple.
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.
