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Sexual addiction is presenting an increasing challenge to mental health professionals. Corley and Schneider (2002) found that therapists who work with sexually compulsive clients are often unfamiliar with sex addiction, thereby potentially prolonging the addict's denial about the seriousness of the problem. Although progress has been made in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, research on sexual addiction is limited.
Addictions counselors practicing in the 21st century face many challenges as they manage the care and quality of their services to clients. Some of the most serious of these challenges are presented by such factors as session and/or funding limits, mandatory "check-ins" with insurance companies, and requirements to measure intervention outcomes.
There are two types of professional, specialized treatment available for the sex addict:
Types of therapy:
Couples Therapy
Pharmacological aspects (drugs)
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The psychodynamic principle of identifying and attempting to understand one’s feelings in the treatment of this condition is especially important. Many intense emotions are brought to fore during the treatment of the impulsive-compulsive sexual behavior patient. Some therapists may over-identify with their patient’s behaviors and other might find their behaviors scary and avoid the treatment.
Other important areas in psychodynamic treatment are assessing family of origin conflicts and exploring models of healthy intimacy.
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Psychotherapy is of significant value following primary treatment, especially ongoing therapy for shame, childhood trauma, false beliefs, and the consequences of past actions.
In the early recovery period, sex addicts and their partners frequently have sexual and interpersonal difficulties, often to a greater degree than they had during the active addiction phase.
Effective professional help for sexual addiction problems is best obtained from counselors and therapists who are specially trained and experienced in treating these issues. The number of specialists is relatively small. If you think you may need this help and don't know of a sexual addiction specialist, you can try the following sources for possibly locating someone near you:
One option is to try http://www.ncsac.org/members/resources_main.aspx , to access the website maintained by The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity. The site includes a Member Directory with names which are, for the most part, professional clinicians and programs specializing in sexual addiction treatment.
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This approach looks at what triggers and reinforces actions related to sexual addiction and looks for methods of short-circuiting the process. Treatment approaches include:
teaching addicts to stop sexual thoughts by thinking about something else;
substituting sexual behavior with some other behavior, such as exercising or working out; and
preventing the relapse of addictive behavior.
It can help patients identify triggers for sexual behavior and help them develop better coping mechanisms. This will help to avoid relapse. CBT can also teach patients healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, which can trigger sexual behavior.
People addicted to sex often have significant emotional baggage from their early lives. Traditional “talk therapy” can be helpful in increasing self control and in treating related mood disorders and effects of past trauma.
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See also:
Individual therapy, group therapy, outpatient / inpatient treatment