Sex and Porn Addiction or Sexual Compulsivity Disorder
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sexual Compulsivity Disorder?
Sexual Compulsivity Disorder is when a person is unable to stop, or prevent the compulsion to engage in a sexual behaviour that feels out of their control, even when they want to stop, or have tried to stop.
Does Sex Addiction / Sexual Compulsivity actually exist?
Yes. Sex Addiction or Sexual Compulsive Disorder is as devastating to individuals, families, relationships, career, finances, health and partners as any other type of addiction can be.
We tend to think of ‘addiction’ in relation to a person who takes drugs, but this isn’t the case.
There are many kinds of addictions or compulsive behaviours that are difficult to stop without help.
How do I know if I have a porn or sex addiction?
When the individual is in distress, has been discovered by someone or if the behaviours have become destructive to themsleves or others.
Sexual compulsivity or / and Porn addiction can cause several physical issues such as: sexual dysfunction, depression, low motivation, loss of libido, low mood, irritability, feelings of despair or anger, boredom, erectile dysfunction and a lack of energy, self esteem issues, relationship difficulties & social / financial problems.
You may be experiencing self – esteem issues, feelings of guilt or shame, you may be crossing personal boundaries or you feel your moral compass is being compromised.
Your relationships may be struggling or your partner has discovered evidence that you have stepped out of the relationship.
You may be spending uncontrollable amounts of money, having financial issues which are now causing concerns.
Your work may be affected, concentration, motivation & depression in everyday activities such as work, can be devastating.
Perhaps you have found yourself isolating, hiding away & even lying to family, friends or partners. Spending time and money away from other activities or maybe you are not meeting other responsibilities that you know you are avoiding.
What is the cause of sexual compulsive disorder?
Currently there is no scientific, formal definition or diagnosis for Sex or Porn Compulsivity Disorder. However, within sexual compulsion and porn addiction therapy, we will often adopt the 'OAT' Assessment model:
Opportunity induced, Attachment Induced or Trauma Induced or can be a combination of all three. Although this is not always the case.
Neuroscience has much evidenced the effect on the chemicals in our brains that sex and porn addiction can have, please see the video below that gives a visual idea of this.
Dopamine levels are compromised in addiction, which can go on to and can change our brains physiologically forever.
Is there a
cure?
Recovery from any addiction or sexual compulsive disorder can be overcome.
With a trained professional, a complete & thorough clinical assessment in the first session will be completed, which will help to identify the causes of the compulsive behaviours.
A care plan will be discussed together, to support you & you will attend weekly sessions over a period of time.
There is no ‘quick fix’; however, millions of people overcome addictions and compulsive behaviours every day.
What about my
partner?
Discovery by a partner or family member can be devastating, which will mean a recovery process for them also.
There are therapists who can help support your partner on this recovery journey.
We will mostly work with you individually, but we can offer couple intervention sessions where needed.
Working with partners is an important part of the recovery process for the individual. The most important part is to get you some support ASAP.
Chloe can work either with you or your partner, or couples intervention sessions can be arranged.
Pricing
Therapy for Sex, Porn and Addiction or Sexual Compulsivity Disorder is a specialised area, and there is specific training to undergo.
Please make sure that the therapist you decide to work with has completed the required training specifically in Sex & Porn Addiction.
What will happen in the Initial Assessment?
The Initial assessment is for both you and the therapist to ask questions, gain more information to help you decide if this is the right course of treatment for you.
There will be a chance to give an overview of how this might be affecting your life, both past and present and any concerns you might have. It can also be a chance to find out more about sexual compulsivity or sex and porn addiction in general.
Chloe will recommend specific reading materials, support networks & provide psychosocial education as part of the process.
Individuals seeking therapy for Sexual Compulsivity Disorder or Sex and Porn Addiction will require an initial clinical assessment, which can take up to 2 hours.
Thereafter, a weekly face to face session until both therapist & client decide that titrating down to fortnightly & then to monthly is required.
- Individual Initial Consultation: £145 (80mins)
- Individual Weekly Session: £105 (50 mins)
- Couples Consultation: £145 (80 mins)
- Couples Weekly Sessions: £145 (80 mins)
- Online sessions are available.
Please contact Chloe for further information or any questions you may have.
Sexual Compulsivity / Porn Addiction Workshops
The question is not what, but why?
The most common question asked by clients who seek support for Sex or Porn addiction is why.
Attending group workshops aims to answer these questions.
Exploring the neuroscience and the effects of sexual compulsivity and/or porn addiction on the brain, mental health, and behaviour.
Workshops will give an overview of the OAT model: Opportunity Induced, Attachment Induced & Trauma Induced, whereby we explore why.
Exploring triggers preceding the compulsion to act, the cycle of addiction, an overview of the theoretical approaches utilised & how to start the recovery process.
On discovery by a partner, this can lead to another recovery process for both the individual and the couple; therefore, there are workshops available for partners also.
There will be several Psychotherapists available throughout the day who will support you both during and after the workshop.
Please contact Chloe for more details.
Contact Chloe
Call Chloe for a FREE 15 minute consultation or email any questions or enquiries you may have.
Telephone: 07919 411477
E-mail: Chloe@counsellingwithchloe.co.uk
Counselling can be face to face in Surbiton London or Weybridge Surrey therapy rooms or online.