How Sex Therapy Can Help Treat Sex Addiction

When we think of the words “sex addiction,” many different things can pop up for us. For decades, sex addiction has come under fire by researchers who state that it isn’t a real addiction, others have claimed it to be a compulsion, and some have even flat out stated that it is just an ‘excuse’ for people who have poor self control. Think about some of the famous celebs that have cheated one too many times and get thrown into sex addiction treatment centers to “get fixed.” Unfortunately, sex addiction therapy usually consists of some form of 12 step programs and a list of sexual beahviors that they should stop. These treatment approaches are not helpful and oftentimes very harmful to one’s sexual development. Alternatively, some people believe that id they enjoy sex or porn too much, then there’s a problem. A religious upbringing might also be in conflict with feeling pleasure and exploring one’s sexuality. A moral or religious conflict can cause significant pain and troubles with yourself or a partner.

Those who struggle with symptoms including compulsive masturbation, excessive sexual thoughts, strong feelings of shame related to sexual acts, and constantly cheating on partners are now able to get help and treat not only these symptoms but also the underlying issues. Getting to the source or cause of these symptoms allow us the potential to make long lasting progress. Respark Therapists choose not to label or shame those that may be seeking out “sex addiction therapy,” but takes different, more solution orriented and sex positive approach by utilizing the OCSB model or harm reduction approach.

How Can a Certified Sex Therapist Trained to Treat Sex Addiction Help? 

Certified Sex Therapists at Respark are highly trained to treat “sex addiction.” Respark takes the approach that is less harmful called ‘out of control sexual behavior’ (OCSB) to help identify problem sexual behavior such as the symptoms described above. Typically, these behaviors are a symptom of s different issue, and do not reflect who a person is morally. The OSCB model for treating problem sex behavior developed by Michael Vigorito and Doug Braun-Harvey; this model serves as a non-shaming and sex positive approach to working with problem sexual behaviors. This model also aims to look at the underlying issues causing an individual to feel out of control with their sexual behaviors, taking into account the whole person (religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.) with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life for those who struggle with OCSB. Online sex addiction therapy is made available for those who are needing help now through Respark Co. Respark has a team of highly-specialized sex addiction therapists with a combined 40+ years experience serving our clients’ individual and relationship needs, waiting for you to schedule your free consultation today. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) released a position statement several years ago that rejected Sex Addiction treatment and approaches. Respark Founder, Heather McPherson LMFT-S, LPC-S, CST served on the committee and contributed to the statement that was endorsed by AASECT. 

And, read more about how sex and porn addiction is failing our clients.