Sex and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
From Respark
Evidence-Based, Compassionate Therapy for Individuals or Couples
ReSpark Group is a premier therapy practice, with industry-leading clinicians, helping clients with relationships and sexual wellness. With ReSpark, you get the benefits of working with one of the biggest couples therapy and sex therapy groups in the country. All clinicians receive continuous supervision, consultation, and advanced education. ReSpark offers evidence-based, effective therapy and coaching. Clinicians obtain world-class sex therapy and couples therapy training from the Sexual Health Alliance.
Our team personally matches every patient with an expert who has the right personality and education for the best outcomes. Your time is valuable, and it's our goal for you to quickly develop rapport with someone who is a good fit for you and your needs.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.
What is Sexual OCD?
Sexual obsessions and compulsions are a common subtype of OCD. People with sexual OCD may experience intrusive and distressing thoughts related to sexual or taboo topics, such as unwanted sexual impulses, fears of harming others sexually, or doubts about sexual identity. These obsessions can lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts, such as checking, reassurance seeking, avoidance, or mental compulsions, such as reviewing or analyzing past sexual experiences or thoughts. Some people with sexual OCD engage in behaviors that cause problems for them and their relationships. These behaviors can include sexual behaviors with others, pornography acquisition, and viewing, or behaviors such as repetitive genital cleaning or STI testing.
Sexual OCD can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, relationships, and sexual functioning. However, it is treatable with a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication.
How does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy help?
CBT for sexual OCD typically involves exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is a type of therapy that involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared thoughts or situations while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors or mental acts. This helps to reduce the anxiety associated with the obsessions and teaches the individual new ways of coping with the thoughts.
Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be effective in reducing the symptoms of sexual OCD by altering the levels of certain brain chemicals.
It is important to note that sexual OCD is a common and treatable subtype of OCD, and seeking professional help can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Can you have a Normal Sex Life with Sexual Obsessions?
Yes, it is possible to have a normal sex life with sexual obsessions and compulsions related to OCD, although it may require some additional effort and treatment. Individuals with sexual OCD may experience anxiety or avoidance related to sexual situations, which can interfere with their ability to enjoy sex and intimacy. However, with appropriate treatment, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their sexual functioning.
Seeking help from a qualified mental health professional and being open and honest about your symptoms and concerns is essential in treating sexual OCD and improving sexual functioning. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals with sexual OCD can have a normal sex life and enjoy intimacy with their partners.
How can Therapy help with Sex and OCD?
Therapy can be very helpful in treating individuals with sexual obsessions and compulsions related to OCD. The goal of therapy is to help the individual learn to manage their intrusive thoughts and reduce their anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Here are some ways in which therapy can help with sex and OCD:
- Providing psychoeducation: Therapists can help individuals understand their condition, the nature of OCD, and how it relates to their sexual obsessions and compulsions. This can help individuals feel more empowered and reduce feelings of shame or embarrassment.
- Identifying triggers and developing coping strategies: Therapists can work with individuals to identify situations or thoughts that trigger their obsessions and develop coping strategies to manage them. This can include relaxation techniques, distraction techniques, and thought-stopping techniques.
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP): This is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves gradually exposing the individual to their feared thoughts or situations while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors or mental acts. This helps to reduce anxiety associated with the obsessions and teaches the individual new ways of coping with the thoughts.
- Cognitive restructuring: This involves working with the individual to identify and challenge the beliefs and thoughts that drive their obsessions and compulsions. This can help to change negative thought patterns and reduce anxiety.
- Improving communication and intimacy: Sexual obsessions and compulsions can have a significant impact on relationships and sexual functioning. Therapists can work with individuals and their partners to improve communication, enhance intimacy, and develop healthy sexual practices.
Overall, therapy can help individuals with sexual obsessions and compulsions related to OCD by providing education, developing coping strategies, reducing anxiety, and improving relationships and sexual functioning. It is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional with experience in treating OCD to ensure effective treatment.
TESTIMONIAL
“I really, really enjoy working with my therapist! She has a good "touch" in terms of listening to what I say (and write) and identifying the issues I may not see lurking under the surface. She can also very easily go with the flow if my priorities for what I want to work on shift from session to session depending on what's going on in my life. AND, she gives great homework--I love having something concrete to dive into and consider between sessions that moves me along in my journey.”
When you are ready, Respark Therapy is here for you with online services in Texas, Colorado, and Washington or in-person sessions in Austin, Texas and San Antonio, Texas.
At Respark Therapy, we are here for you. Whether you choose to see a therapist for an online session anywhere in Texas, Colorado, or Washington, or an in-person session in Austin, Texas or San Antonio, Texas, our caring and knowledgeable team is here to answer all of your questions. It is our priority to help you feel confident and cared for.