Sexual Addictions and Pornography Counseling
SEXUAL ADDICTIONS AND PORNOGRAPHY COUNSELING
Lacamas Counseling Serves Vancouver, Camas, Washougal Washington and the surrounding areas
Like other addictions, sexual addictions are difficult to control and end, affect both men and women, and begin for a variety of reasons (e.g. curiosity, pleasure, exposure, sexual abuse, coping with negative emotions). Each person differs in how often they act out sexually and how much it impacts their day-to-day functioning. Sexual addictions and pornography use have devastating effects on relationships, intimacy, identity, finances, and other life domains.
The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity describes sexual addiction as a “Persisting and escalating pattern of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others.”
Sexual addictions may be diagnosed as a mental health disorder when it impacts your ability to function at home, school, or work, or in your relationships.
Symptom Self-Check
Are you secretive about your sexual behaviors and thoughts?
Have you sexually acted out in inappropriate places?
Have you repeatedly engaged in sexual activities that you later regret?
Do you find yourself masturbating in public or at work?
Are you overly preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
Do you spend an excessive amount of time watching pornography?
Do you feel shame or guilt after your sexual experiences?
Do you spend an excessive amount of money pursuing your sexual desires?
Have you ever experienced legal problems because of your sexual pursuits?
Do you have to jeopardize your morals and values?
Are you experiencing problems in life, family, work, or other relationships?
Have close friends or family expressed concern about your sexual behavior?
Sexual Addictions can include:
- Pornography
- Excessive masturbation
- Multiple affairs
- Use of prostitutes
- Multiple sexual partners
- Sexual harassment
- Stalking
- Molestation/rape
- Exhibitionism
- Voyeurism
- Rigid sexual rituals
- Obsessive relationships
- Excessive use of finances to fulfill sexual pleasures
Treatment for Sexual Addictions and Pornography:
Sexual addictions can be treated and it’s important to work with a professional to help identify an effective treatment plan. Treatment for sexual addictions can include:
- Counseling
- Group counseling
- Medications (i.e. antidepressants, mood stabilizers)
- Accountability and support
- Education and empowerment
- Stress management and reduction
- Problem solving
- Skill building
- Relaxation training
- Cognitive re-structuring
- Assertive communication training
- Self-care (sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition)
- Trauma counseling (for victims of abuse)
- Relationship repair
If you are experiencing any sexual addictions that are impacting your well-being and functioning, please connect with Lacamas Counseling for professional therapeutic support to address your needs and goals.
Additional Resources for Sexual Addictions:
What is Sexual Addiction by Psych Central
Sexual Addiction and Recovery by SMART Recovery (Information, resources, support groups)