Sexual Addiction Therapists in Dunedin
I specialise in treating people with addiction, as well as their families. I believe the disease of addiction is one that we can recover from and that it's a health problem that can be treated successfully. My approach is client-centred using modalities including motivational interviewing, CBT and the 12 Steps. I studied at the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies in Minnesota, USA, graduating in 2009. I am registered with the New Zealand Addiction Practitioners' Association, Dapaanz, a professional organisation with a code of ethics. I am also a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT).
I specialise in treating people with addiction, as well as their families. I believe the disease of addiction is one that we can recover from and that it's a health problem that can be treated successfully. My approach is client-centred using modalities including motivational interviewing, CBT and the 12 Steps. I studied at the Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies in Minnesota, USA, graduating in 2009. I am registered with the New Zealand Addiction Practitioners' Association, Dapaanz, a professional organisation with a code of ethics. I am also a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT).
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
I believe that addiction is a primary disease and that a person's other issues will stem from this fundamental problem. Therefore it's important to treat the addiction first. People with addiction often use alcohol and other drugs or behaviours to 'cope'. In the beginning the substance or the behaviour (such as sex addiction) was the 'solution', but after a while it became the problem. My approach is to offer therapy that is focused on a new, results-focused solution. The goal is offering my clients 'tools' so that they can change behaviour that is causing problems in their lives.
I believe that addiction is a primary disease and that a person's other issues will stem from this fundamental problem. Therefore it's important to treat the addiction first. People with addiction often use alcohol and other drugs or behaviours to 'cope'. In the beginning the substance or the behaviour (such as sex addiction) was the 'solution', but after a while it became the problem. My approach is to offer therapy that is focused on a new, results-focused solution. The goal is offering my clients 'tools' so that they can change behaviour that is causing problems in their lives.
Serafin Upton - Love and relationship science, no sweeteners, plenty of moxie. Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Qualified sex and relationship therapist - Infidelity and Betrayal - Queer Relationships / Relationship Anarchy/ Polyamory/ Open Relationships/ Kink - Neurodiversity - Autism - ADHD / Sex Addiction / Pornography / Intergenerational trauma.
Serafin Upton - Love and relationship science, no sweeteners, plenty of moxie. Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Qualified sex and relationship therapist - Infidelity and Betrayal - Queer Relationships / Relationship Anarchy/ Polyamory/ Open Relationships/ Kink - Neurodiversity - Autism - ADHD / Sex Addiction / Pornography / Intergenerational trauma.
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Sexual Addiction Counsellors
When should someone seek treatment for sex addiction?
People should seek treatment for sex addiction if they cannot control their sexual thoughts or behaviours to the point that it disrupts their ability to function in daily life, for example by threatening their finances, career, or relationships. This may include spending an excessive amount of time obsessing over sex, planning sex, watching pornography, or masturbating, as well as consistently engaging in risky sexual activities, using sex to escape distressing feelings, or attempting yet failing to control sexual behaviour.
What are the most common treatment options for sex addiction?
Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for sex addiction; therapy helps patients better understand their compulsive thoughts and behaviours and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, alcohol and substance use medications, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.
How long does therapy take for sex addiction?
Recovering from compulsive behaviour takes time and effort. There’s no precise timeline for treatment, but research suggests 12 therapy sessions may be enough to see change. Treatment for sexual compulsions requires honesty in therapy, a commitment to understanding triggers and developing coping skills, and potential lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol or drugs.
What if sex addiction is left untreated?
Compulsive sexual behaviour can have serious repercussions if left unaddressed. For example, if sexual obsessions consume the vast majority of a person’s time, they may lose their job. If they can’t stop paying for sex, their finances may suffer. If they’re dishonest in their relationships, their partner may leave them. If they consistently feel shame, they may struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Therapy can help people develop the tools to manage sexual thoughts and behaviours that feel uncontrollable.