Sexual Addiction Therapists in Ankeny, IA
![Photo of Krystyna Thompson, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f9872e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Krystyna Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50021
Furthermore, I focus on sexual addiction, substance addiction, and co-occurring concerns.
Currently accepting individual clients! My name is Krystyna Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a clinician trained in EMDR. I work with couples, individuals, and families on a variety of emotional and relational issues. As a therapist, it is important to me that I partner with my clients to create an individualized plan that fits best to encourage recovery. Each person is different and I hope to help you overcome the obstacles that have stopped you from feeling happy, fulfilled, and joyous in your life. You have taken the first step in achieving these goals, so congratulations!
Furthermore, I focus on sexual addiction, substance addiction, and co-occurring concerns.
Currently accepting individual clients! My name is Krystyna Thompson and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as a clinician trained in EMDR. I work with couples, individuals, and families on a variety of emotional and relational issues. As a therapist, it is important to me that I partner with my clients to create an individualized plan that fits best to encourage recovery. Each person is different and I hope to help you overcome the obstacles that have stopped you from feeling happy, fulfilled, and joyous in your life. You have taken the first step in achieving these goals, so congratulations!
![Photo of Mary Meyer - Full Heart Family Therapy, PhD, LMFT, CSAT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f26bfc08-78de-43f6-9585-9570a3338bc2/2/320x400.jpeg)
Full Heart Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
We work with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma for family members, and have one of the only CSAT teams in the metro.
At Full Heart Family Therapy, we work with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. Your therapist will strive to understand your story and your vision for your future, so we can help you overcome obstacles and create the life that you hope for. Our goal is to help you create a full life and a full heart!
We work with sexual addiction and betrayal trauma for family members, and have one of the only CSAT teams in the metro.
At Full Heart Family Therapy, we work with individuals, couples, and families on a variety of mental, emotional, and relational issues. Your therapist will strive to understand your story and your vision for your future, so we can help you overcome obstacles and create the life that you hope for. Our goal is to help you create a full life and a full heart!
![Photo of Bradley A Chamberlain - BCCounseling, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad779f68-98e9-443d-bc5c-4227bae212c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals in NE, TX, CO, NH, VA and IA (fully licensed in those states) with ADHD, OCD, Trauma, anxiety and sexual concerns such as men's issues, porn addiction and polyamory. My treatment modalities focus on the individual and it's not a cookie cutter approach, incorporating modalities of CBT, Mindfulness, Stages of Change, Trauma Informed Therapy and Solution Focus therapy. I use podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok videos, books and more as supplements as well. My patients are eager to improve their lives, but often stuck as to where to start or where to begin. I accept telehealth through GROW therapy & Headway.
I work with individuals in NE, TX, CO, NH, VA and IA (fully licensed in those states) with ADHD, OCD, Trauma, anxiety and sexual concerns such as men's issues, porn addiction and polyamory. My treatment modalities focus on the individual and it's not a cookie cutter approach, incorporating modalities of CBT, Mindfulness, Stages of Change, Trauma Informed Therapy and Solution Focus therapy. I use podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok videos, books and more as supplements as well. My patients are eager to improve their lives, but often stuck as to where to start or where to begin. I accept telehealth through GROW therapy & Headway.
![Photo of Mackenzie Trotter, MA, LMHC , Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01d9b935-0999-4faf-9066-dd06a08f1a88/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mackenzie Trotter
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50021 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
“When people don't have any curiosity about themselves, that is always a bad sign.” Irvin Yalom Hello! You reading this seems to be a good sign; it tells me you have an interest in examining your life, as something probably isn’t working the way you’d like it to. I use a humanistic therapy approach, specifically existentialism, reality therapy, and attachment theory — although these might not mean anything to you now, they will — as I enjoy sharing everything I know with the hope it will help create additional meaning in your life. We'll start by peeling back layers in pursuit of truth, as truth and taking responsibility are key.
“When people don't have any curiosity about themselves, that is always a bad sign.” Irvin Yalom Hello! You reading this seems to be a good sign; it tells me you have an interest in examining your life, as something probably isn’t working the way you’d like it to. I use a humanistic therapy approach, specifically existentialism, reality therapy, and attachment theory — although these might not mean anything to you now, they will — as I enjoy sharing everything I know with the hope it will help create additional meaning in your life. We'll start by peeling back layers in pursuit of truth, as truth and taking responsibility are key.
![Photo of Mike Hain, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e01f580-1fd4-4184-a04e-c8a016f6e50f/2/320x400.jpeg)
People often naturally take the path of least resistance. However, avoiding the path of reality doesn’t make issues go away. The way forward is to walk through them. My passion is to support people in their reality growth of awareness and acknowledgement, leading to changes in thinking and living.
People often naturally take the path of least resistance. However, avoiding the path of reality doesn’t make issues go away. The way forward is to walk through them. My passion is to support people in their reality growth of awareness and acknowledgement, leading to changes in thinking and living.
![Photo of Amber Jointer, LISW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e63f2b81-c4f9-4d1f-acf4-900b30a829d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that the therapeutic process begins with building a trusting relationship while providing a safe and non judgmental space to share life challenges and stressors. I provide services with a high degree of empathy in a manner that is very down to earth and authentic. I utilize an individualized, holistic, client centered approach that is tailored to meet your unique needs.
I believe that the therapeutic process begins with building a trusting relationship while providing a safe and non judgmental space to share life challenges and stressors. I provide services with a high degree of empathy in a manner that is very down to earth and authentic. I utilize an individualized, holistic, client centered approach that is tailored to meet your unique needs.
![Photo of Laurie Fein - Women's Counseling Center, MSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d01fd8a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Women's Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, LGBTQ, and people from diverse racial, ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Naturally, diversity is celebrated here.
Do you need someone to talk to about your family, job, or relationships? Are you struggling with loss, abuse or harassment in the recent or distant past? Do you feel misunderstood or question your identity or direction in life? Do you feel like life has handed you some lemons? If this sounds like you, I offer confidential mental health counseling for individuals, couples and families in a private 1857 farmhouse set on a nature sanctuary. I strive to provide a safe space for survivors, LGBTQ, and people from diverse racial, ethnic religious and spiritual backgrounds. Naturally, diversity is celebrated here.
![Photo of Ankeny Family Counseling, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f40f812-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We have immediate openings at our Ankeny office. Our therapists are the most compassionate that you will find. We understand that the pressures in life, such as jobs, finances, marriages and other relationships can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, hopelessness and isolation. We have all had difficulties. We want to help you overcome these difficulties by listening to you and helping with solutions that can help you.
We have immediate openings at our Ankeny office. Our therapists are the most compassionate that you will find. We understand that the pressures in life, such as jobs, finances, marriages and other relationships can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, hopelessness and isolation. We have all had difficulties. We want to help you overcome these difficulties by listening to you and helping with solutions that can help you.
![Photo of Tony Parmenter - Emdr + Integrative Healing For Complex Trauma, LMHC, LAADC, LCMHC, LCPC, EMDRIA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96ea8181-4187-4dc3-84c4-2d1dc1380624/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tony Parmenter - Emdr + Integrative Healing For Complex Trauma
Counselor, LMHC, LAADC, LCMHC, LCPC, EMDRIA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
I provide EMDR and other integrative therapies for healing complex and generational trauma and am currently accepting people interested in individual weekly therapy and half- and full-day intensives. My work is focused on helping your nervous system and inner child find freedom from wounds that are so deep, you may have never been aware of them. I have witnessed many of clients alleviate long-standing struggles/challenges related to Complex PTSD, unresolved childhood trauma, and related addiction issues through this work. I am the creator of TF-EMDR for nature-based work & MARS.
I provide EMDR and other integrative therapies for healing complex and generational trauma and am currently accepting people interested in individual weekly therapy and half- and full-day intensives. My work is focused on helping your nervous system and inner child find freedom from wounds that are so deep, you may have never been aware of them. I have witnessed many of clients alleviate long-standing struggles/challenges related to Complex PTSD, unresolved childhood trauma, and related addiction issues through this work. I am the creator of TF-EMDR for nature-based work & MARS.
![Photo of Shannon Haus, MSEd, LMHC, ADHD-PT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3083c955-8bd6-4da7-89f8-ae12164f3b15/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Haus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSEd, LMHC, ADHD-PT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ankeny, IA 50023
As a trauma-informed therapist utilizing EMDR, ACT, Ego State/ IFS and CBT, I support clients struggling with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, procrastination, indecision, and moving forward during transitional stages of life, including high school, college, graduate school, sports, retirement, and more. I have expertise with trauma and ADHD in people ranging in age from 15-70. Extensive experience working with college students.
As a trauma-informed therapist utilizing EMDR, ACT, Ego State/ IFS and CBT, I support clients struggling with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, depression, procrastination, indecision, and moving forward during transitional stages of life, including high school, college, graduate school, sports, retirement, and more. I have expertise with trauma and ADHD in people ranging in age from 15-70. Extensive experience working with college students.
![Photo of Donald K Gilbert - New Life Counseling, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a649e62-94d0-4a27-afc4-2888f65627c8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
Our New Life professionals provide outpatient counseling services for adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups at our locations in Ankeny and West Des Moines. Our professional training, experience, faith, and commitment to honoring each individual, enables us to offer counseling that empowers you with the tools, techniques, and confidence necessary to improve your life. We offer support and guidance in this journey through life's many changes and transitions as we partner together to work toward meeting your goals. Visit our counselor's page on our website to learn more about our therapists and their areas of focus.
![Photo of Dr. Donald M. Kaesser, PC, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfa1035-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Donald M. Kaesser
Psychologist, PC, PhD
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50021 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
I use 35+ years of DIRECT clinical experience to help in addressing issues that have become obstacles in your life and help you meet your goals in the context of an honest, caring, and direct professional relationship. Individuals, couples/relationships, addictions/substance abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, aging, sexuality, and sexual 'orientation' issues, as well as family matters are among the range of aspects of people's lives with which I effectively work. Counseling may be brief/problem-oriented, or extended/depth psychotherapy depending on your needs. I enjoy individuals, couples, and seniors. Psychotherapy is my calling!
![Photo of Laura L Housel, LMHC, ATR, CSAT, CTRS, CYI, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51cf20b7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura L Housel
Counselor, LMHC, ATR, CSAT, CTRS, CYI
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling lost, alone, and misunderstood? Life and relationships aren't turning out quite like you thought? Maybe you never quite fit in or were able figure things out like others. You might be going through changes such as: shift in your work or career due to burnout or distress; transitioning from a religion; late diagnosis related to neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, etc.); exploring identity; realizing your coping strategies have become addictive or harmful; re-examining relationships, intimacy, roles, experiencing conflict or time of reckoning; feeling disconnected from self, others, spirituality; or experiencing grief or loss
Feeling lost, alone, and misunderstood? Life and relationships aren't turning out quite like you thought? Maybe you never quite fit in or were able figure things out like others. You might be going through changes such as: shift in your work or career due to burnout or distress; transitioning from a religion; late diagnosis related to neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, etc.); exploring identity; realizing your coping strategies have become addictive or harmful; re-examining relationships, intimacy, roles, experiencing conflict or time of reckoning; feeling disconnected from self, others, spirituality; or experiencing grief or loss
![Photo of Jen Gauerke, MS, LMHC, CADC, CGP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a1a52168-6ed6-460a-a968-e5527c135581/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jen Gauerke
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CADC, CGP
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50021
Waitlist for new clients
Every person has the potential for growth. Yet, people can work very hard and not make progress. Old ineffective patterns, habits, even addictions, dominate and prevent happiness and growth. Hope can dwindle and lead many to believe they are broken or defective. There is hope! With extensive training and experience in treating trauma and addiction, I explore with you the reasons that patterns persist. I am invested in helping people understand themselves, as they build personal and relationship satisfaction. You can create a life, not simply existing, but full of creativity, connection and enjoyment.
Every person has the potential for growth. Yet, people can work very hard and not make progress. Old ineffective patterns, habits, even addictions, dominate and prevent happiness and growth. Hope can dwindle and lead many to believe they are broken or defective. There is hope! With extensive training and experience in treating trauma and addiction, I explore with you the reasons that patterns persist. I am invested in helping people understand themselves, as they build personal and relationship satisfaction. You can create a life, not simply existing, but full of creativity, connection and enjoyment.
![Photo of Kathy Greer, MSW, LISW, CSAT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68391f2e-b8d8-497b-8149-3f8fce483328/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathy Greer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, CSAT
Verified Verified
Ankeny, IA 50023
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in working with individual survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and addiction issues, including sexual addiction and substance abuse, as well as co-occurring disorders.
Congratulations on taking the next step in your journey by seeking a therapist to assist you! I believe at the heart of us all is the need to be accepted as our authentic selves and to be validated and empathized with. As wounded children, we sometimes develop unhealthy coping skills to soothe uncomfortable feelings and unpleasant experiences. The tools that served us well as children turn into our autopilot as adults when we experience emotional dysregulation. My goal is to provide my clients with nonjudgmental, compassionate, empathetic support to aid in overcoming whatever stress, conflict, or trauma may be occurring in your life
I specialize in working with individual survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and addiction issues, including sexual addiction and substance abuse, as well as co-occurring disorders.
Congratulations on taking the next step in your journey by seeking a therapist to assist you! I believe at the heart of us all is the need to be accepted as our authentic selves and to be validated and empathized with. As wounded children, we sometimes develop unhealthy coping skills to soothe uncomfortable feelings and unpleasant experiences. The tools that served us well as children turn into our autopilot as adults when we experience emotional dysregulation. My goal is to provide my clients with nonjudgmental, compassionate, empathetic support to aid in overcoming whatever stress, conflict, or trauma may be occurring in your life
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jason VanRuler, MA, LPC-MH, QMHP, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63073902-3a00-442c-9949-bf320b50dae6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jason VanRuler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-MH, QMHP, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50302
I have traveled extensively throughout the US facilitating workshops and speaking on topics including trauma, work-life balance, faith, relationships, and sexual addiction.
I specialize in working with clients seeking to better understand themselves and foster deeper connections in their relationships. Many of my clients find themselves excelling at many areas of their life while still feeling alone, discontent, and disconnected. This can lead to destructive behaviors as well as depression, anxiety, and addiction. Through a holistic approach, we will get to the heart of the matter and begin to identify and build a life that has more happiness, connection, and contentment. Sessions are a curated experience and conducted with the utmost discretion and regard for confidentiality.
I have traveled extensively throughout the US facilitating workshops and speaking on topics including trauma, work-life balance, faith, relationships, and sexual addiction.
I specialize in working with clients seeking to better understand themselves and foster deeper connections in their relationships. Many of my clients find themselves excelling at many areas of their life while still feeling alone, discontent, and disconnected. This can lead to destructive behaviors as well as depression, anxiety, and addiction. Through a holistic approach, we will get to the heart of the matter and begin to identify and build a life that has more happiness, connection, and contentment. Sessions are a curated experience and conducted with the utmost discretion and regard for confidentiality.
![Photo of Helen Roberts, MSE, LMHC, CSAT, NCMHCE, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6197c0d7-bf89-420d-b636-f43aa0210497/1/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Roberts
Counselor, MSE, LMHC, CSAT, NCMHCE, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Moines, IA 50301
Whether you are dealing with betrayal, childhood, or sexual trauma, sexual addiction, trauma from war, or dealing with bipolar, depression, anxiety, PTSD, dissociation, addictions, adoption, lack of self-confidence, or marital issues.
Hi! My name is Helen Roberts and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa. I’ve been counseling children, teens, adults, couples, and families for over 20 years - But in my experience, that’s not really what you want to know. What you really want to know is can I help you? And is there hope for things to change for you? As a matter of fact, there is and I hope you’ll give me an opportunity to take that journey towards healing and empowerment with you. We can change the direction of your life right now and give you hope and power again!
Whether you are dealing with betrayal, childhood, or sexual trauma, sexual addiction, trauma from war, or dealing with bipolar, depression, anxiety, PTSD, dissociation, addictions, adoption, lack of self-confidence, or marital issues.
Hi! My name is Helen Roberts and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa. I’ve been counseling children, teens, adults, couples, and families for over 20 years - But in my experience, that’s not really what you want to know. What you really want to know is can I help you? And is there hope for things to change for you? As a matter of fact, there is and I hope you’ll give me an opportunity to take that journey towards healing and empowerment with you. We can change the direction of your life right now and give you hope and power again!
![Photo of Deborah Vanko, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f520f116-b1a3-49fc-b29e-0c1ba3ad4bf1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deborah Vanko
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Des Moines, IA 50309 (Online Only)
I have worked with a wide variety of life problems and am skilled in many areas, such as couples issues, dating problems, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, family problems or parenting,sexual addiction/internet pornography,adult survivors of abuse,domestic violence,self-esteem and empowerment.
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
I have worked with a wide variety of life problems and am skilled in many areas, such as couples issues, dating problems, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, family problems or parenting,sexual addiction/internet pornography,adult survivors of abuse,domestic violence,self-esteem and empowerment.
For 30 years I have helped couples and individuals to create a satisfying, loving, conflict-free life by overcoming past or present obstacles. Everyone deserves to be happy and free of emotional pain. I believe empowering people to take charge of their life is liberating. I use a wide variety of counseling approaches customized to fit the individual. These include expressing emotion, identifying helpful and dysfunctional thinking/beliefs and changing behavior or developing strategies to create success. I am an open-minded therapist accepting the diversity of client lifestyle and gender.
![Photo of Jason Smith - Endeavor Psychological Services, LLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e683e08-49b3-4c67-8438-ef926d9247c2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked for over 20 years in inpatient mental health facilities and in the community serving individuals with a range of psychological issues and sexually problematic behaviors. I have experience assessing and treating people with sex offending histories, sexually compulsive behavior, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
I have worked for over 20 years in inpatient mental health facilities and in the community serving individuals with a range of psychological issues and sexually problematic behaviors. I have experience assessing and treating people with sex offending histories, sexually compulsive behavior, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
![Photo of Rachel M Klobassa, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ede955b9-70f8-4a2b-bd97-41db01d6c0dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on creating a therapeutic relationship that is cooperative, trusting and encouraging. I aim to create a safe, open environment for my clients to express their feelings and work through issues while feeling accepted and validated. I am an active therapist that offers suggestions, tools, action plans and homework based upon my client’s needs. I consider myself direct and straight forward but also steady and nurturing. I bring my authentic self to the therapeutic relationship which includes small doses of humor and sarcasm when appropriate!
I focus on creating a therapeutic relationship that is cooperative, trusting and encouraging. I aim to create a safe, open environment for my clients to express their feelings and work through issues while feeling accepted and validated. I am an active therapist that offers suggestions, tools, action plans and homework based upon my client’s needs. I consider myself direct and straight forward but also steady and nurturing. I bring my authentic self to the therapeutic relationship which includes small doses of humor and sarcasm when appropriate!
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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 behavior.
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 behaviors and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, and the alcohol and substance use medication Naltrexone, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.
How long does therapy take for sex addiction?
Recovering from compulsive behavior 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 behavior 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 behaviors that feel uncontrollable.