Sexual Addiction Therapists in Maryland Heights, MO
![Photo of David Barton, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40485f51-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
David Barton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
I am committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment where your well-being and personal growth are my priority. After empathically listening as you identify, explore, and gain understanding of the issues you are facing, we will work together to establish manageable goals that can help you better utilize your internal strengths and external resources while creating meaningful, positive changes in your life.
I am committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental environment where your well-being and personal growth are my priority. After empathically listening as you identify, explore, and gain understanding of the issues you are facing, we will work together to establish manageable goals that can help you better utilize your internal strengths and external resources while creating meaningful, positive changes in your life.
![Photo of Perry Dodge, MS, MA, LPC, CPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de562c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Perry Dodge
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, CPC
Verified Verified
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Are you experiencing stress in your life? Do you want to improve your marriage or family relationships? Are you going through a major life transition? Individuals, couples and families that work with me often experience greater peace, energy, and joy in life and more harmony in their key relationships. My specialties include strengthening marriages, overcoming stress, men's challenges and Christian Counseling. My work has been featured on NBC KSDK NewsChannel 5's Today in St. Louis, Bott Radio Network and St. Louis Woman Magazine, and I am the author of the book The Married Man's Field Manual: 30 Rules of Engagement.
Are you experiencing stress in your life? Do you want to improve your marriage or family relationships? Are you going through a major life transition? Individuals, couples and families that work with me often experience greater peace, energy, and joy in life and more harmony in their key relationships. My specialties include strengthening marriages, overcoming stress, men's challenges and Christian Counseling. My work has been featured on NBC KSDK NewsChannel 5's Today in St. Louis, Bott Radio Network and St. Louis Woman Magazine, and I am the author of the book The Married Man's Field Manual: 30 Rules of Engagement.
![Photo of Ann M Sullivan, MEd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d1fc9a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ann M Sullivan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
People look for counselors/therapists/life coach for all reasons. I work with clients with a variety of backgrounds and issues to help them reach goals or navigate through transitions in a therapeutic supportive way. I work with clients who are of middle school age through adulthood including Seniors. I work with individuals, couples and families. From depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, communication problems, women's and men's health specific related issues to general support, I have worked with and helped many people over the years. Throughout Life we often need a professional to help us achieve our very best.
People look for counselors/therapists/life coach for all reasons. I work with clients with a variety of backgrounds and issues to help them reach goals or navigate through transitions in a therapeutic supportive way. I work with clients who are of middle school age through adulthood including Seniors. I work with individuals, couples and families. From depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, communication problems, women's and men's health specific related issues to general support, I have worked with and helped many people over the years. Throughout Life we often need a professional to help us achieve our very best.
![Photo of Nigel B Darvell, LCSW, CAC, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce75aad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nigel B Darvell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAC, ACSW
Verified Verified
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
I have been in private practice for over 35 years. I meet the client where they are at and more importantly assist them in where they want to be. I strive to help in the most professional and respectful way and value each and every opportunity to be in the lives of those who want to live the life they want. I believe there is nothing wrong with the individual but they are often striving for balance and harmony in their lives. All my clients want the same thing-Love and acceptance.
I have been in private practice for over 35 years. I meet the client where they are at and more importantly assist them in where they want to be. I strive to help in the most professional and respectful way and value each and every opportunity to be in the lives of those who want to live the life they want. I believe there is nothing wrong with the individual but they are often striving for balance and harmony in their lives. All my clients want the same thing-Love and acceptance.
![Photo of David T Koch, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cd15270-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
David T Koch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
If you are anything like me, you have had a moment in your life when you asked yourself "How can I make the pain stop?" For me, therapy is one option for hurting individuals who want to work through pain to find answers to life's experiences & questions. I have had the privilege & challenge to walk alongside individuals, couples and families working to initiate the road to recovery that is so often littered with significant loss & conflict. If you are thinking of starting therapy and are feeling really anxious or hopeless, you are not alone!
If you are anything like me, you have had a moment in your life when you asked yourself "How can I make the pain stop?" For me, therapy is one option for hurting individuals who want to work through pain to find answers to life's experiences & questions. I have had the privilege & challenge to walk alongside individuals, couples and families working to initiate the road to recovery that is so often littered with significant loss & conflict. If you are thinking of starting therapy and are feeling really anxious or hopeless, you are not alone!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Luke Calvin, MA, LPC, MDiv, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce360e7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Luke Calvin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesterfield, MO 63017
I have worked with many men and teens struggling with pornography, sexual addiction, and the shame and confusion that can accompany working through one's sexual identity.
In my ten years as a counselor, it's been my privilege to care for men, teens, and couples wrestling with depression, stress, and anxiety; addiction (drugs and alcohol; gambling; sexual...); the grief involved with divorce; the struggles associated with life's transitions; difficulties in school and relationships; and family conflict. My hope is that the men and women I talk to would be able to experience intimacy in their relationships, fullness of life, and find success in their daily lives.
I have worked with many men and teens struggling with pornography, sexual addiction, and the shame and confusion that can accompany working through one's sexual identity.
In my ten years as a counselor, it's been my privilege to care for men, teens, and couples wrestling with depression, stress, and anxiety; addiction (drugs and alcohol; gambling; sexual...); the grief involved with divorce; the struggles associated with life's transitions; difficulties in school and relationships; and family conflict. My hope is that the men and women I talk to would be able to experience intimacy in their relationships, fullness of life, and find success in their daily lives.
![Photo of Mike Diller, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad685b96-20fd-41b3-ab92-8c8cd1cbd005/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mike Diller
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Des Peres, MO 63131 (Online Only)
I am a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider and currently provide video and teletherapy counseling. With 20+ years experience in the counseling field, I have witnessed couples, adults, and adolescents achieve renewed hope and happiness. Personal change happens through short-term therapy and may last a lifetime. If you are tired of working hard and achieving little or no success, it's probably time to receive professional help. My specialty areas include marriage counseling, anxiety, depression, family counseling, sexual addiction and pornography, and spiritual issues.
I am a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider and currently provide video and teletherapy counseling. With 20+ years experience in the counseling field, I have witnessed couples, adults, and adolescents achieve renewed hope and happiness. Personal change happens through short-term therapy and may last a lifetime. If you are tired of working hard and achieving little or no success, it's probably time to receive professional help. My specialty areas include marriage counseling, anxiety, depression, family counseling, sexual addiction and pornography, and spiritual issues.
![Photo of Samuel Bearer, LPC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4631401b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Samuel Bearer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63117
I seek to provide counseling to couples and individuals, both adults and adolescents. I work with interpersonal, relationship issues including: family of origin dynamics, trauma and maladaptive coping patterns, marriage and pre-marital counseling, improving communication skills, self-image and identity, managing anger, and men's sexual addiction.
I seek to provide counseling to couples and individuals, both adults and adolescents. I work with interpersonal, relationship issues including: family of origin dynamics, trauma and maladaptive coping patterns, marriage and pre-marital counseling, improving communication skills, self-image and identity, managing anger, and men's sexual addiction.
![Photo of Tyler J Sparks, MA, LPC, NCC, CCSAS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b961e7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tyler J Sparks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCSAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chesterfield, MO 63017
I am a Certified Clinical Sexual Addiction Specialist.
Men. Tired of losing the battle to porn and sexual acting out? I specialize in helping men break free from sexual enslavement through individual and group therapy. Because I am passionate about this area I always have groups forming. If you are ready to take the next step toward freedom, contact me.
I am a Certified Clinical Sexual Addiction Specialist.
Men. Tired of losing the battle to porn and sexual acting out? I specialize in helping men break free from sexual enslavement through individual and group therapy. Because I am passionate about this area I always have groups forming. If you are ready to take the next step toward freedom, contact me.
![Photo of Nathan E Lundin, MA, NCC, LPC, CSAT-S, EMDR-II, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ba71f31-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nathan E Lundin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, CSAT-S, EMDR-II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Charles, MO 63304
Sexual Addiction is devastating to your life and traumatic to those around you.
If you've tried stopping unwanted sexual behaviors but continue despite the costs, then you're not alone - you're among a growing number of people seeking help. This type of therapy utilizes tasks focused on quickly establishing a stable and robust recovery. In the end, you'll be free from the secrecy and shame of living with an addiction.
Sexual Addiction is devastating to your life and traumatic to those around you.
If you've tried stopping unwanted sexual behaviors but continue despite the costs, then you're not alone - you're among a growing number of people seeking help. This type of therapy utilizes tasks focused on quickly establishing a stable and robust recovery. In the end, you'll be free from the secrecy and shame of living with an addiction.
![Photo of Monica Lieser - Sandhill Counseling & Consultation, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49e848fe-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sandhill Counseling & Consultation
Marriage & Family Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Anxiety * Grief/Loss * Life Transitions * Relationships Adolescent Self-Esteem and Anger Management * Sexual Addiction Recovery Intimacy and Sexuality * ADHD Assessment *Coping with Divorce * Trauma * Mindfulness * Substance Abuse * Family Conflict * Eating Disorders *Smoking Cessation * Spirituality * Healthy Lifestyle Choices * Adolescent Self-Injury *Play Therapy *Pre-Marital Counseling * Nutrition Counseling * Yoga *Art Therapy*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* Happiness Work.
We are a diverse group of licensed professionals. We are compassionate, knowledgable and honored to work with individuals, couples, and families. We support our clients to discover their own personal grace and agility, their ability to express themselves with integrity and conviction and most importantly to restore their faith in themselves and in their relationships.
Anxiety * Grief/Loss * Life Transitions * Relationships Adolescent Self-Esteem and Anger Management * Sexual Addiction Recovery Intimacy and Sexuality * ADHD Assessment *Coping with Divorce * Trauma * Mindfulness * Substance Abuse * Family Conflict * Eating Disorders *Smoking Cessation * Spirituality * Healthy Lifestyle Choices * Adolescent Self-Injury *Play Therapy *Pre-Marital Counseling * Nutrition Counseling * Yoga *Art Therapy*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy* Happiness Work.
We are a diverse group of licensed professionals. We are compassionate, knowledgable and honored to work with individuals, couples, and families. We support our clients to discover their own personal grace and agility, their ability to express themselves with integrity and conviction and most importantly to restore their faith in themselves and in their relationships.
![Photo of William Mattingly, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5036cbfb-7f5e-4590-91aa-f67334655064/3/320x400.jpeg)
William Mattingly
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Des Peres, MO 63131
My passion and specialty are using evidence-based treatment, an up-to-date understanding of the brain, and a safe, healing therapeutic relationship to help adolescents and adults who suffer from sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and sexual addiction and those struggling in their marriages and intimate relationships or moving through major life transitions.
Life is difficult. You can be coasting along, only to wake up and find you just don’t have the same kind of joy and excitement that you used to. Activities and being with people you used to enjoy now just feel dull and lifeless or fill you with anxiety and, no matter what you do, nothing changes. You have difficulty falling asleep and, when you finally do, you wake up feeling exhausted and unrested. Your relationships may often be defined by constant fighting, insecurity, or lack of connection and excitement. Issues of sexual integrity fill you with shame, and, no matter what you do, you continue to struggle.
My passion and specialty are using evidence-based treatment, an up-to-date understanding of the brain, and a safe, healing therapeutic relationship to help adolescents and adults who suffer from sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and sexual addiction and those struggling in their marriages and intimate relationships or moving through major life transitions.
Life is difficult. You can be coasting along, only to wake up and find you just don’t have the same kind of joy and excitement that you used to. Activities and being with people you used to enjoy now just feel dull and lifeless or fill you with anxiety and, no matter what you do, nothing changes. You have difficulty falling asleep and, when you finally do, you wake up feeling exhausted and unrested. Your relationships may often be defined by constant fighting, insecurity, or lack of connection and excitement. Issues of sexual integrity fill you with shame, and, no matter what you do, you continue to struggle.
![Photo of Rachelle Weger, MA, LPC, CCPS, CCES, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24b5f6d0-f75b-4034-9151-a6516baad751/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachelle Weger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCPS, CCES
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Peters, MO 63376
I have specialized training through the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS) to work with partners of sex addicts, including compulsive pornography users. I am a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) and treat betrayal trauma using the Multi-Dimensional Partner Trauma Model. I am also a Certified Clinical Empathy Specialist, trained in the Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model, which supports couples in early recovery after discovery of sexual addiction or affairs. If you have been struggling with the effects of your partner's problematic sexual behaviors, I can help.
I have specialized training through the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS) to work with partners of sex addicts, including compulsive pornography users. I am a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS) and treat betrayal trauma using the Multi-Dimensional Partner Trauma Model. I am also a Certified Clinical Empathy Specialist, trained in the Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model, which supports couples in early recovery after discovery of sexual addiction or affairs. If you have been struggling with the effects of your partner's problematic sexual behaviors, I can help.
![Photo of Sharí Montague, LPC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/411826b7-c218-4769-8bfa-b8d7e752ae2d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sharí Montague
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63132
Waitlist for new clients
I have several years of experience and training in the field of sex addiction and betrayal trauma and am currently a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist (CSAT) through International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP).
I have several years of experience and training in the field of sex addiction and betrayal trauma and am currently a Certified Sex Addiction Specialist (CSAT) through International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP).
![Photo of Chesney Miller, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/928eed01-47ac-4401-a2e4-61a099635801/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Minnesota with over 10 years of extensive experience working with specific populations in sex therapy, couples’ therapy, and individual therapy. My clinical work includes marital preparation, effective communication and conflict resolution, discrepancies in sexual desire and intimacy, and problematic sexual issues. I am also certified in PREPARE/ENRICH working with couples. I utilize my training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help my clients address any degree of trauma or conflict they may be carrying.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Minnesota with over 10 years of extensive experience working with specific populations in sex therapy, couples’ therapy, and individual therapy. My clinical work includes marital preparation, effective communication and conflict resolution, discrepancies in sexual desire and intimacy, and problematic sexual issues. I am also certified in PREPARE/ENRICH working with couples. I utilize my training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help my clients address any degree of trauma or conflict they may be carrying.
![Photo of Helen R Friedman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f8cab75-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Helen Friedman is a compassionate and interactive clinical psychologist with 10 years of additional formal training after her Ph.D. and 41 years in practice. She works with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, divorce, sexual and relationship issues. Specialty areas are child sexual abuse (children, adults, victims and perpetrators), compulsive sexual behavior (including porn addiction and partners), dissociative identity disorder, and gender identity. Trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities (family systems, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, etc.), she tailors her approach to the individual, couple, or family.
Dr. Helen Friedman is a compassionate and interactive clinical psychologist with 10 years of additional formal training after her Ph.D. and 41 years in practice. She works with anxiety, stress, depression, grief, divorce, sexual and relationship issues. Specialty areas are child sexual abuse (children, adults, victims and perpetrators), compulsive sexual behavior (including porn addiction and partners), dissociative identity disorder, and gender identity. Trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities (family systems, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, etc.), she tailors her approach to the individual, couple, or family.
![Photo of Sam Buettner, MA, LPC, SRT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31f596d6-0c82-497b-b528-e374d54714e3/2/320x400.jpeg)
July 9th, 2024 - I currently have a wait-list for new clients. Today our lives are full of challenges and obstacles that can feel difficult to overcome. Are you feeling stuck and unsure which direction to turn? Entering counseling can feel scary but it is also a courageous step in the right direction. As your counselor, I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to process what is preventing you from moving forward in life. My goal is to help you make the most of your life and find a sense of purpose and peace.
July 9th, 2024 - I currently have a wait-list for new clients. Today our lives are full of challenges and obstacles that can feel difficult to overcome. Are you feeling stuck and unsure which direction to turn? Entering counseling can feel scary but it is also a courageous step in the right direction. As your counselor, I will provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to process what is preventing you from moving forward in life. My goal is to help you make the most of your life and find a sense of purpose and peace.
![Photo of Jim Gerber, PhD, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4645153c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jim Gerber
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63117
Many people experience injuries in life that do not subside with the passage of time. The residue of these injuries can result in depression, intrusive thoughts and desperate ways of coping. We can fall into patterns of being that feel too hard to change. All of this then interferes with connection to others and intimacy. One does not have to live this way. It can be different.
Many people experience injuries in life that do not subside with the passage of time. The residue of these injuries can result in depression, intrusive thoughts and desperate ways of coping. We can fall into patterns of being that feel too hard to change. All of this then interferes with connection to others and intimacy. One does not have to live this way. It can be different.
![Photo of Dawn Jones, MA, LPC, EMDR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43c64bba-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dawn Jones
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63105
Waitlist for new clients
I work with people of diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and cultures. I would love to work with you, not only to help you resolve the situations which brought you to counseling, but also to help you grow more into who you actually are. I utilize EMDR and DBT to help both teens and adults with life transitions, identity issues, abuse recovery, sex addictions, and life skills. I bring a balance to my counseling sessions. Clients can expect me to be honest and forward focused, while creating a space that feels at ease and judgment free. Please call to see if my services might be a fit for your needs.
I work with people of diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and cultures. I would love to work with you, not only to help you resolve the situations which brought you to counseling, but also to help you grow more into who you actually are. I utilize EMDR and DBT to help both teens and adults with life transitions, identity issues, abuse recovery, sex addictions, and life skills. I bring a balance to my counseling sessions. Clients can expect me to be honest and forward focused, while creating a space that feels at ease and judgment free. Please call to see if my services might be a fit for your needs.
![Photo of Rahul Mehta, LPC, MS, NCC, CSAT-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4daaa261-b389-4d64-84d0-1cced8888c58/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rahul Mehta
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS, NCC, CSAT-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Peters, MO 63376
As an EMDR Certified Therapist, nationally certified psychotherapist, and CSAT-Candidate, I work with individuals struggling with sex/pornography addictions, trauma, post-traumatic stress, depression, and attachment/relational issues. New clients come to me feeling isolated, in pain, and on edge due to having nowhere to express their toughest thoughts and emotions. My clients come to me to express the things that they couldn't say to anyone else.
As an EMDR Certified Therapist, nationally certified psychotherapist, and CSAT-Candidate, I work with individuals struggling with sex/pornography addictions, trauma, post-traumatic stress, depression, and attachment/relational issues. New clients come to me feeling isolated, in pain, and on edge due to having nowhere to express their toughest thoughts and emotions. My clients come to me to express the things that they couldn't say to anyone else.
See more therapy options for Maryland Heights
Nearby Sexual Addiction Therapists Searches for Maryland Heights
- Chesterfield
- Clayton
- Creve Coeur
- Des Peres
- Florissant
- Ladue
- Olivette
- Richmond Heights
- Saint Charles
- Saint Peters
- Town And Country
- University City
Sexual Addiction Therapists
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.