Sexual Addiction
What is sexual addiction?
Sexual addiction has been a term used to describe sexual behavior that is out of control, to the point that it affects a person's ability to function in other areas of their life. Many experts today prefer the term out-of-control sexual behavior. It can come in many forms and may include the compulsive use of pornography and masturbation (to the point that it interferes with other parts of one's life), risky sex acts with other people, and/or engagement in sexual activity that is dangerous or illegal.
Often, a fixation on sex comes from a desire to escape or numb underlying emotional pain. The problem with using sex in this manner is that it can prevent a person from being able to find true intimacy with another person. For people of faith, this behavior can clash with their personal values and may cause a fracture in their marriage or relationship.
How do you overcome sexual addiction?
Recovery from out-of-control sexual behavior is a journey and a process. Many people find strength in surrendering their struggle to God and finding support from others. This can include participation in a support group and/or help from a counselor. If you are struggling with this, counseling can help you identify triggers, get to the source of your emotional pain, relearn what it means to be sexual in an ethical way, and find healing so you can discover true intimacy—as well as live a life in accordance with your values and where you sense God's calling in your life.
Sexual addiction has been a term used to describe sexual behavior that is out of control, to the point that it affects a person's ability to function in other areas of their life. Many experts today prefer the term out-of-control sexual behavior. It can come in many forms and may include the compulsive use of pornography and masturbation (to the point that it interferes with other parts of one's life), risky sex acts with other people, and/or engagement in sexual activity that is dangerous or illegal.
Often, a fixation on sex comes from a desire to escape or numb underlying emotional pain. The problem with using sex in this manner is that it can prevent a person from being able to find true intimacy with another person. For people of faith, this behavior can clash with their personal values and may cause a fracture in their marriage or relationship.
How do you overcome sexual addiction?
Recovery from out-of-control sexual behavior is a journey and a process. Many people find strength in surrendering their struggle to God and finding support from others. This can include participation in a support group and/or help from a counselor. If you are struggling with this, counseling can help you identify triggers, get to the source of your emotional pain, relearn what it means to be sexual in an ethical way, and find healing so you can discover true intimacy—as well as live a life in accordance with your values and where you sense God's calling in your life.
Counselors providing this service:
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Tres Adames, MDiv, BCPC“I specialize in helping men and women wanting to improve their emotional, physical, spiritual, and sexual health. When someone has a disordered relationship with sex, they are often are using it to numb some type of underlying pain. I approach this issue by helping clients go beneath the surface and address the reasons they are using sex as an unhealthy coping mechanism and help them find healing through healthier ways of coping and reconnecting with God.”
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Scott Bennion, MDiv, WHC, BCPC“I specialize in helping those who wish to better understand themselves as it relates to their relational, emotional, sexual, and spiritual health. I seek to create a safe place for you to speak from the heart about what matters to you, without being judgmental or critical, and am committed to helping you remove your blocks to love — and where appropriate, the guilt, shame, and fear that binds you.”
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