Therapy for Sex Addiction/Out of Control Sexual Behaviour
New Moon Psychotherapy offers Therapy for Sex Addiction and Out-Of-Control Sexual Behaviours in Downtown Toronto with online sessions available across Ontario.
What is Sex Addiction or Out of Control Sexual Behaviour?
Out of control sexual behaviour, often referred to as sex addiction, pornography addiction, or hypersexuality, involves a persistent preoccupation with and engagement in sexual activities.
It’s important to note that the term “sex addiction” is not recognized as a diagnosis in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. For this reason, we refer to all behaviours associated with the terms “sex addiction” or “pornography addiction” as “out of control sexual behaviours”.
Those experiencing out of control sexual behaviour engage in sexual activities to an extent that is distressing to them, interferes with their daily functioning, and negatively impacts various areas of their life.
Like many problematic behavioural patterns, out of control sexual behaviour, often develops in response to underlying emotional or psychological challenges. It is a way of coping and never due to a personal failing.
For individuals struggling with out of control sexual behaviour, sexual thoughts, desires, or actions can become the primary way of managing emotional distress, stress, or feelings of emptiness. These behaviors are often repetitive and driven by a compelling urge that is difficult to resist.
Symptoms of Out of Control Sexual Behaviour
Preoccupation with Sexual Thoughts
Compulsive Use of Masturbation
Masturbation itself is a healthy sexual activity. Masturbation is only considered to be an element of out of control sexual behaviour when it is:
- compulsive
- ritualistic
- excessive
- difficult to stop
- difficult to control
- interferes with daily life
Compulsive Use of Pornography
Feeling out of Control
Neglecting Responsibilities
Risky Sex
Loss of Interest in Non-Sexual Activities
Strained or Ruptured Relationships
Emotional Distress
Decreased Self-Esteem
Sex with Multiple Partners
Escalation
Legal and Financial Problems
It’s essential to recognize that out-of-control sexual behavior can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, causing emotional, psychological, and social issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with these symptoms, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional, therapist, or counselor who specializes in sexual addiction or out of control sexual behavior. They can provide guidance and support in managing and addressing these issues.
Our team has specialized training and experience treating out of control sexual behaviour.
Therapy for Sex Addiction/Out of Control Sexual Behaviour In Downtown Toronto
Potential Causes of Out of Control Sexual Behaviour
Psychological Factors
Out of control sexual behaviour can be associated with underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or trauma.
Neurobiological Factors
Some individuals may have brain chemistry imbalances that make them more susceptible to compulsive behaviors. This may include dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex, dysregulation in hormones, and imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Stress and Coping Mechanisms
Out of control sexual behaviour can be a way of coping with life’s stressors and challenges. Sexual behaviour can impact the release of endorphins (nature’s pain killers) and increase the release of dopamine in the brain which are associated with stress relief and pleasure. Overtime, more is needed to achieve the same results.
Environmental and Societal Factors
Social and cultural influences can shape one’s relationship with sex and lead to out of control sexual behavior. These may include a variety of cultural norms and expectations surrounding sex and relationships, sexualization in the media, accessibility of pornography, peer influence, childhood and early life experiences, availability of partners, and economic factors.
Trauma or Abuse
Trauma, which can encompass a wide range of distressing experiences, can influence an individual’s relationship with their sexuality and contribute to the development of out of control sexual behaviour. Some related pathways involve:
Coping Mechanism
For some individuals who have experienced trauma, out of control sexual behaviour may serve as a coping mechanism. Engaging in sexual behaviors can temporarily relieve emotional pain, distract from distressing memories, and provide comfort and a sense of control. For example, sex or sexual fantasies can become a way to self-soothe or escape from the emotional turmoil associated with traumatic experiences.
Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Trauma can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and self-worth. Out of control sexual behaviour may provide a fleeting sense of validation, acceptance, or worthiness that trauma survivors may struggle to find elsewhere. This can lead to a cycle of seeking sexual experiences as a means of bolstering self-esteem.
Reenactment of Trauma
In some cases, individuals with a history of trauma may reenact their traumatic experiences or themes in their sexual behaviors. This is a complex and distressing aspect of out of control sexual behaviour, where the person unconsciously repeats or recreates aspects of their trauma in their sexual encounters. This can be an attempt to gain a sense of control or mastery over the traumatic event(s).
Attachment and Intimacy Issues
Trauma can disrupt a person’s ability to form secure attachments and engage in healthy intimate relationships. As a result, individuals with a history of trauma may struggle to establish emotionally fulfilling connections with others and may turn to sexual behaviour as a substitute for genuine emotional intimacy.
How Can Sex Therapy/Psychotherapy Help?
Sex therapy, a form of psychotherapy that addresses sexual functioning, is a crucial tool in the journey to regain control over sexual behaviour. At New Moon Psychotherapy, our trained therapists create a safe, judgment-free, and confidential environment for you to share your experiences, get to the root of your problem, and work towards a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with your sexuality.
Here’s what you can expect during sex therapy for out of control sexual behaviour:
Identifying Triggers and Underlying Issues
Developing Coping Strategies
Rebuilding Relationships
It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with out of control sexual behaviour to report strained relationships with loved ones, particularly their partners or significant others. A part of therapy may involve repairing those relationships including rebuilding trust, improving communication, and enhancing intimacy and connection. It may be beneficial to include your partner in this process, though it is not necessary.
Setting Boundaries
Sex Education
Information and Awareness
Understanding Healthy Sexuality
Sex education helps individuals differentiate between consensual, healthy sexual activity and problematic or compulsive behaviors. It provides a framework for recognizing what constitutes healthy sexual expression, thereby helping individuals identify areas where they may be engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
You may be surprised to learn that many individuals who seek out therapy for out of control sexual behaviour are engaging in consensual and healthy sexual activity but have been conditioned to believe that it is wrong.
Communication and Consent
Safe Sex Practices
Normalization and Reducing Stigma
Creating a Supportive Space
A Collaborative Relationship That Emphasizes Informed Decision Making
Sex is not the problem. It’s the way that we relate to it that can become problematic. The World Health Organization considers sexual health to be “fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries”. Therapist who specialize in sex therapy share that belief.
The goal of sex therapy is not disconnection from one’s sexuality, avoidance of self-sex (masturbation) or partnered-sex, or disengagement from sexually explicit materials. The goal of sex therapy is to help you understand your sexuality, and engage with sex in a values based and positive way. The therapist will help you understand sexual heath and your own sexuality, but you get to decide how you bring that into your life.
Recovery from out of control sexual behaviour is a journey of self-discovery and finding healtier ways to navigate life’s challenges and the complexities of human sexuality. Therapy provides a path forward that fosters self-acceptance and empowerment. You may not believe it now but change is possible! We are here to guide you on your path to healing and regaining control over sexual behavior.
New Moon Psychotherapy
How To Get Started
Let this be your new beginning.
Therapy in Toronto’s Fashion District with secure online therapy sessions across Ontario.