San Diego Psychotherapy for Sexual or Pornographic Compulsiveness
Finding a Therapist for Sex or Porn Addiction in San Diego
How do I know if I am sexual or pornographic compulsive?
What are the symptoms of being sexual or pornographic compulsive?
How do I overcome being sexual or pornographic compulsive?
Whether you are the wife or husband, significant other, partner, or loved one of someone who engages in compulsive sexual behavior—or if you are the person with the problem—you most likely have a lot of conflicting emotions about the situation. Not the least of these is what you should do about it. Has it been going on for a long time? Can it be stopped? The therapists at Clear Mind Counseling in San Diego can help. They are skilled in working with patients in the San Diego area who are sexual or pornographic compulsive.
Hyper-sexuality, sexual addition, and nymphomania are all terms used to describe compulsive sexual behavior. They also describe sexual behavior that has become obsessive. What may begin as normal sexual behavior has somehow crossed the line into obsession. It may also involve fantasies or actions and activities that are outside the boundaries of what is considered legally, culturally, and morally sexually acceptable behavior.
Examples of compulsive sexual behavior include:
Multiple sexual partners or multiple extramarital affairs
Sex with anonymous partners or prostitutes
Compulsive masturbation
Deliberately avoiding emotional attachment in relationships
Fixation on a partner that is unattainable
Exhibitionism
Masochistic or sadistic sex
Frequent use of pornographic materials
Use of commercially available and sexually explicit phone and Internet services
Cybersex
When what we think, say, and do involving sexual behavior harms ourselves and others, it’s compulsive sexual behavior. Everyone at some point or another has had a desire to check out pornographic sites on the Internet or flipped through a sexually explicit magazine. This does not mean that the person is engaging in compulsive sexual behavior. How many times have we fantasized over a person who may be completely unattainable? Or even having vivid explicit dreams of the person? We can’t control what pops up in our dreams at night. It’s what we do when we’re awake that makes the difference. If the person is totally unattainable, pursuing that individual in real life is obsessive sexual behavior.
Compulsive sexual behaviors include:
An inability to control sexual urges
Detachment (sexual activities do not emotionally satisfy the individual)
Feelings of guilt and shame
Giving up social, work-related, or recreational activities to pursue sexual stimulation
One of the fundamental characteristics of compulsive sexual behavior is the continued engagement in sexual activities despite the negative consequences created by these activities. This is the same phenomenon seen in substance use and impulse control disorders. Psychologically, sexual behaviors serve to escape emotional or physical pain or are a way of coping and handling problems that, in turn, creates a cycle of more problems and increasing desperation, shame, and preoccupation.
Consequences of compulsive sexual behaviors can vary. Some are similar to those seen in other addictive disorders. Medically, individuals are at a higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and for physical injuries due to repetitive sexual practices. Another significant consequence is the loss of time and productivity. It’s common for individuals to spend large amounts of time viewing pornography or cruising for sexual gratification. Financial losses can mount quickly, and individuals can accumulate several thousands of dollars of debt in a short amount of time. In addition, there are legal consequences as well, including arrests for solicitation and engaging in acts that are illegal.
Psychologically, the consequences are many. Effects on the family and interpersonal relationships can be extreme. Compulsive sexual relationships establish unhealthy and unrealistic expectations of what a satisfying sexual relationship should be. The deception, secrecy, and violations of trust that occur with compulsive sexual behaviors many shatter intimacy and personal connections often leading to separation and divorce.
Because it’s not clear how compulsive sexual behavior might be prevented, it’s important to keep this type of behavior in check by getting help early for problems with sexual behavior. Identifying and treating early symptoms may help prevent compulsive sexual behavior from getting worse over time or escalating into a downward spiral of shame, relationship problems, and harmful acts. Seek treatment early for mental health disorders like depression or anxiety which may worsen compulsive sexual behavior. Substance abuse can cause a loss of control and unhappiness that can lead to poor judgment and may push a person toward unhealthy sexual behaviors. Identifying and seeking help for alcohol and drug abuse problems can be key in preventing compulsive sexual behaviors from developing. Don’t jeopardize your health and the health of others by putting yourself into situations where you’ll be tempted to engage in risky sexual practices.
Treatment for compulsive sexual behavior typically involves psychotherapy. A primary goal of treatment is to help you manage urges and reduce excessive behaviors while maintaining healthy sexual activities. If you are experiencing sexual compulsiveness, help is available.