Telemedicine Sex Addiction Therapy in Los Angeles
Sexually compulsive behavior, sometimes referred to as ‘sexual addiction,’ is a serious problem that damages people’s lives and well-being. The effects of sexual compulsion are not limited to the ‘addict’ but also affect those closest to him or her. Because of the harmful emotional damage this can cause loved ones, romantic relationships are often either lost or in turmoil. For instance, difficulty achieving true intimacy due to trust problems is very common, as is viewing sexual partners as objects rather than individuals. Intrapsychic offers treatment and evaluation for those affected by compulsive sexual behavior and hypersexuality, or ‘sex addiction,’ in California.
What Is Sex Addiction?
Excessive sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all characterize sex addiction. It is defined in part by an out-of-control pattern of sexual behavior that interferes with work and other important social obligations. This includes losing time from work for any sexual activity, cheating on your spouse or partner, and using sex to cope with problems (sexualized coping) — to name a few. Sex addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or marital status.
Sex addiction includes a wide range of harmful behaviors. These includes multiple affairs, excessive masturbation, obsession with pornography, risky sexual behavior, and others.
Am I Addicted To Sex?
It’s hard to admit to yourself and others that you have a sexual addiction, but it is perhaps more difficult to hide from yourself. Many factors from your life and relationship history can indicate patterns that may suggest you have a sex addiction. These can help determine if there is a problem in your life related to sexual behavior, and whether treatment may be appropriate. According to Intrapsychic, warning signs include:
- Having sexual relations repeatedly in a short period.
- Obsessive preoccupations compromise one’s relationship with their spouse or lover.
- Feeling depressed, anxious, guilty or ashamed because of engaging in sexual activity.
- Using sex to avoid facing problems in one’s life.
- Spending a significant amount of time and money on sex, or finding sexual adventure at the expense of family or work.
Is My Partner Addicted To Sex?
It’s difficult to tell if a loved one is hypersexual. Professionals at Intrapsychic have found that sexual addiction is often masked in relationships. Your first clues could be infidelity, continuous use of sexual humor, general fascination with sex, escalating sexual demands, lying, inappropriate public behavior, and losing oneself in fantasy. Every person is different and may present signs in different ways; speaking to a professional may be the best first step if you feel your partner has been sexually compulsive.
Is Sex Addiction A Disease?
Sex addiction, or compulsive sexual behavior disorder, is a real disorder that has become more prevalent in recent years. But it is still not entirely understood by medical professionals and, so far, there is no official diagnosis of sex addiction. The good news is that at Intrapsychic, there are several treatment options available for people who suffer from hypersexuality.
Sex Addiction Treatment
A comprehensive treatment program requires professionals and counselors with a wide range of expertise. Sex addiction treatment programs should address any co-occurring disorders to treat sex addiction effectively. Additionally, recovery is enhanced when patients have a strong support system to turn to during relapse or struggle with temptation. Work begins on framing the behavior at hand, which is to say the type of problematic sexual behavior and its chronicity, intensity and frequency. We next help patients identify and then neutralize the distortions in thought that have facilitated the behavior. These thoughts have almost certainly caused a ‘suspension of empathic concern’ for those that have been hurt; if we are able to eliminate the thoughts, a person can come closer to recognizing the pain that he has caused others by his behavior (and this can then become a protective variable). The next step is to identify the root causes – what is a patient escaping from, or numbing, by the behavior at hand? Can we find the ‘root’ of the behavior (which often lies in childhood events) and provide healing? We can, and in doing so the appetite to engage in the problematic behavior is diminished, and this gives a patient more control.
Intrapsychic offers sex addiction treatment in California, with telemedicine appointments for all California residents, or in-person at our San Diego clinics. Dr. Reavis and his staff are available for individual and group psychotherapy sessions for either telemedicine or in-person sessions.
Sex Addiction Treatment in California
Sex addiction is a serious condition – If you or your partner are struggling with compulsive sexual behavior and feel it is affecting your life, don’t wait another day to get help. Intrapsychic has treatment options designed to bring lasting relief from sex addiction. We also offer telehealth services for clients throughout California. Call us today at 619-234-7970 to find out more about our programs.