Sex Addiction Therapy Online

Did you know that more than 30 million people suffer from sexual addiction in the United States alone? 

According to The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, 70–75% of people with sex addiction have thought about suicide. Just this one piece of statistics shows the intensity of how just like any other form of addiction, sex addiction can be detrimental to one’s relationships and life in general. 

For many people, sex addiction is a taboo topic, and they prefer to pretend like it’s something that does not exist. Sadly, being pretentious does not make the problem go away. Sex addiction is a societal issue that requires as much attention as all other forms of addiction. 

Many people do not know how to go about seeking sex addiction therapy due to the stigma around this disorder. 

Online therapy is a safe haven for topics such as sex addiction which most people might not be comfortable talking about in person. It is a comfortable and confidential way to seek much-needed help. Online counseling (group or individual) creates a platform that allows one to open up and share their concerns without feeling judged. 

Do You Need Therapy for Sex Addiction?

The legitimacy of sex addiction is questioned by many. This is largely because the condition is rarely discussed. Consequently, most people are underinformed and misinformed. It is important to note that when it comes to sex-related concerns, it is not always addiction. Sometimes people struggle with other issues such as hypersexuality. 

Sex addiction can be defined as a compulsive and clear prevalence of adverse sexual behavior. People with addiction feel the need to engage in sexual encounters that give them a “fix” that is similar to that pursued by people with other forms of addiction, such as drugs or alcohol. The neurological foundations of sex addiction are similar to those of other forms of addiction. 

Tests can be done to make the conclusion that one might have a sex addiction. 

However, if someone shows some or all of these signs, there might be a need for concern. 

• Excessive obsession with prostitution, consuming/watching porn, and/or masturbation
• Sexual relationships with multiple partners
• Obsessive sexual thoughts and fantasies
• Jeopardizing everything else for sexual gratification
• Excessive pursuit of sexual conquests 
• Engaging in risky and inappropriate sexual behaviors such as exhibitionism and public sex 
• Exploiting other people for sex
• Overly preoccupied with sexual gratification
• The need for more and extreme sex 
• Inability to control sexual behavior
• Disregard the consequences of their sexual behavior 
• Lying to cover up these habits

What Are Therapies for Sex Addiction?

When it comes to sex addiction therapy, there are several therapeutic approaches that can be adapted and tailored to meet everyone’s subjective needs.

Upon properly understanding the root cause of your addiction to sex, your therapist will be in a position to figure out the best form of therapy that will allow you to get the best results possible. Other factors such as other existing conditions and levels of motivation will also be considered in choosing the best therapy option. 

All issues that might have contributed to the sex addiction will be discussed and dealt with in the therapy sessions. This will help one deal with the problem from its roots. 

These are some of the commonly and effectively used types of therapy:

Group therapy

This form of sex addiction therapy is best suitable for people who are more comfortable discussing their experiences in group settings. Group therapy helps individuals understand that they are not alone in trying to work through sex addiction. 

The group settings create a platform where these individuals can provide support to each other as they will all be dealing with similar issues. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT helps tackle sex addiction by helping the person identify triggers for the addiction. Once the triggers have been identified, the sex addiction therapist will then work with the client to alter how they react when exposed to triggers. 

CBT also helps the addict identify thoughts, emotions, and behavior that are linked to sex addiction. Once the thoughts have been identified, it becomes easier to deal with and eliminate them. 

Psychodynamic therapy

In some cases, sex addiction has its roots in one’s childhood experiences. This form of sex addiction counseling looks at how one’s childhood shaped their emotional development and attachment styles, among several other things.

This therapy best suits those who believe that their sex addiction stems from past trauma or abuse. It unpacks repressed memories that could be affecting behavior. The main focus of this therapy is to uncover buried childhood or past memories and conflicts. 

What Does Online Therapy Look Like?

All the above-mentioned types of therapy can be conducted online, and that is known as online therapy. 

One can find a therapist in internet directories, where they can filter therapists according to their needs. For those who want privacy, sex addiction online therapy is the way to go, as in some cases, online therapy can be anonymous. Some sex addiction therapists do not even ask for the client’s name, so you will be guaranteed that everything is confidential. 

At DoMental, our process for starting online therapy is quite easy and straightforward. You start off by answering a short and confidential questionnaire. This helps us select the best therapist for you based on what your concern is, your sex addiction symptoms, and what you are looking to get from online counseling.

Once the questionnaire is done, we will connect you with one of our qualified therapists on the same day. We have a team of professionals who are well equipped to help people from all walks of life, so there is definitely a therapist for everyone. 

Once you have been connected with your therapist, communication can be via audio/video sessions or messaging sessions. This is really up to you and your therapist. Our goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for our clients, so you can organize what works best for you. 

You can communicate with your therapist daily, and they will respond to all the concerns you might have on time. These daily therapist responses will make it easy for you to address any issues that might come up during your day, as you will not have to wait for therapy days that you can address them. 

Other Treatment Options

Besides therapy (both in-person and online), other forms of sex addiction treatment can also be adopted to increase effectiveness. These include the use of pharmaceutical medication, including SSRIs, mood stabilizers, and Naltrexone. 

When one has other comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety, antidepressants can be used to help with sex addiction. Having sex addiction does not automatically mean that one will be prescribed to take some medication. Therapists will conduct an evaluation that determines the need for medication, if any.  

When used in conjunction with therapy, these treatment options are even more effective. 

The Bottom Line

Sex addiction has detrimental effects on well-being. It is a problem that needs to be addressed, but sadly, the problem is rarely attended to due to sex addiction being considered taboo in most cultures.

Dealing with sex addiction can be complex, especially when one does not have support from family and friends. 

Thanks to online therapy, you can have the platform to work with a therapist who can help you deal with the addiction. Online counseling doesn't have to be awkward as it can be anonymous. It can be done from anywhere, so it is a cheaper option. Having someone who is able to listen to your concerns and offer you assistance daily will help you deal with and avoid triggers. 

Lastly, not only will online sex addiction therapy benefit the person with the addiction, it will also help the family and friends who might not be dealing with addiction personally. It also ensures that the addict has a good support structure to make the recovery process smoother. 

We are here to help find the best online counselor who will make a difference in your life.