Compulsive Sexual Behavior & Sex Addiction
When behavior feels out of control, therapy can provide a structured and accountable path to understanding the pattern—and interrupting it.
When Behavior Feels Out of Control
Compulsive sexual behavior can feel isolating, confusing, and difficult to talk about. You may find yourself repeating behaviors that don't align with your values, making commitments to stop only to return to the same patterns, or living with secrecy, shame, and internal conflict.
Over time, this cycle can impact relationships, identity, and your sense of self.
Common Experience
- Repeating behaviors that do not align with your values
- Making commitments to stop—then returning to the same patterns
- Living with secrecy, shame, or internal conflict
- Feeling caught between control and loss of control
- Seeing strain in relationships, identity, and self-respect
A Structured, Change-Oriented Model
This work is informed by training in the task-based model developed by Patrick Carnes, including work through Pine Grove's Gratitude Program. It is structured, intentional, grounded in behavioral change, and supported by principles from 12-step recovery.
This approach is focused on both accountability and growth. We don't just talk about the problem—we actively work to understand and interrupt the patterns that sustain it.
What This Work Is
- Structured and intentional
- Grounded in behavioral change
- Supported by principles from 12-step recovery
- Focused on both accountability and growth
Understanding the Pattern
Compulsive sexual behavior is not simply about willpower. It often involves emotional regulation strategies that have become rigid, and learned patterns of coping with stress, loneliness, or discomfort.
The cycle typically looks like: stress → cravings & urges → acting out behavior → temporary relief → shame → repetition.
- Identify these patterns clearly
- Change your relationship to urges
- Build new, values-aligned responses
The Role of Connection
A central idea in recovery is this: the opposite of addiction is not sobriety—it is connection. Recovery is about strengthening connection in several key areas:
- Connection to yourself — your thoughts, emotions, and inner experience
- Connection to others — loved ones and peers in recovery
- Connection to your values — what matters most to you
- Connection to something larger — purpose, meaning, spirituality, or community
A Grounded Approach to Spirituality
Spirituality here is not about religion or belief systems. It is understood as connection to something greater than oneself—whether that is meaning, purpose, community, or a deeper sense of awareness.
This perspective is informed by clinical work within Native communities, where healing is understood as relational and communal, and by contemplative traditions influenced by Buddhism and mindfulness practice. These perspectives support recovery through awareness, compassion, accountability, and connection.
What This Work Involves
This is active, engaged therapy. Together, we will:
- Map out your specific behavioral patterns
- Develop tools to manage urges and triggers
- Reduce shame while increasing accountability
- Build connection with others in recovery as a source of support, honesty, and shared growth
- Build a more stable, values-driven way of living
A Good Fit
This work tends to be a good fit if you:
- Recognize patterns that feel difficult to control
- Are open to structured, task-based work
- Are willing to engage honestly and consistently
- Are interested in deeper change—not just symptom relief
Services
- Services are private pay / self-pay
- Sessions are individualized and confidential
- Services are provided virtually
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If this resonates, the next step is to schedule a consultation. Together we can explore whether this work is a good fit.
Schedule a Consultation