Counselling in PL2
Paul Vivian
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Plymouth PL2
Are you pre-occupied with thoughts and feelings of worry about what may be? Or you may be pulled back to past experiences that you can't change, but can't quite let go of. These often go hand in hand, and can lead to overwhelm and difficulty to be present and enjoy the here and now. It can really help to give this space, to mindfully consider your past and to calm the worry that is trying to protect you. Wherever you are in life's journey there is great benefit from taking time to notice your thoughts and feelings, to find choices and peace among that which you can't control.
Are you pre-occupied with thoughts and feelings of worry about what may be? Or you may be pulled back to past experiences that you can't change, but can't quite let go of. These often go hand in hand, and can lead to overwhelm and difficulty to be present and enjoy the here and now. It can really help to give this space, to mindfully consider your past and to calm the worry that is trying to protect you. Wherever you are in life's journey there is great benefit from taking time to notice your thoughts and feelings, to find choices and peace among that which you can't control.
See more therapy options for PL2
Sexual Addiction Counsellors
When should someone seek treatment for sex addiction?
People should seek treatment for sex addiction if they cannot control their sexual thoughts or behaviours to the point that it disrupts their ability to function in daily life, for example by threatening their finances, career, or relationships. This may include spending an excessive amount of time obsessing over sex, planning sex, watching pornography, or masturbating, as well as consistently engaging in risky sexual activities, using sex to escape distressing feelings, or attempting yet failing to control sexual behaviour.
What are the most common treatment options for sex addiction?
Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for sex addiction; therapy helps patients better understand their compulsive thoughts and behaviours and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, alcohol and substance use medications, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.
How long does therapy take for sex addiction?
Recovering from compulsive behaviour takes time and effort. There’s no precise timeline for treatment, but research suggests 12 therapy sessions may be enough to see change. Treatment for sexual compulsions requires honesty in therapy, a commitment to understanding triggers and developing coping skills, and potential lifestyle changes such as cutting out alcohol or drugs.
What if sex addiction is left untreated?
Compulsive sexual behaviour can have serious repercussions if left unaddressed. For example, if sexual obsessions consume the vast majority of a person’s time, they may lose their job. If they can’t stop paying for sex, their finances may suffer. If they’re dishonest in their relationships, their partner may leave them. If they consistently feel shame, they may struggle with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Therapy can help people develop the tools to manage sexual thoughts and behaviours that feel uncontrollable.