Photo of Helen Cleary, Counsellor in WA14, England
Helen Cleary
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hi, welcome to my profile. I deal with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, trauma, low self-esteem, gender identity, anger and relationship issues. As each client has their own story I believe it is important to understand and provide an approach tailored to your specific needs. This offers every client a safe and comfortable environment where a relaxed working relationship can be created. This will allow us to build a foundation based on trust to explore your reasons for therapy and to explore the impacts of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how they affect your life.
Hi, welcome to my profile. I deal with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, trauma, low self-esteem, gender identity, anger and relationship issues. As each client has their own story I believe it is important to understand and provide an approach tailored to your specific needs. This offers every client a safe and comfortable environment where a relaxed working relationship can be created. This will allow us to build a foundation based on trust to explore your reasons for therapy and to explore the impacts of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how they affect your life.
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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.