Sexual Addiction Therapists in Chicago, IL
You might look like you're holding it together. But inside, the weight of stress, conflict, and exhaustion can make it hard to know where even to begin.
Some of what you're carrying is recent: relationship tension, betrayal, dating struggles, or a major life change. Some of it goes deeper. Old wounds from trauma, abandonment, or years of bracing yourself that now surface as anxiety, overthinking, irritability, or numbness.
I'm an experienced psychotherapist with a warm, collaborative style. I work with couples, adults, and older adults, and I tailor my approach to who you are and what you're working through, because healing isn't.
You might look like you're holding it together. But inside, the weight of stress, conflict, and exhaustion can make it hard to know where even to begin.
Some of what you're carrying is recent: relationship tension, betrayal, dating struggles, or a major life change. Some of it goes deeper. Old wounds from trauma, abandonment, or years of bracing yourself that now surface as anxiety, overthinking, irritability, or numbness.
I'm an experienced psychotherapist with a warm, collaborative style. I work with couples, adults, and older adults, and I tailor my approach to who you are and what you're working through, because healing isn't.
For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and couples on their journey toward healing from intimacy challenges, including sex and love addiction (such as compulsive pornography use, infidelity, escort use, romantic obsessions, AI companions). In a warm, non-judgmental, and personalized therapeutic space, I support clients in breaking free from painful, out-of-control patterns and isolation, shame, and trauma that often accompany them. You don’t have to live a double life. Together, we can work to restore your ability to be honest, loving, emotionally and sexually fulfilling intimate relationships.
For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals and couples on their journey toward healing from intimacy challenges, including sex and love addiction (such as compulsive pornography use, infidelity, escort use, romantic obsessions, AI companions). In a warm, non-judgmental, and personalized therapeutic space, I support clients in breaking free from painful, out-of-control patterns and isolation, shame, and trauma that often accompany them. You don’t have to live a double life. Together, we can work to restore your ability to be honest, loving, emotionally and sexually fulfilling intimate relationships.
I specialize in treating men who were sexually abused as children, the treatment of sexual addictions, couples therapy, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. If you are unhappy in your relationships or career, suffering from depression or anxiety, going through a crisis, or wanting to make changes in your life, psychotherapy can help you. Please visit my website at wwwjohnpharris.com.
I specialize in treating men who were sexually abused as children, the treatment of sexual addictions, couples therapy, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. If you are unhappy in your relationships or career, suffering from depression or anxiety, going through a crisis, or wanting to make changes in your life, psychotherapy can help you. Please visit my website at wwwjohnpharris.com.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, burnout, men's issues, sexual addiction and unwanted sexual behaviors, codependence, anger, and faith-related concerns.
You've kept it together for a long time, performing, providing, pushing through, but something has shifted. The strategies that once worked aren't working anymore, and you may be asking harder questions about who you are, what you actually want, and whether the life you're living is really yours. I work with men navigating burnout, identity, and the pressure to have it all figured out.
Therapy isn't about venting, it's about understanding what's actually driving your patterns and building a life that reflects what genuinely matters to you.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, burnout, men's issues, sexual addiction and unwanted sexual behaviors, codependence, anger, and faith-related concerns.
You've kept it together for a long time, performing, providing, pushing through, but something has shifted. The strategies that once worked aren't working anymore, and you may be asking harder questions about who you are, what you actually want, and whether the life you're living is really yours. I work with men navigating burnout, identity, and the pressure to have it all figured out.
Therapy isn't about venting, it's about understanding what's actually driving your patterns and building a life that reflects what genuinely matters to you.
SFC Searching For Change
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT-S, SE-C
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
My practice works with a diverse population. I specialize in addiction, both Sex Addiction and a range of other addictions. I run groups for sex addicts and for the partners of sex addicts. I also specialize in trauma and work with adolescent and adult trauma survivors, both male and female. The practice also works with the LGBTQ community.
Nobody comes to therapy for fun.
If you're like my typical client, you're sick of feeling ashamed and disconnected. You've likely tried to 'figure it out' on your own, but something deeper still isn’t resolving. You are tired of secrecy, tension, and pain. It's time for real, lasting change.
You want honesty, healing, and integration. You want to feel safe in your own body, experience intimacy without shame, or rebuild trust after rupture. You want to stop hiding parts of yourself, feel close to your partner(s) again, or have a healthier relationship with sex. You want to reclaim your relationship with all forms of intimacy.
Nobody comes to therapy for fun.
If you're like my typical client, you're sick of feeling ashamed and disconnected. You've likely tried to 'figure it out' on your own, but something deeper still isn’t resolving. You are tired of secrecy, tension, and pain. It's time for real, lasting change.
You want honesty, healing, and integration. You want to feel safe in your own body, experience intimacy without shame, or rebuild trust after rupture. You want to stop hiding parts of yourself, feel close to your partner(s) again, or have a healthier relationship with sex. You want to reclaim your relationship with all forms of intimacy.
I specialize in treating addictions to drugs, alcohol, and behaviors such as gambling, sex, Internet, and eating. I also address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. I work with adults of all ages individually as well as in groups. My approach to therapy is an interpersonal, client-centered approach. In other words, the client's own treatment goals are of central importance. Recovering from addiction usually entails two phases; stopping the problematic behavior, and the examining deeper issues.
I specialize in treating addictions to drugs, alcohol, and behaviors such as gambling, sex, Internet, and eating. I also address underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. I work with adults of all ages individually as well as in groups. My approach to therapy is an interpersonal, client-centered approach. In other words, the client's own treatment goals are of central importance. Recovering from addiction usually entails two phases; stopping the problematic behavior, and the examining deeper issues.
Maybe it has been a long time coming. Maybe you have been circling the idea of therapy for months, telling yourself you will start when things slow down, when you feel ready, or when you find the right person.
But you do not have to have it figured out to start.
Many of the behaviors we carry—especially the ones we are ashamed of, tired of carrying, or even afraid of—begin as strategies to help us survive early experiences; and those behaviors work, until they start to cost us more than they are worth.
Healing from trauma isn't linear, and it doesn't require you to relive everything to find relief.
Maybe it has been a long time coming. Maybe you have been circling the idea of therapy for months, telling yourself you will start when things slow down, when you feel ready, or when you find the right person.
But you do not have to have it figured out to start.
Many of the behaviors we carry—especially the ones we are ashamed of, tired of carrying, or even afraid of—begin as strategies to help us survive early experiences; and those behaviors work, until they start to cost us more than they are worth.
Healing from trauma isn't linear, and it doesn't require you to relive everything to find relief.
Whether in times of calm or in chaos, I strive to create a safe, judgement-free space to process clients problems head on. The issue is just a symptom, I seek to treat the entire person. A therapist is only as strong as the relationship with each client. Every client is unique. Collaboratively we partner and find an approach to therapy that fits to their specific needs. We check in regularly to evaluate the situation to best meet your goals. Whether it be LGBTQIA+ issues, sex/intimacy, relationships, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use, kink and/or other issues, you aren't alone. Together we can help you find your TrueSelf.
Whether in times of calm or in chaos, I strive to create a safe, judgement-free space to process clients problems head on. The issue is just a symptom, I seek to treat the entire person. A therapist is only as strong as the relationship with each client. Every client is unique. Collaboratively we partner and find an approach to therapy that fits to their specific needs. We check in regularly to evaluate the situation to best meet your goals. Whether it be LGBTQIA+ issues, sex/intimacy, relationships, depression, anxiety, OCD, substance use, kink and/or other issues, you aren't alone. Together we can help you find your TrueSelf.
My ideal client might struggle to claim who they are and express themselves. This client might be accustomed to running away from themselves and life, numbing out with behaviors like restricting/binging food, substances, sexual acting out, pornography, compulsive spending, excessive exercise or seeking a partner to be the solution. I would love to help you stop avoiding yourself and release the illusion of control that these behaviors offer, to shift gracefully into the swing of life as an authentic you. I work well with those who are seeking spirituality, improved connections, body acceptance and relief from trauma symptoms.
My ideal client might struggle to claim who they are and express themselves. This client might be accustomed to running away from themselves and life, numbing out with behaviors like restricting/binging food, substances, sexual acting out, pornography, compulsive spending, excessive exercise or seeking a partner to be the solution. I would love to help you stop avoiding yourself and release the illusion of control that these behaviors offer, to shift gracefully into the swing of life as an authentic you. I work well with those who are seeking spirituality, improved connections, body acceptance and relief from trauma symptoms.
Do you feel like no one truly knows you? Do you feel like if people knew the REAL you that you wouldn't be accepted or loved? Depression, shame, and anxiety are all common experiences as we reflect on our unwanted behavior, relational discord, past trauma, and family of origin. The motivation to change becomes all that much harder when you seek it out alone. You want to believe there is hope for a brighter day. Let's work together as we honor your resiliency and work towards healing because the question "what would you prefer?" is worth asking. You want to live a life of freedom. Let's boldly walk into that freedom together.
Do you feel like no one truly knows you? Do you feel like if people knew the REAL you that you wouldn't be accepted or loved? Depression, shame, and anxiety are all common experiences as we reflect on our unwanted behavior, relational discord, past trauma, and family of origin. The motivation to change becomes all that much harder when you seek it out alone. You want to believe there is hope for a brighter day. Let's work together as we honor your resiliency and work towards healing because the question "what would you prefer?" is worth asking. You want to live a life of freedom. Let's boldly walk into that freedom together.
I work with adults looking to break patterns in their life that are no longer serving them. I specialize in helping folks navigating sexual concerns, dysfunctional families, intergenerational trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, substance use, and anxiety. My therapeutic approach is grounded in an integrative application of Feminist Therapy, Psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, Relational Cultural Theory, Interpersonal, and Existential Therapy. I strive to create an egalitarian relationship that is free of judgment. My clinical work employs culturally competent, relational perspectives and evidence-based practices.
I work with adults looking to break patterns in their life that are no longer serving them. I specialize in helping folks navigating sexual concerns, dysfunctional families, intergenerational trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, substance use, and anxiety. My therapeutic approach is grounded in an integrative application of Feminist Therapy, Psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, Relational Cultural Theory, Interpersonal, and Existential Therapy. I strive to create an egalitarian relationship that is free of judgment. My clinical work employs culturally competent, relational perspectives and evidence-based practices.
I work with individuals and couples with a variety of emotional and interpersonal concerns. I have a particular interest in working with issues around intimacy, sexuality, and identity. Sexual difficulties and dissatisfaction are surprisingly common. In fact, most of us will experience some sexual difficulties even in the best of relationships and at the best of times. However, misunderstood and unaddressed sexual difficulties can have a domino effect, negatively impacting how you view yourself, your partner, and your relationship. The result often entails unnecessary feelings of disconnection, frustration, anxiety, and shame, not to mention the loss of your sex life!
I work with individuals and couples with a variety of emotional and interpersonal concerns. I have a particular interest in working with issues around intimacy, sexuality, and identity. Sexual difficulties and dissatisfaction are surprisingly common. In fact, most of us will experience some sexual difficulties even in the best of relationships and at the best of times. However, misunderstood and unaddressed sexual difficulties can have a domino effect, negatively impacting how you view yourself, your partner, and your relationship. The result often entails unnecessary feelings of disconnection, frustration, anxiety, and shame, not to mention the loss of your sex life!
Thank you for clicking on my profile. I provide individual counseling to adults. I specialize in the area sex addiction and help clients find freedom from their compulsive and risky behavior. I am equipped to help you work through depression, anxiety, anger, brokenness, relational discord, grief, low self-esteem, trauma, and addiction. I love helping clients connect the dots to start making healthy changes a create lasting change. The work will be hard, but just like climbing a mountain, in the end, the views are breathtaking.
Thank you for clicking on my profile. I provide individual counseling to adults. I specialize in the area sex addiction and help clients find freedom from their compulsive and risky behavior. I am equipped to help you work through depression, anxiety, anger, brokenness, relational discord, grief, low self-esteem, trauma, and addiction. I love helping clients connect the dots to start making healthy changes a create lasting change. The work will be hard, but just like climbing a mountain, in the end, the views are breathtaking.
I bring a steady, grounded energy to my work. Whether I’m supporting clients through high-stress moments or guiding deep reflection, I create a calm, reassuring space where people feel emotionally safe and regulated. I prioritize relationships over rigid agendas. I collaborate with each client, attuning to their needs and goals while encouraging self-trust and agency. I meet people where they are, with both empathy and respect. I don’t rush the process. I believe that quality comes from intentionality, and I approach every session, conversation, and decision with care. I listen closely, reflect deeply, & communicate with clarity.
I bring a steady, grounded energy to my work. Whether I’m supporting clients through high-stress moments or guiding deep reflection, I create a calm, reassuring space where people feel emotionally safe and regulated. I prioritize relationships over rigid agendas. I collaborate with each client, attuning to their needs and goals while encouraging self-trust and agency. I meet people where they are, with both empathy and respect. I don’t rush the process. I believe that quality comes from intentionality, and I approach every session, conversation, and decision with care. I listen closely, reflect deeply, & communicate with clarity.
Kurt Mohning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
"Have you come to a point in your life where you know things need to change but you are not sure how to make that happen? I can help you through a process of change and guide you to a more satisyfying peaceful way of living. I offer a warm safe enviroment where you can take the time and energy to only focus on yourself.
"Have you come to a point in your life where you know things need to change but you are not sure how to make that happen? I can help you through a process of change and guide you to a more satisyfying peaceful way of living. I offer a warm safe enviroment where you can take the time and energy to only focus on yourself.
Joleena is a former Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate, a Certified Clinical Trauma and Addiction Specialist, a Certified Functional Medicine and Trauma Specialist, a Betrayal Trauma Coach, with a Masters of Psychology. She specializes in helping couples working through full disclosure, betrayal and addiction of all kinds. She also works with clients that are struggling with anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. Her passion is to provide a safe space for her clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
Joleena is a former Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate, a Certified Clinical Trauma and Addiction Specialist, a Certified Functional Medicine and Trauma Specialist, a Betrayal Trauma Coach, with a Masters of Psychology. She specializes in helping couples working through full disclosure, betrayal and addiction of all kinds. She also works with clients that are struggling with anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. Her passion is to provide a safe space for her clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
Therapy can sometimes feel frustrating if it seems like nothing changes. While being heard and understood matters, good therapy should also help you move forward. My goal is to do more than listen. I want to walk alongside you as you create meaningful change in your life. If you feel stuck in addictive patterns, you do not have to face that alone. I specialize in working with men who want to build a life worth living beyond maladaptive coping. I support clients struggling with pornography and sex addiction, OCD, unresolved trauma, anxiety, and depression as they develop healthier ways of living.
Therapy can sometimes feel frustrating if it seems like nothing changes. While being heard and understood matters, good therapy should also help you move forward. My goal is to do more than listen. I want to walk alongside you as you create meaningful change in your life. If you feel stuck in addictive patterns, you do not have to face that alone. I specialize in working with men who want to build a life worth living beyond maladaptive coping. I support clients struggling with pornography and sex addiction, OCD, unresolved trauma, anxiety, and depression as they develop healthier ways of living.
Are you struggling with thoughts or behaviors that could be hurtful to others? My focus is working with individuals who are dealing with power and control struggles. Helping to teach those with compulsive, impulsive, and addictive behaviors patterns. Throughout the years I have developed a passion for assisting clients in transitioning harmful behaviors, that impact themselves and others, into healthy choices. I work with adolescents and adult and am committed to helping families cope with the impact on their lives. My intention is to provide skills, support and understanding though the transformation process in a decolonized lens.
Are you struggling with thoughts or behaviors that could be hurtful to others? My focus is working with individuals who are dealing with power and control struggles. Helping to teach those with compulsive, impulsive, and addictive behaviors patterns. Throughout the years I have developed a passion for assisting clients in transitioning harmful behaviors, that impact themselves and others, into healthy choices. I work with adolescents and adult and am committed to helping families cope with the impact on their lives. My intention is to provide skills, support and understanding though the transformation process in a decolonized lens.
Finding our true sense of Self or "Good nature" can be very helpful for healing and personal growth. Understanding our personalty structure or internal landscape i.e. the "Critic" , or the "inner child" etc can lead to clarity, compassion, curiosity, connectedness, courage, creativity, confidence, calm and everything in this wheelhouse. These are the characteristics of Self leadership. Come and explore with me, I'm here to help.
Finding our true sense of Self or "Good nature" can be very helpful for healing and personal growth. Understanding our personalty structure or internal landscape i.e. the "Critic" , or the "inner child" etc can lead to clarity, compassion, curiosity, connectedness, courage, creativity, confidence, calm and everything in this wheelhouse. These are the characteristics of Self leadership. Come and explore with me, I'm here to help.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Sexual Addiction Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Cicero
- Evanston
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Park Ridge
- River Forest
- Skokie
Sexual Addiction Therapists
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 behavior.
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 behaviors and develop strategies to manage their desires. Therapy may be supplemented by medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-androgens, and the alcohol and substance use medication Naltrexone, as well as support groups, such as 12-step programs.
How long does therapy take for sex addiction?
Recovering from compulsive behavior 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 behavior 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 behaviors that feel uncontrollable.