Photo of Christine Woods, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christine Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in working with individuals/couples in recovery from sex addiction, pornography addiction, and/or love addiction. I support betrayed partners who are struggling to make sense of how best to move forward in the wake of traumatic discovery. In my work with couples impacted by sexual addiction, betrayal, or infidelity, I emphasize the relationship repair process through therapy sessions designed to provide immediate structure and tools. These sessions aim to facilitate authentic communication skills and rebuild trust and connection. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
(510) 892-5137 x17 View (510) 892-5137 x17
Photo of Paul Julio Calloway, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paul Julio Calloway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
I specialize in treating anxiety, PTSD, anger management, depression, OCD, co-dependency and sexual addiction.
As a therapist, I would like to create a safe place to discuss and process your feelings. The most important thing for me is building trust and rapport so that the therapeutic process can commence. I am here to provide guidance and tailor my counseling interventions to address your specific needs. I identify as a therapist of color specializing in working with communities of color.
I specialize in treating anxiety, PTSD, anger management, depression, OCD, co-dependency and sexual addiction.
As a therapist, I would like to create a safe place to discuss and process your feelings. The most important thing for me is building trust and rapport so that the therapeutic process can commence. I am here to provide guidance and tailor my counseling interventions to address your specific needs. I identify as a therapist of color specializing in working with communities of color.
(510) 983-7753 View (510) 983-7753
Photo of Drew Tillotson, PsyD, Psychologist
Drew Tillotson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I have specialities in porn and/or sexual addiction, mens' issues, careers in high tech, finance, and law.
It can seem impossible to figure things out, to feel loved, secure, less lonely, frightened or sad. Work, family and social demands can cause stress and/or burn-out. People get caught in cycles of porn/ sexual addiction, video games or online surfing that derails them. I'm seasoned and adept at providing safety to think things through. I see many types of people from widely diverse cultural backgrounds and with different sexual orientations. My approach is engaging, warm and exploratory. I provide help at times of crisis, or when life feels unsatisfying, frozen, boring, numb or sad.
I have specialities in porn and/or sexual addiction, mens' issues, careers in high tech, finance, and law.
It can seem impossible to figure things out, to feel loved, secure, less lonely, frightened or sad. Work, family and social demands can cause stress and/or burn-out. People get caught in cycles of porn/ sexual addiction, video games or online surfing that derails them. I'm seasoned and adept at providing safety to think things through. I see many types of people from widely diverse cultural backgrounds and with different sexual orientations. My approach is engaging, warm and exploratory. I provide help at times of crisis, or when life feels unsatisfying, frozen, boring, numb or sad.
(415) 226-6834 View (415) 226-6834
Photo of Timothy Koford, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Timothy Koford
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94601
I am trained in the LifeSTAR model of Sexual Addiction Recovery (www.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Are you having difficulty with depression? Do you find less satisfaction in activities you once enjoyed? Are you having difficulty in your relationships? Are you concerned about the amount to time you, or someone you care about spends viewing pornography? I believe that you have within you the ability to heal. I also know that there are many times when it seems that life is too hard to face your problems alone.
I am trained in the LifeSTAR model of Sexual Addiction Recovery (www.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Are you having difficulty with depression? Do you find less satisfaction in activities you once enjoyed? Are you having difficulty in your relationships? Are you concerned about the amount to time you, or someone you care about spends viewing pornography? I believe that you have within you the ability to heal. I also know that there are many times when it seems that life is too hard to face your problems alone.
(559) 257-4381 View (559) 257-4381
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(510) 983-7281 View (510) 983-7281
Photo of Anthony Q. Liu, MA, LMFT, CSAT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anthony Q. Liu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94602
Have you tried to stop looking at porn but can't? Have secrets sapped the trust and respect from your relationship? Do memories of past hurts intrude into the present? Infidelity, porn, or sex addiction -- and the shame that comes along with it -- can take away our voice. Let's talk and make sure you're heard. I have helped many individuals and couples develop healthy sexuality and rebuild trust. It would be my honor to walk alongside you.
Have you tried to stop looking at porn but can't? Have secrets sapped the trust and respect from your relationship? Do memories of past hurts intrude into the present? Infidelity, porn, or sex addiction -- and the shame that comes along with it -- can take away our voice. Let's talk and make sure you're heard. I have helped many individuals and couples develop healthy sexuality and rebuild trust. It would be my honor to walk alongside you.
(925) 272-9638 View (925) 272-9638
Photo of Vernon Lee, PhD, CSAT-S, Psychologist
Vernon Lee
Psychologist, PhD, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94612  (Online Only)
In a field with very few recognized experts, Dr. Lee is an acknowledged professional in the assessment and treatment of persons with addictive sexual disorders and domestic violence.Clients come to us for professional and compassionate guidance in creating the most appropriate treatment plan for their success.
In a field with very few recognized experts, Dr. Lee is an acknowledged professional in the assessment and treatment of persons with addictive sexual disorders and domestic violence.Clients come to us for professional and compassionate guidance in creating the most appropriate treatment plan for their success.
(415) 842-4206 View (415) 842-4206
Photo of Dean Leav - Men's Issues - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist
Men's Issues - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94604
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
Welcome to my practice. I have been in practice since 2007 and have been featured on ABC, NBC, and KCAL as an expert psychologist. I work primarily with men who have hit “rock bottom” and would like help getting up. These men are often in crisis when we first meet. The issues I address are typically related to unhealthy sexual behaviors, infidelity, financial recklessness, gambling, drugs/alcohol, dishonesty/lying, and relational conflicts. My therapy approach is a combination of psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and the 12-Step recovery model. I also share insight from my own painful but redemptive recovery journey.
(209) 255-2864 View (209) 255-2864
Photo of Donald Walter Kiehn, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donald Walter Kiehn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
My therapeutic style reflects a client centered approach and a humanist perspective. My experience is that emotional healing is facilitated most readily within the context of a safe, compassionate, responsive and supportive relationship. I tend to work with clients utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a significant part of my therapeutic framework. I believe that a healthy Self is intrinsic in each of us and that healthy Self can grow and flourish at any age I have extensive experience assisting clients with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, relationship, parenting and attachment issues.
My therapeutic style reflects a client centered approach and a humanist perspective. My experience is that emotional healing is facilitated most readily within the context of a safe, compassionate, responsive and supportive relationship. I tend to work with clients utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS) as a significant part of my therapeutic framework. I believe that a healthy Self is intrinsic in each of us and that healthy Self can grow and flourish at any age I have extensive experience assisting clients with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, relationship, parenting and attachment issues.
(510) 216-1142 View (510) 216-1142
Photo of Gabriel Thibaut de Maisieres, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gabriel Thibaut de Maisieres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94608
Do you struggles with your relationship? Do you want a more intimate connection? I believe we are driven to grow and we choose our partner to help us grow. Going through conflicts and resolving them is what help us to know ourselves and our loved one better. The last 11 years, in a safe, trusting, and warm environment, I successfully helped couples, as well as individual, to learn from these conflicts and help them to build more harmonious relationship and better life.
Do you struggles with your relationship? Do you want a more intimate connection? I believe we are driven to grow and we choose our partner to help us grow. Going through conflicts and resolving them is what help us to know ourselves and our loved one better. The last 11 years, in a safe, trusting, and warm environment, I successfully helped couples, as well as individual, to learn from these conflicts and help them to build more harmonious relationship and better life.
(415) 689-5958 View (415) 689-5958
Photo of Stefanie Schlief, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Stefanie Schlief
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, SWer supportive, and welcomes humans of all cultural backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or choices. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
I am an associate Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in sex therapy, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am currently accepting both couples and individuals at my practice. My work is non-judgmental, client focused, sex positive, open to those practicing ethical non-monogamy and polyamory, kink-positive, SWer supportive, and welcomes humans of all cultural backgrounds. I love to help people navigate through their relationships, both casual and serious, and offer support and care in making tough changes or choices. Together we can explore shame, identity, and what scares or challenges us.
(510) 288-6085 View (510) 288-6085
Photo of Wallace Earl Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Wallace Earl Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
As a psychotherapist with over 10 years of counseling experience in the Bay Area I have come to appreciate the importance of humor and honesty in developing a therapeutic relationship that encourages positive life changes. I work hard to develop a comfortable and safe space for my clients to identify and address barriers to progress in their personal and professional lives. When we are honest with ourselves, I think we so often find that our most ardent critic and obstacle to living a fulfilling and happy life is ourselves.
As a psychotherapist with over 10 years of counseling experience in the Bay Area I have come to appreciate the importance of humor and honesty in developing a therapeutic relationship that encourages positive life changes. I work hard to develop a comfortable and safe space for my clients to identify and address barriers to progress in their personal and professional lives. When we are honest with ourselves, I think we so often find that our most ardent critic and obstacle to living a fulfilling and happy life is ourselves.
(650) 727-1875 View (650) 727-1875
Gregg E Bernstein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94619
I have many years of experience in dealing with anxiety, depression, loss, life transitions, addictions of all types, and relationship and identity issues. I think my strength is that I approach people on a very human level, with respect, caring and humor. I feel "we are all in the same boat" (including me) and that we all need someone to take us seriously, listen carefully and know how hard it is to be vulnerable to a 'stranger'. I will do my very best to help you create the life you want. I have lost a child, so I have a special sensitivity to grieving parents and their challenges.
I have many years of experience in dealing with anxiety, depression, loss, life transitions, addictions of all types, and relationship and identity issues. I think my strength is that I approach people on a very human level, with respect, caring and humor. I feel "we are all in the same boat" (including me) and that we all need someone to take us seriously, listen carefully and know how hard it is to be vulnerable to a 'stranger'. I will do my very best to help you create the life you want. I have lost a child, so I have a special sensitivity to grieving parents and their challenges.
(510) 817-2108 View (510) 817-2108
Photo of Jenafir House, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jenafir House
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94611  (Online Only)
I offer validating, compassionate, skilled psychotherapy and coaching in DBT, ACT and other evidence-based treatments. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation or a sense of 'disconnection' from your values and purpose, the skills-based therapy of DBT can be life-changing. I am passionate about DBT and mindfulness - and how our practice of these powerful skills can help us build a life worth living. Empathy, humor and cultural humility are cornerstones of my work, along with a deeply collaborative approach with my clients. See https://jenafir-house.clientsecure.me for more information.
I offer validating, compassionate, skilled psychotherapy and coaching in DBT, ACT and other evidence-based treatments. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation or a sense of 'disconnection' from your values and purpose, the skills-based therapy of DBT can be life-changing. I am passionate about DBT and mindfulness - and how our practice of these powerful skills can help us build a life worth living. Empathy, humor and cultural humility are cornerstones of my work, along with a deeply collaborative approach with my clients. See https://jenafir-house.clientsecure.me for more information.
(510) 369-0373 View (510) 369-0373
Photo of Alex Momtchiloff, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alex Momtchiloff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94618
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
I offer effective and compassionate support to adult individuals and couples, as well as cofounders, coworkers, and adult family members. You might be struggling with anxiety or depression, a personal challenge, or a major life transition. As a couple, you may be facing a challenge such as infidelity, loss of intimacy, communication breakdown; you may be anticipating a major change - a move, marriage, starting a family; or you may be looking for a way to end your relationship as gracefully as possible. I also have extensive experience working with cofounders and co-leaders, especially those whose relationship extends outside work.
(510) 640-8569 View (510) 640-8569
Photo of Ross Nyanga, MA
Ross Nyanga
MA
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610
My ideal client is someone who is ready to commit to their journey of change. Having an awareness of what they desire to focus on and what it means to them to grow in that area is imperative to making consistent strides in our work together.
My ideal client is someone who is ready to commit to their journey of change. Having an awareness of what they desire to focus on and what it means to them to grow in that area is imperative to making consistent strides in our work together.
(510) 405-4301 View (510) 405-4301
Photo of Andy Sussman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andy Sussman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be feeling like a fraud, or afraid, depressed, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol, drugs, sex or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere deep inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My many years of experience has shown me that change is absolutely possible.
You want to feel confident, calmer and regain control of your life. You’re trying, but you’re stuck. You might be feeling like a fraud, or afraid, depressed, anxious … or struggling with relationships, or questioning your use of alcohol, drugs, sex or other behaviors. Sometimes you feel so alone with all this, like no one wants to hear about it, or it’s just terribly uncomfortable to share. Somewhere deep inside you know there’s more to life. A place where you can feel more comfortable with yourself and in your relationships. My many years of experience has shown me that change is absolutely possible.
(415) 969-2593 View (415) 969-2593
Photo of Larry E Burrell, PhD, Psychologist
Larry E Burrell
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610  (Online Only)
I have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical and Health Psychology. I work with an array of individuals and specialize in concerns related to LGBTQ, POC and allies on a variety of concerns. I pay special attention to cultural factors related to wellness. If you have a specific concern like difficulties in relationships or a more general interest in improving your well-being by learning how to better deal with strong emotions, I will provide a warm and supportive space to foster your personal growth.
I have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Clinical and Health Psychology. I work with an array of individuals and specialize in concerns related to LGBTQ, POC and allies on a variety of concerns. I pay special attention to cultural factors related to wellness. If you have a specific concern like difficulties in relationships or a more general interest in improving your well-being by learning how to better deal with strong emotions, I will provide a warm and supportive space to foster your personal growth.
(510) 519-3944 View (510) 519-3944
Photo of Kara Swedlow, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kara Swedlow
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618  (Online Only)
My work is integrative, blending depth psychology with studies in attachment, neuroscience, and relational and developmental psychology. I am influenced by analytic traditions which contain a focus on trauma, and studies in contemporary neuroscience, which show how our brains process our affective (emotional) experience, particularly in the context of relationship. In addition to discussing your current and historical life experiences in our sessions, we may incorporate your dreams and somatic (body) mindfulness practices, such as exploring body sensations and their emotional counterparts.
My work is integrative, blending depth psychology with studies in attachment, neuroscience, and relational and developmental psychology. I am influenced by analytic traditions which contain a focus on trauma, and studies in contemporary neuroscience, which show how our brains process our affective (emotional) experience, particularly in the context of relationship. In addition to discussing your current and historical life experiences in our sessions, we may incorporate your dreams and somatic (body) mindfulness practices, such as exploring body sensations and their emotional counterparts.
(415) 347-8854 View (415) 347-8854
Photo of Daniel Nathan Weiner, PhD, Psychologist
Daniel Nathan Weiner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94618
Daniel N. Weiner received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the State University of New York in 1996 with fellowships at Rutgers, Brown, and Stanford Medical Schools. He served as Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown University Medical School for four years. He has been licensed as a Clinical Psychologist since 1997, and has worked in a variety of settings including an independent psychological practice, a private psychiatric hospital, and a medical practice. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Daniel N. Weiner received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the State University of New York in 1996 with fellowships at Rutgers, Brown, and Stanford Medical Schools. He served as Clinical Assistant Professor at Brown University Medical School for four years. He has been licensed as a Clinical Psychologist since 1997, and has worked in a variety of settings including an independent psychological practice, a private psychiatric hospital, and a medical practice. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley.
(510) 330-2857 View (510) 330-2857
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.