Sex and Love Addiction Therapy and Group Counseling | D.J. Burr
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Licensed to support clients in Washington, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Oregon

Sex Addiction Facts and Signs


Sex Addiction Is Not Really About Sex ​

Sexual addiction is estimated to afflict up to 3-6% of the population. ​Any person struggling with addiction will begin to notice there is a problem when negative consequences come knocking. Examples include relationship challenges, mood disturbance, poor sleep, poor concentration, inability to quit behaviors despite consequences, financial trouble feelings of shame and disgust.

I provide online sex and love addiction counseling.  I can help you decipher your history, identify triggers for acting out, and offer guidance and solutions to reduce problematic behaviors. 

Sex and the desire for sex is natural and normal, but when we use it to escape our problems, things only get worse.  Without treatment, sex addicts try to quit compulsive masturbation, porn viewing, paying for sex, purchasing erotic material, fantasizing about sex with others, with little success. 
​
The goal for someone in active addiction is to feel less. When you can't stop, you feel trapped. Men tend to objectify the object of their desires. Women often romanticize. If you are a woman, you might even relate more to the idea of "love addiction" better than sex addiction. Either way, no one is immune from sex addiction. ​These symptoms can manifest for anyone no matter sex, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. 

​Studies show that addictions have genetic factors, as well as environmental factors which cause someone to become susceptible to any addiction. Behavioral addictions (like sex addiction) do not require ingestion of a outside substance. Sex addicts learn to manipulate the chemicals in their own brains to get high. Addiction is often rooted in early childhood abuse and/or emotional, physical, spiritual, or sexual trauma.
A sex addict is someone who experiences life disruption or dysfunction due to habitual sexual obsessions and compulsions sexual addiction becomes progressively worse over time. A person engages in sex to "numb out" or feel a high in order to escape problems or avoid intimacy, but the consequences of shame, guilt, or broken relationships incite more and greater acting out behaviors.
​
A love addict is someone who experiences an intoxicating rush when engaged in seduction or lust. It can also exhibit someone who has a pattern of intense, painful, or obsessive relationships; or who is clinging, desperate, and insecure in a current relationship. A love addict may also be someone who is love-averse or "love avoidant" (incapable of lasting feelings of attachment) but who is either addicted to a pattern of usually unsuccessful relationships, or who has what is termed "emotional anorexia" and may avoid relationship or commitment altogether. 


Ten Signs of Sexual Addiction

  • A pattern of out-of-control behavior
  • Severe consequences due to sexual behavior
  • Inability to stop despite consequences
  • Persistent pursuit of self-destructive or high-risk behavior.
  • Ongoing desire effort to limit sexual behavior.
  • Sexual obsession and fantasy as a primary coping strategy.
  • Increasing amounts of sexual experience because the current level is no longer sufficient.
  • Severe mood change around sexual activity.
  • An inordinate amount of time spent obtaining sex being sexual or recovering from sexual experiences.
  • Neglect of important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of sexual behavior.
Carnes, 1988
Ten Types of Sexual Addiction
  • High-Risk Anonymous Sex
  • Paying for Sex
  • Exhibitionistic Sex
  • Voyeuristic Sex
  • Trading Sex
  • Fantasy Sex
  • Pain Exchange Sex
  • Exploitive Sex
  • Seductive Role Sex
  • Intrusive Sex
There is a Solution
I offer two online groups for sexual addiction recovery. Mondays 6-8pm PST and Wednesdays 3-6pm EST. A pre-group individual appointment is required before admittance to the group. Ideal group members are motivated to address their problematic behaviors. Group meets weekly and requires a three-month commitment. Group fees for the month are due on the 1st of the month. Learn more. Schedule today. 

​Self-Diagnosis 
  • 40 Questions for Self-Diagnosis is a self-test developed by the 12 Step program, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous.
  • Love Addicts Anonymous also has a 40 Questions self-diagnosis assessment.
  • ​ I also recommend taking the Sexual Addiction Screening Test or PATHOS, developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes. ​
​
Additional Resources
​Recovery options include online sex and love addiction therapy; attendance at 12 Step programs, including, 
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous , Sex Addicts Anonymous, and Fight The New Drug (Pornography). You can find 12-step programs locally or online. ​

Free Guide

7 Steps to Power Up Your Recovery
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Request Appointment
If you are in crisis, please call the Crisis Connections line at 866-427-4747. If this is a medical emergency call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room.
           Phone: 206-458-2556         
​
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 Copyright (C) 2010-2022 ABLE Life Recovery, PLLC
  • HOME
  • Sex Addiction Therapy
    • What is Sexual Addiction?
    • Beliefs of Sex Addicts
    • Recovery
    • 7 Steps Guide
  • Codepedence Therapy
    • What Is Codependence?
    • Signs & Symptoms
    • Codependent Beliefs
    • Codependent Personality
    • Codependent Roles
    • Boundaries
    • Setting Boundaries
  • Group Treatment
    • Men's Group for Sexual Addiction Recovery
    • Anxiety & Depression Group
    • Codependence Group Therapy
  • For Clients
    • Professional Disclosure
    • Questions to Ask Your Insurance
    • Rates
    • Location
    • Social Media Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Media
    • Blog
    • Books >
      • I Just Wanted Love
      • Love and Joy
    • Interviews >
      • Video
      • Audio
    • Podcasts >
      • Journey On: Survivors Healing from Sexual Abuse & Assault
      • Making An Addict
  • Store