What is sex addiction?
Compulsive sexual behavior disorder also known as hypersexuality or sex addiction involves continuing to act out sexually, despite consequences. Sex addiction consists of a cycle of out of control sexual thoughts and actions that can affect relationships, work, mental health, and overall well being. For many people with sex addiction, a cycle of triggers, compulsive sexual behaviors, and resulting shame can create deep feelings of guilt, isolation, and low self-worth. Sex addicts often view sex as a way to cope rather than a form of intimacy, leading to a fear of intimacy. However, it is not too late to receive sex addiction treatment and start your journey towards recovery. With the right guidance, support, and strategies, individuals can regain control, build healthier habits, and create more meaningful connections in their lives.
"My fear of abandonment is only exceeded by my terror of intimacy."
-Ethlie Ann Vare
-Ethlie Ann Vare
Signs you may need treatment
The 10 Signs of Sex Addiction are:
1. Have you repeatedly failed to resist sexual impulses to engage in specific sexual
behavior?
2. Have you frequently engaged in those behaviors to a greater extent or over a
longer period of time than intended?
3. Do you have a long-standing desire, or a history of unsuccessful efforts to stop,
reduce, or control those behaviors?
4. Have you spent excessive time in obtaining sex, being sexual, or recovering
from sexual experiences?
5. Do you become obsessed with preparing for sexual activities?
6. Have you frequently engaged in sexual behavior at times when you were
expected to be fulfilling occupational, academic, domestic, or social
obligations?
7. Have you continued your sexual behavior despite knowing it has caused or
exacerbated persistent or recurrent social, financial, psychological or physical
problems for you?
8. Do you need to increase the intensity, frequency, number or risk of sexual
behaviors to achieve the desired effect, or do you experience diminished effect
when continuing behaviors at the same level of intensity, frequency, number, or
risk?
9. Have you given up or limited social, occupational, or recreational activities
because of your sexual behavior?
10.Do you become upset, anxious, restless, or irritable if you are unable to engage
in sexual behavior?
1. Have you repeatedly failed to resist sexual impulses to engage in specific sexual
behavior?
2. Have you frequently engaged in those behaviors to a greater extent or over a
longer period of time than intended?
3. Do you have a long-standing desire, or a history of unsuccessful efforts to stop,
reduce, or control those behaviors?
4. Have you spent excessive time in obtaining sex, being sexual, or recovering
from sexual experiences?
5. Do you become obsessed with preparing for sexual activities?
6. Have you frequently engaged in sexual behavior at times when you were
expected to be fulfilling occupational, academic, domestic, or social
obligations?
7. Have you continued your sexual behavior despite knowing it has caused or
exacerbated persistent or recurrent social, financial, psychological or physical
problems for you?
8. Do you need to increase the intensity, frequency, number or risk of sexual
behaviors to achieve the desired effect, or do you experience diminished effect
when continuing behaviors at the same level of intensity, frequency, number, or
risk?
9. Have you given up or limited social, occupational, or recreational activities
because of your sexual behavior?
10.Do you become upset, anxious, restless, or irritable if you are unable to engage
in sexual behavior?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, sex addiction may be present. That realization can feel uncomfortable, but awareness is the first step toward change.
It is not too late to build something different. With honesty, structure, and consistent work, meaningful change is possible — both within yourself and in your relationships.
It is not too late to build something different. With honesty, structure, and consistent work, meaningful change is possible — both within yourself and in your relationships.
Structured sex addiction treatment
Our Sex Addiction Treatment program is structured and intentional. New clients start with weekly one-on-one sessions for the first six months. During this time, we focus on understanding behavior patterns, triggers, emotions, and relationship dynamics. This phase helps build stability, increase self-awareness, and create accountability before moving into a group setting.
After six months, clients may transition into group therapy. Group sessions provide structure, support, and shared accountability. They also give clients a chance to practice honesty in a space that challenges secrecy and isolation. Clients are expected to complete individual sessions before joining a group unless they are already working with another therapist, sponsor, or accountability partner.
Treatment focuses on improving relationships, building mindfulness, and preventing relapse. We help clients recognize high-risk situations, challenge unhealthy thinking, develop empathy, and learn how to handle stress, shame, and difficult emotions without returning to unhealthy behaviors.
After six months, clients may transition into group therapy. Group sessions provide structure, support, and shared accountability. They also give clients a chance to practice honesty in a space that challenges secrecy and isolation. Clients are expected to complete individual sessions before joining a group unless they are already working with another therapist, sponsor, or accountability partner.
Treatment focuses on improving relationships, building mindfulness, and preventing relapse. We help clients recognize high-risk situations, challenge unhealthy thinking, develop empathy, and learn how to handle stress, shame, and difficult emotions without returning to unhealthy behaviors.
Free from shame
Scion Counseling’s approach to sex addiction treatment is grounded in the belief that lasting change cannot happen in an environment of shame. Instead of judgment, we provide a space where clients can openly explore their behavior, understand the underlying patterns, and begin to rebuild a healthier sense of self. Through consistent support, accountability, and skill-building, clients learn to break the cycle of secrecy and guilt that often fuels addiction.
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"Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change."
-Brene Brown PhD, LMSW
-Brene Brown PhD, LMSW