Sara Harowitz, Psy. D

Sex Addiction Therapy St. Petersburg, FL

The pursuit of sexual pleasure is one of the most natural human behaviors. After all, sexual acts are crucial for the survival of our species. However, when this pursuit of sexual activity begins to function as a means of escaping, avoiding, or numbing painful feelings at the expense of the individual or their loved ones, it can become a sex or pornography addiction. This disorder encompasses the the behavior of planning of, obsessing with, and engaging in sexual behaviors. If you are feeling symptoms of this disorder, you may want to seek some form of sexual addiction treatment.

Understanding the difference between sex addiction therapy and a mere sexual disorder is crucial in understanding why it is a matter of utmost importance to seek help from a qualified professional, such as a sex addiction therapist, for your own self-development and health improvement. There are several sex addiction and techniques and treatments available, but they all share a common purpose: to provide treatment to help the patient overcome their problem without resorting to self-medication, which is what commonly occurs with addictions like alcohol or drugs.

Someone’s pornography or sexual addiction serves a huge function in their lives and with regard to their mental health: it is most often used as a distraction from the lasting repercussions of a wide range of childhood wounds. These wounds could be the result of anything from abandonment to sexual and physical abuse. In any case, when engaging in compulsive sexual behavior and pornographic acts, the addict feels “alive” and “unburdened”—for a few charged moments lifted from the sea of pain and sadness in a life in which they are otherwise adrift.

Through our conversations, we will reveal the underlying feelings that propel your addiction and work to heal the wounds that have been open for so long. Feel free to call and schedule your consultation!

Sex Addiction Treatment and Therapy for Couples

When I work in couples therapy with both the addict and their loved ones, I make sure to treat each person as an individual with their own needs and concerns. I ensure that we proceed from betrayal in a way that feels most authentic to the dynamics and tendencies of the established relationship. In other words, the way in which my clients and I navigate addictions is entirely customized to each couple during couples therapy.

Sex Addiction Therapy for the Partner

The discovery of a partner’s pornography or sex addiction can leave one with intense feelings of betrayal, confusion, sadness, and anger. It is very common for the betrayed party to feel as if they no longer know their partner, and in some cases experience symptoms of PTSD. In my work with the partner of a sex or pornography addict, I guide them in acceptance of the reality of their partner’s addiction and support them in whichever way they decide to move forward. If the partner chooses to stay with the addict, I work with them to formulate “bottom line behaviors”, or ground rules that are non-negotiable if the relationship is to persist. No matter the chosen path, this is a process and, as all processes do, takes time. I will be there every step of the way, addressing your mental health and will help the betrayed partner:

  • Feel supported and not feel so alone
  • Talk about their feelings of betrayal and shame
  • Reduce the probability of being re-traumatized
  • Begin the healing process from their sexually addicted partner

Sex Addiction Therapy FAQs

Sex addiction, also known as compulsive sexual behavior or hypersexuality, is a behavioral addiction characterized by an excessive and uncontrollable preoccupation with sexual thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that negatively impact an individual’s personal, social, or professional life.

Porn addiction is a specific type of sex addiction where an individual develops an uncontrollable compulsion to consume pornographic material. This excessive consumption interferes with their daily life, relationships, and mental health.

If you find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts, behaviors, porn consumption, or sex life to the extent that it is causing significant distress, negatively impacting your relationships, work, or social life, and you’re unable to control these urges, you may be struggling with sex or porn addiction.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

  • Preoccupation with sexual thoughts, behaviors, or porn

  • Neglecting responsibilities to engage in sexual activities or watch porn

  • Continued engagement in sexual behaviors or porn consumption despite negative consequences

  • Failed attempts to reduce or control sexual behaviors or porn consumption

  • Using sex or porn as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression

The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual’s specific needs, the severity of the addiction, and their commitment to recovery. Some sexual addiction therapists find that people may experience significant improvement within a few months, while others may require ongoing therapy for a longer period.

Yes, many individuals have successfully recovered from sex and porn addiction with the help of therapy and support groups. Recovery involves learning skills to manage and control addictive behaviors, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and addressing underlying emotional or psychological issues.

Am I a Sex Addict?

  • Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts?
  • Do you hide some of your sexual behavior from others?
  • Have you ever sought help for sexual behavior you did not like?Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of your sexual behavior?
  • Do you feel controlled by your sexual desire?
  • When you have sex, do you feel depressed afterwards?