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Sex Addiction Therapy

If you’re embarrassed about your obsessions and compulsions surrounding sex, then video conferencing therapy may be the best solution. Studies show that telepsychiatry, or online counseling, is just as effective, if not more effective, than one-on-one therapy. Online Psychiatrists specializes in telepsychiatry that provides both medication management and effective talk therapy. Find effective solutions for sex addiction treatment in New York, New Jersey, and Florida through Online Psychiatrists. Call today for an appointment.

    What Is Sex Addiction?

    Sex addition is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with sexual behaviors, fantasies and urges that negatively impact your life. Also known as compulsive sexual behavior or hypersexuality, sex addiction gradually becomes the central focus of your life. It’s an addiction that’s hard to control even when you’re experiencing the negative consequences.Untreated compulsive sexual behavior can damage your relationships, self-esteem and career.

    With treatment, however, you can learn to manage this behavior. Expert, compassionate sex addiction therapy is available in New York, New Jersey and Florida through Online Psychiatrists. This psychiatric practice specializes in telepsychiatry, which can be especially effective for treating sexual addiction.

    Can I Be Addicted to Sex?

    If you’re struggling with sexual addiction, you may find you’re unable to stop your compulsive sexual behavior even when you know you’re harming yourself or others. You may use sex as a way of making yourself feel better, or it may be a means of escaping from day-to-day stress and feelings of depression and anxiety.

    Symptoms of compulsive sexual behaviors include:

    • Preoccupation with sexual activities such as masturbation, viewing pornography, cybersex, sexual fetishes, and having overwhelming sexual thoughts to the point of neglecting your responsibilities, health, or personal care
    • Inappropriate or risky sexual behavior such as seeking sex with prostitutes, engaging in sex with multiple partners or finding release through public sex
    • Continuing harmful sexual behaviors even though they no longer bring you pleasure
    • Unsuccessful efforts to discontinue this behavior even when it’s threatening important relationships or your career

    Based on our own experience, your engagement in and preoccupation with sex may cause you to feel guilty and ashamed. While the sexual experiences bring short-term pleasure, the effects it has on your self-esteem and mental health can worsen over time. You end up stuck in a vicious cycle of pursuing sexual experiences alternating with periods of regret, anxiety, and depression.

    Symptoms of compulsive sexual behaviors

    What’s the Treatment for Sex Addiction in NYC, NJ, FL?

    Treatment for sex addiction usually involves psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, along with support groups.

    Sexual addiction can occur along with other mental health disorders such as:

    • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
    • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Substance use

    If you have any co-occurring mental health problems, medication may be part of your treatment plan. That’s why you need to seek help from a trained psychiatrist who provides medication management.

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    What Are the Types of Sex Addiction Counseling?

    During talk therapy for sexual addiction, you work with your doctor to identify the triggers that set off your obsessions. These triggers cause an unrelenting compulsion to act out inappropriately. During therapy, you learn ways to develop better methods of coping with stress while controlling your sexual urges.

    Options for sex addiction counseling include:

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of therapy helps you identify unhealthy beliefs and thoughts that lead you to act out on sexual urges. It provides a platform that teaches you how to replace unhealthy thoughts and beliefs with healthier coping strategies.
    • Psychodynamic psychotherapy. Using this type of therapy, you develop new insights into your awareness of subconscious thoughts and motivations that lead to hyper-sexuality. For example, you may discover that early childhood experiences created your negative thought patterns.
    • Acceptance and commitment therapy. This form of CBT helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, rather than focusing on the guilt or shame. Too often, you may have tried to focus on the behavior without first tackling the thinking that precedes the actions.

    The type of talk therapy that works for you may include a combination of different approaches. You may benefit from individual or group therapy technique. Your treatment plan may also include family therapy or couples’ therapy to help you rebuild damaged relationships.

    Where Can I Find Sex Addiction Therapy in NYC?

    Benefits of Video Psychiatry

    If you feel like you’ve lost control over your compulsive sexual behavior, talk to a caring psychotherapist. Putting this off can result in worsening behavior or legal trouble. It may even lead to suicidal thoughts when you can’t see a way out. While you may feel ashamed or embarrassed, getting help gives you an opportunity to learn to make healthier choices so you can feel better about yourself.

    For sex addiction therapy in NYC, NJ and FL, contact Online Psychiatrists. You’ll get an expert psychiatric diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health problems, including sex addiction and other forms of impulse control disorders. With professional help, you can reduce compulsive behavior and work toward the development of healthy sexuality.

    Updated on Apr 2, 2024 by Dr. Zlatin Ivanov (Psychiatrist ) of Online Psychiatrists

    Dr. Zlatin Ivanov, MD

    Dr. Zlatin Ivanov, MD, is an adult psychiatrist specializing in addiction treatment, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD. He offers exceptional talk therapy and medication management through online video conferencing.

    Dr. Ivanov is double board certified in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurology and a member of the American Psychiatric Association. His medical career is colored by many outstanding contributions to medicine, including several publications, research, and scientific presentations. An attending psychiatrist at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City, he takes the time to listen to patients and makes sure they know he is committed to their unique situation.

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