An empowering treatment approach to what's commonly called sex addiction and porn addiction.

It might be problematic porn use, repeated infidelity, seeing prostitutes while you're in a committed relationship, hooking up and cruising when you'd rather not, or unwanted and overwhelming sexual thoughts. These types of experiences are not uncommon. Many people struggle with sexual behaviours that they dislike or feel out of their control.

The good news is that with appropriate treatment, change can happen. You just need the right type of help.

What are problem sexual behaviours?

Problem sexual behaviours (PSB) is a non-diagnostic term for sexual thoughts, feelings, urges, and behaviours that people feel are out of their control or are causing them difficulties. Sometimes people refer to these experiences as sex addiction or porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour, sexual impulsivity, or hypersexuality.

Problem sexual behaviours may include:

  1. relentless, intrusive sexual thoughts

  2. porn use that starts affecting the way you feel, and interferes with life and relationships

  3. preoccupation with sex or planning next sexual activity that feels overwhelming

  4. distressing sexual fantasies or urges that are unwelcome

  5. repetitive embarrassing , damaging, or humiliating consequences from sexual behaviour

  6. continuing the sexual behaviour despite recurrent negative consequences

  7. harbouring significant secret or double life from spouse, family, or friends

  8. behaviours that significantly increase risk of sexually transmitted infections, or unwanted pregnancy

These behaviours are often caused by, and result in, a variety of problems:

  1. emotional problems: shame, guilt, regret, embarrassment, anxiety, loneliness, hopelessness

  2. relational problems: avoidance of sex, sexual and relationship anxiety, relationship conflict, separation

  3. behavioural problems: isolation, problems at work, over-spending, trauma, problems with the law

 

What's different about the PSB approach?

The PSB model is sex-positive, respectful, non-shaming, and solution focused. Diversity of peoples' individual needs, desires, and values are central. Clients identify what healthy sexuality is for themselves. Their goals and values regarding sex and relationships become the blueprint for change.

The PSB model doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many reasons why people develop habitual patterns of sexual behaviour that feel out of their control or that they dislike.

Problem sexual behaviours are almost always the symptom of some other problems that must be addressed for the behaviour to change (e.g., anxiety, loneliness, violation of personal values, fear of relationships, relationship problems, sexual dissatisfaction, etc.). That is why many people who go through other treatment programs often fall back into bad habits - they may have learned skills to manage their behaviour in the short term, but without addressing and fixing the reasons for their behaviour, the behaviours become unmanageable again.