Sexual Addiction Compulsivity
Some of the addictive sexual behaviors people request help
with are:
- compulsive masturbation
- uncontrolled promiscuity (including one-night stands,
use of prostitutes, massage parlors, "cruising",
repetitive sex affairs, escort
services etc.)
- dependence on pornography (including internet pornography)
- telephone sex dependence
- cybersex (dependence on Internet-related sexually oriented
chat-rooms, message boards, etc.)
- atypical sexual behavior (including voyeurism, exhibitionism,
frotteurism, cross-dressing)
- severe sexual desire incompatibility (when one partner's
excessive sexual appetite is incompatible with the other
parner's "normal"
sexual appetite)
Addictive sexual behavior involves the dysregulation or
disinhibition of sexual arousal and desire. This disregulation
is characterized
by a lack of control over nonrelational sexual fantasies,
urges and activities resulting in adverse personal consequences.
Individuals
report negative consequences such as failed relationships,
financial hardship, reduced productivity, low self-esteem,
and sexually
transmitted diseases.
In a Voice Therapy approach, addictive sexual behavior is
conceptualized as a defense, a way of gratifying oneself
internally through
fantasy rather than risking real gratification from close
attachments. The goal of treatment is to help people relinquish
the addictive
sexual behavior and risk reaching out for real gratification
from a close connection with a sexual partner and goal-directed
behavior.
This appoach is illustrated with the clinical case of a
married man with a
history of addictive sexual behavior in the form of dependency
on internet pornography with compulsive masturbation, and
uncontrolled
promiscuity.
For a description of how I treat addictive sexual behavior click on the link below.
Clinical Case: Sexual
Addiction Compulsivity
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