5. Sex Addiction Therapy
If you feel stuck in patterns around sex, porn, hookups, or "party and play" that you can't seem to control, you're not alone. I provide sex addiction therapy in Philadelphia for individuals who feel caught between compulsion and shame, wanting change but not knowing how to get there. This isn't about judgment. It's about understanding what's actually driving the behavior, and helping you regain a sense of control. I'm CSAT-trained, with specialized knowledge in how sexual compulsivity develops and how to treat it. This work is LGBTQ+ affirming and available to adults of all identities.
What Is Sex Addiction?
Sex addiction (sometimes called compulsive sexual behavior) isn't just about sex; it's about patterns that feel difficult or impossible to stop, even when there are consequences. You might notice repeated behaviors you've tried to cut back on but can't; escalation, meaning a need for more intensity, risk, or frequency; feeling disconnected, numb, or out of control; shame, secrecy, or a double life; and an impact on relationships, work, or self-esteem. For many people, these patterns are tied to stress, trauma, loneliness, or emotional regulation, not a lack of willpower.
My Approach to Sex Addiction Therapy
I don't take a one-size-fits-all or overly rigid approach. Instead, we focus on understanding what the behavior is doing for you; identifying triggers, patterns, and underlying drivers; reducing shame (which often keeps the cycle going); and building alternative ways to regulate emotions and connect. I integrate approaches such as EMDR (for trauma and underlying drivers), attachment-focused therapy, and harm reduction and behaviour change strategies. This work isn't about labeling you; it's about helping you feel more choice, clarity, and control. Related areas I work with include ChemSex, porn addiction, and EMDR.
Is This Therapy Right for Me?
This therapy may be a good fit if you feel out of control with sexual behavior, you've tried to stop but keep going back, you feel stuck in shame or secrecy, or you want to understand the behavior rather than just suppress it. Change doesn't come from more shame or more discipline; it comes from understanding what's underneath, with the right support to work through it.
Signs That Sex Addiction May Be Causing Problems
You might be in the right place if:
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You're spending more time on sex, porn, or hookups than you intended
You find it difficult to stop or cut back, even when you want to
You're experiencing shame, secrecy, or a sense of living a double life
It's affecting your relationships, work, or self-esteem
You've tried to stop on your own and haven't been able to
You feel out of control but can't see a way out