Common Problems
Social Networking Media
The proliferation of Internet use has created a whole new world of possibilities for global connection. Now more than ever sex addicts can act out fantasies only once contained in their heads. Majority of people using social media don’t have these problems however for the sex addict it can be over stimulating. Video streaming, GPS hookup apps, Sexting, and even Chatting have become virtual sex outlets. There is a normalizing that occurs with the overuse of these technological advances and at the same time the need for healthy human contact is derailed.
Cyber sex as your preference for virtual contact can overwrite your basic necessity for human contact? Are you spending hours on end engaging in fantastical activities that you would not otherwise engage in your real life? It has become hard to resist the intrigue that is offered through cybersex. Often times a person is online communicating virtually and eventually agreeing to meet this person in reality to extend those fantasies. Carefully clients are helped to figure out what is normal and addictive/problematic behavior and support them in ways to gain a sense of reality and control. The key here is that the client acknowledges that there is something wrong and is completely immersed in the virtual world thereby exhibiting psychological issues and challenges.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Research shows that 12-28% of all women and 3-16% of men are subjected to some form of sexual abuse in their childhood. Most perpetrators of sexual abuse are family members or trusted friends of the family. Perpetrators of sexual abuse can be both male and female, mothers and fathers, aunts or uncles. Children who are sexually abused develop a variety of issues including suicidal thinking, anxiety, panic attacks, body image, and depression.
Relationships are difficult and sexuality is confusing. Adulthood behaviors are questionable as a result of these abuses. Behaviors may include abusing alcohol or drugs, compulsive behaviors such as sex and food. In one study (Carnes), 81% of individuals recovering from sexual addiction had been sexually abused as children. We provide corroborating support and treatment through task-centered and gentle therapeutic approaches. Victims of sexual abuse can heal and learn to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.
Partners of Sex Addicts
Discovering your significant other has a secret sexual life is traumatic. As a result, many partners of sex addicts deal with traumatic stress symptoms such as physical pain, increased anxiety, insomnia, depression, poor self-image, overeating, substance abuse, and sexual withdrawal. The partner can experience the cycle of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
To help the partner of a sex addict understand what has happened to their spouse, we complete an assessment for sexual compulsivity and addiction. We provide a safe place to process this pain and choose a road to recovery by using tools that restore your heart and mend your life.
Adolescent Addictions
Teens are over-exposed to pornography on the Internet, Social Media, and Gaming. Spending too much time on the computer decreases social interaction. As adolescents’ brains are not fully developed regular exposure to pornography sets them up for a greater risk of significant addictions and problems throughout their lives. Distorted views of love, sex, and relationships form in the mind. Young people are exposed to images and messages about sexual relationships that show signs of arrest in the development learning that is required for healthy relationships.
Programs for teens educate them about the harm of over use of the Internet. The entire family works through this addiction with teen.
Pornography
Pornography impacts the brain’s pleasure centers changing the way one experiences cravings and processes pleasure. Emotional maturity is stunted and difficult intimate relationships arise. But not every user becomes stuck in an “adolescent level” of emotional immaturity. They often live in fear of being found out or rejected by family or friends because of their addiction.