Specializing In
SEX ADDICTION COUNSELING
Problematic sexual behavior comes in many forms including, but not limited to, excessive use of pornography, paying for sex, serial or online affairs, compulsive masturbation, cybersex, and frequenting sexually-oriented businesses such as strip clubs and massage parlors.
These behaviors have some things in common: risk to self, risk to reputation, risk to freedom (when illegal), and risk to important relationships. As is the case with other addictions, sex addiction is chronic, progressive, and can be fatal.
Many have tried to stop self-medicating with problematic sexual behavior on their own. The cycle of addiction usually gets the best of those who lack support. Breaking free requires strength outside of and greater than oneself.
I act as a guide to help the addicted person learn to live in a new way. The path to freedom begins with determining the root causes, processing past experiences, gaining an awareness of triggers, and becoming equipped to live a life or rigorous honesty.
PARTNERS OF SEX ADDICTS
Partners are often the forgotten part of the calculus of sex addiction. Symptoms experienced by the partner are often remarkably similar to those of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including feelings of helplessness, intense anger, avoidance, and revisiting the trauma.
I work from the trauma perspective with spouses and partners of sex addicts. This means that I don’t see you as a “co-addict” but someone who has been traumatized by the addictive behavior. I will help you develop your own plan for healing from the feelings of grief and betrayal that have resulted from your partner’s addiction.
AFFAIR RECOVERY
A singular instance of infidelity or an affair does not necessarily indicate sex addiction. Affairs today are different from those experienced by previous generations. Technology and social media have changed the dynamics of infidelity. Emotional affairs are more common due to the ease of connecting with social media. Infidelity has become easier to hide but is just as devastating when discovered.
Recovery from an affair is possible. I help couples create a way forward that involves a commitment to complete honesty, accountability, and making amends to the injured partner. While the relationship is forever changed, there is hope for a renewed relationship based on trust and respect.
MOOD DISORDERS & ANXIETY
Effective functioning in life is difficult when feeling down, stuck, caught up in emotional chaos, or overwhelmed. Depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety are conditions that make life difficult. Medication can help but it can’t fix everything. I often say “medication can get you to the starting line and talk therapy can help you run the race.”
Many clients have told me that being heard and having someone try to put themselves in their shoes was the other half of what they needed to heal. Over three years working in an in-patient psychiatric hospital taught me to empathize and to listen. Together, we will unpack those situations that have led to where you are now and walk the path of healing.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness has received much attention from the press in recent years. I teach Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction to my clients who are willing to learn.
Mindfulness is a set of practices that involves learning to process thoughts in a non-judgmental way and becoming grounded in the present moment. It has been shown to be effective in helping with depression, anxiety, addiction and personality disorders.