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Sex Addiction and Sexually Compulsive Behavior

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Pathways is excited to offer a Women's Sex Addiction group! Contact Julie Reichert at (262) 754-5926. 

 

What is Sex Addiction?

Sex addiction issues become apparent when sex becomes priority and is more important than other part’s of one’s life including family, work, and personal values.  Sex becomes the source of nurturing and trust and becomes the organizing principle in that individual’s life. The individual then sacrifices what they cherish most in order to preserve the unhealthy sexual behavior. Such behavior (or “Acting Out”) causes severe stress to both the individual and their family, even though this may not be immediately apparent.
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Sex addiction behavior can include the following behaviors when the obsession with them, and the time and energy spent acting on them become unmanageable:

  • Compulsive masturbation

  • Cheating on a partner or spouse with someone of the opposite or same sex

  • Romantic and sexual affairs

  • Obsessive or compulsive pornography use

  • Child pornography

  • Visits to prostitutes

  • Anonymous sex and Casual “hook up” sex including Craigslist, Grindr, Tinder, etc.

  • Exhibitionism/voyeurism

  • Chat & Dating Sites 


Some sexual addiction “Acting Out” behavior is illegal.  While other behaviors may not be illegal, all sexual addiction behavior is damaging to the individual and to others involved.  The good news is that help is available.  You can take action now to change these destructive patterns.

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Sexual Addiction Screening Test - Revised
The Sexual Addiction Screening Test – Revised (SAST-R) is designed to assist in the assessment of sexually compulsive or, “addictive” behavior.  Developed in cooperation with hospitals, treatment programs, private therapists, and community groups, the SAST-R provides a profile of responses, which help to discriminate between addictive and non-addictive behavior.  If you answer, “yes” to 6 questions, you may have a problem.  If you answer, “yes” to 10 or more questions, you may have an addiction. 

 

Sexual Addiction Screening Test

Click on the icon below to download the test:

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Don’t wait until things get worse! What is the cost of not getting help? Contact Roger Northway at (262) 754-5915.

Do you or your loved one experience any of the following symptoms?

  • Repetitive sexual behavior that is problematic

  • Inability to keep sexual behavior within legal, moral, or self-imposed limits

  • Mood changes related to sexual activity or the loss of sexual activity

  • Sexual obsession or fantasy as a primary coping strategy

  • Inordinate amounts of time spent obtaining sex, being sexual, recovering from, or covering up sexual experiences

  • Neglect of or interference with social, occupational or recreational activities

  • Sexualizing a helping relationship or other non-sexual relations

  • Damage to family relationships

  • Inordinate amounts of money spent buying sex or pornography

  • Change in or loss of career due to sexual behavior

  • Repetitive acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases or infections

 

The qualified, diversified staff at Pathways Counseling Center offers a full range of treatment for those struggling with sex addiction.  Our therapists have participated in specialized training at the Golden Valley Health Center Institute for Behavioral Medicine, American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Teachers, Association for the Treatment of Sex Abusers, and the Wisconsin Sex Offender Treatment Network. Clients benefit from team treatment and consultation as well as inter-agency collaboration.

Components of the treatment program include evaluation and assessment to determine the extent of the problem and to tailor an appropriate, effective treatment plan for individuals and family members. Treatment modalities include individual, group and family therapy. 

Treatment Issues Addressed in Group Therapy Include:

  • Trauma history

  • Cognitive distortions

  • Family of origin issues

  • Emotional recognition

  • Sex education

  • Anger management

  • Communication skills

  • Relapse prevention training

  • Problem solving

  • Relationship issues


Treatment Issues Addressed in Individual and Family Therapy Include:

  • Personality issues

  • Family of origin problems

  • Trauma history

  • Individual concerns

  • Family enabling


The Treatment Program also includes:

  • Assessment of any related addictions

  • After-care treatment

  • Coordination of treatment with 12-Step programs

  • Adjunct therapy which includes marital and family therapy

  • Sexual therapy for couples

  • Individual and group therapy for effected spouses and family members

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