HOW CAN SEX ADDICTION THERAPY HELP ME?

Susan Malewicz, LCSW, CASAC, CSAT, CCPS

OFFERING TELETHERAPY via ZOOM IN NY & FL

How Can Sex Addiction
Therapy Help Me?

Sex addiction therapy uses many types of therapy, one of which is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT addresses your thinking and behaviors and in the process helps you, as an addict, learn that changes in thinking can result in changes in behavior. You will discover new strategies for how to have a productive life and learn fresh coping skills that are all important parts of the therapeutic process. This knowledge can alleviate the stress that triggers, and in turn, a relapse, can cause. Negative thoughts can lead to negative behaviors which contribute to the cycle of addiction and interrupting this negative cycle is a major benefit of therapy.

other areas of focus in
your recovery

We focus on a number of different issues in sex addiction therapy:

The first is abstinence from the behaviors that may be dangerous. The same way a person who is addicted to alcohol would need to remain abstinent from that substance, abstinence from certain behaviors is suggested to help you better understand your emotions and the situations that can trigger a relapse.
Learning how to deal with the shame and the guilt associated with sex addiction is another major focus of our work together. Addiction causes a tremendous amount of pain to the addict and to all those who are connected to them. These can be very difficult emotions to deal with and attending regular sex addiction therapy and self-help groups will help with these difficult feelings.
In therapy we will also explore your addictive cycle and patterns that are used while engaged in your addiction. I conduct an extensive history so that we may gain insight and understanding into problem behaviors. Often, people who are addicted carry a lot of emotional baggage and trauma which can be the core reason for the addiction. A thorough history is essential to the sex addiction healing process.
Group Therapy is often indicated in the course of your recovery. Group consists of others who have experienced sex addiction and who are working towards the same goals. When people attend group they begin to see they are not alone in the shame and guilt that this addiction brings. Group allows you to identify with others and to draw on their experiences to gain strength to deal with your own recovery. Group is a supportive environment and can be a powerful tool in the battle against addiction.
Self Help meetings such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) or Sexaholics Anonymous (SA) are another integral part of sex addiction therapy. Attending weekly meeting as well as attending therapy is the best recipe for success as they promote responsibility and accountability. The meetings also offer you a support system and are a great tool to help to learn intimacy while assuring you that you are not alone.