Compulsive sex & porn use

There’s a lot of talk these days about sex and porn addiction as well as lot of information online, which can be confusing and unfortunately not always accurate.

Compulsive sexual behaviour is the official term for what some people are experiencing, as defined by the World Health Organisation. There has been a considerable amount of research carried out in this area, indicating little evidence that porn or sex can be addictive. However, people who use sex and porn compulsively likely find themselves

  • Using sex or porn to manage difficult feelings or emotions. However, some people are so used to doing this that they no longer recognise that they feel bad.
  • Repeating sexual behaviours that can lead to negative consequences, making sexual activity feel compulsive and out of control
  • Becoming increasingly isolated and would rather watch porn than socialise
  • Making excuses to be away from home so they can “act out”

Most sex therapists in the UK who work with compulsive sexual behaviour come from a perspective of what we call sex positive, meaning that we do not judge people for what they are doing sexually. Equally, we do not try to eradicate fetishes or tell you what kind of sex you should be having. Instead, we look at what behaviours are possibly being used as strategies to manage difficult situations and help people to cope better with emotions and feelings. We help people to look at their sexual behaviour and explore what is authentic for that individual and help people to stop the behaviours that are causing them problems.

Not everyone who is concerned about their sexual behaviour will fit the criteria for having compulsive sexual behaviour disorder. In fact, very few people fulfil every part of the criteria that set out by the World Health Organisation. However, if you are feeling concerned about what you are doing or your life is being affected in any way, sex therapy will likely help you.

Therapy cost: £80 per session

Other therapies

Loss of Sexual Interest

Loss of Sexual Interest

Loss of sexual interest is one of the most common reasons why people seek out sex therapy and despite what we have been led to believe, loss of sexual motivation can affect men just as much as women. A mismatch in a couple’s desire for sex can have a devastating effect on the relationship.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual problems experienced by men of all ages. We only need to look at how popular Viagra and other ED drugs are to know the scale of the problem.

Vulval pain conditions

Vulval pain conditions

Vulval pain conditions, such as vaginismus or vulvodynia are conditions that make penetrative sex very painful or impossible, even if you are aroused and happy to have sex. These conditions can be very distressing for both you and your partner.

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation isn’t necessarily about a man ejaculating too quickly. A better description would be that he comes before he is ready to. This can mean that he has no sense of control over when he ejaculates. This can sometimes lead to frustration for both him and his partner.

Other sexual problems

Other sexual problems

If you are experiencing sexual problems that are not listed on this site, such as difficulty with orgasm or delayed ejaculation, struggling to figure out what your sexual orientation is or maybe fetish, lack of sexual confidence or anything else, please get in touch to see how we can help you.

Sexual Shame

Sexual Shame

To feel shame around sex and our sexuality is a common experience. However, as a society, we tend to avoid the topics of both sex and shame. Even more so when these experiences are combined. This can make us feel like we are the only ones who worry about sex.

Shame Containment Theory

Shame Containment Theory

Shame Containment Therapy (SCT) is a new therapeutic approach to working with and improving our relationship with shame. By working with shame using SCT, we improve our relationship with ourselves and others.