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Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy for Healthy, Connected Living

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Compulsive and Problematic Sexual Behaviors

In sexual healing and recovery, creating safety, healing trauma, establishing trust, repairing relationships, and creating healthy connections are essential. Sexual recovery is a process of evolving the meaning of sexuality. The goal is the integration of sex and love, body and mind. The pathway to integration is through intimacy rather than intensity.

Compulsive sexual behaviors and problematic pornography use –  Although there is no single behavior pattern that defines compulsive sexuality or sex addiction, the common themes are problems with intimacy. In addition, there may be a relationship/attachment disorder or a history of trauma or abuse. Possible indicators involved with offline/online sex and love addiction include: loss of control, compulsive behavior, efforts to stop, loss of time; preoccupation, inability to fulfill obligations, continuation despite negative consequences, escalation, losses, withdrawal.

People with attachment and intimacy disorders may experience a disconnection between love and sex. Because there is a disconnect, the risk is that sex is not used in the service of love, but rather in the service of medicating. People who have a compulsive relationship with sexuality use sexual behavior to produce a charge of gratification and to escape internal discomfort. Some people might not be available for connected sex because the always accessible fantasy images of pornography, hooking up with others, or the escape in romantic stories feel “safer” than being in an intimate relationship.  Opening one’s heart and being vulnerable to sexually connect authentically with another requires tremendous courage, safety, and trust.

Possible indicators involved with offline/online compulsive sexual behaviors:

  • Loss of control
  • Compulsive behavior
  • Efforts to stop
  • Loss of time
  • Preoccupation
  • Inability to fulfill obligations
  • Continuation despite negative consequences
  • Escalation
  • Losses
  • Withdrawal

PATHOS Questionnaire Items by Patrick Carnes, PhD

1. Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts? [Preoccupied]
2. Do you hide some of your sexual behavior from others? [Ashamed]
3. Have you ever sought help for sexual behavior you did not like? [Treatment]
4. Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of your sexual behavior? [Hurt others]
5. Do you feel controlled by your sexual desire? [Out of control]
6. When you have sex, do you feel depressed afterwards? [Sad]
A positive response to just one would indicate a need for additional assessment- seek consultation with a CSAT. Two or more indicates sexual addiction.

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Gretchen Blycker, LMHC

401-486-7183


Jamestown, Rhode Island
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  • About
  • Mental Health Therapy
  • Sexual & Relational Health
  • Compulsive and Problematic Sexual Behavior Treatment
    • SAST Screening Test
  • Testimonials
  • Contact & Directions
  • Articles & Resources
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Gretchen Blycker, LMHC
Hälsosam
Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy

16 Narragansett Ave, 2nd Floor
Jamestown, RI 02835
401-486-7183
  • A Mindful Model of Sexual Health: a review and implications for the model for the treatment of individuals with compulsive sexual behavior disorder             By Gretchen Blycker, M.A. and Marc Potenza M.D., P.h.D.
  • Mindful Model of Sexual Health
  • Mental Health Counselor Gretchen Blycker Helps Individuals and Couples Discover Sexual Health
  • Finding Your Inner Power: an Interview with Gretchen Blycker on Survivorship and Re-finding Intimacy  By Gretchen Blycker and Maggie Jordan

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