Support and Resources
The nature of sexual addiction / compulsive sexual behaviour
When sexual behaviour feels difficult to control A sex addict feels compelled to seek out and engage in sexual behaviour, in spite of the problems it may cause to their personal, social and work lives. It may encompass any single or multiple types of sexual behaviour. For example: Compulsive masturbation Compulsive use of pornography Having multiple, ongoing affairs Exhibitionism Fetishes
Do I have a problem?
Am I a sex addict? Try the free CSBD-19 self-assessment An anonymous screening questionnaire for compulsive sexual behaviour disorder CSBD-19 – English Version Below are a number of statements that describe various thoughts, feelings, and behaviours about sex. Please, think back to the past six months and indicate on the following 4-point scale to what extent the statements apply to you.
FAQs
Does sex addiction really exist? Yes, although experts continue to debate the best label, the condition itself is now formally recognised. In 2018 the World Health Organisation included 'Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder' (CSBD) in the 11th edition of its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). It describes a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual
One-to-One Therapy
What to expect when working with a specialist therapist Many people find that professional support can help them understand their sexual behaviour, regain a sense of control and make lasting changes. This may be through one-to-one therapy or group support, depending on what feels most appropriate for the individual. Working with a therapist who has specialist knowledge of sex addiction and
Support Groups
Hall Recovery Course Paula Hall & Associates have been providing recovery courses for many years and the Hall Recovery Course is the most widely used treatment programme in the UK. Services are offered from our central office in Leamington Spa, Central London and Sheffield and under license at Oxford and Nottingham Relate. The Hall Recovery Course is also available in Amsterdam, Copenhagen and
Support for Partners
Discovering your husband/wife/partner is struggling with sexually compulsive behaviour can evoke powerful feelings, including shock, rage, betrayal and hopelessness. The consequences of ‘out of control’ sexual behaviour can impact negatively on couple and family relationships, and can affect finances, sexuality, social life, and parenting. Questions partners often ask include: ‘How come I
Therapy Centres
These treatment and recovery centres offer a range of services for the treatment of sex addiction as well as substance addictions and compulsive behaviours. Innisfree Therapy Innisfree Therapy is a leading therapeutic centre specialising in compulsive behaviour and relationships. We take an individual approach to sexual compulsivity and addiction, understanding the uniqueness of each client
Useful Books & Articles
Overcoming Sexual Addiction – A Guide for Couples and Those Who Help Them Paula Hall Routledge (2019) The Routledge International Handbook of Sexual Addiction Thaddeus Birchard & Joanna Benfield (Editors) Routledge (2018) Overcoming Sexual Addiction – A Self Help Guide Thaddeus Birchard Routledge (2017) Back to the Basics of Recovery Wally P, Perfect
Websites
Explore external support and recovery information Kick Start Recovery A free, downloadable resource that provides information, advice and self-help exercises on recovering from sex addiction Recovery Nation A website that provides online recovery tools for sex addicts, partners and couples along with expert coaching and community support StopSO StopSO is an organisation that works with
Videos
Dr. Patrick Carnes interview Dr. Patrick Carnes, Leading Sex Addiction Expert, Video Interview
Therapists
Since its inception in 2009, ATSAC has been committed to the highest professional standards in supporting people affected by compulsive sexual behaviour through recovery and in rebuilding their lives. Every therapist listed in our directory has undertaken significant additional specialist training in this complex area of practice, and continues to meet ATSAC’s strict membership requirements.