9 Facts You Need To Know About Sex Addiction

By Dr. Joe Kort. Posted on Apr 3rd 2012.

Who is affected by sexual addiction & how can it be managed?

Through psychotherapy and 12-Step work, partners of sex addicts often discover why their own personal psychology drew them to a partner with sexual addiction. Often women who were sexually abused as little girls gravitate towards sex addicts later in life. It may seem counter-intuitive, but an overly-sexualized child has confused sexual boundaries and may not even realize that the behaviors associated with sex addiction are unhealthy. Women Can Be Sex Addicts, Too

For sex addicts, the main focus of therapy is to help them identify effective ways to stop the unhealthy behavior patterns. Shame associated with sexual addiction can be a dangerous trigger for the disease. Twelve-step programs like 'sex addicts anonymous' and group therapy are the most effective ways to reduce shame and heal from sex addiction. Is Sex Therapy For You? [VIDEO]

More from YourTango: Is A Sex Addiction Epidemic Destroying Marriages?

It can also be helpful to understanding the psychology behind sexual behavior, something I call "cracking the erotic code." Everyone has a sexual narrative. Uncovering the non-sexual meanings of our fantasies and behaviors can help us identify our needs — allowing sex addicts to find alternative sources of satisfaction and allowing their partners to feel compassion, empathy and understanding instead of frustration, sadness and anger.

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Dr. Joe Kort

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Joe Kort, PhD

Relationship and Clinical Sex Therapist

Location: Royal Oak, MI

Credentials: ACSW, LMSW, MA, MSW, PhD

Website: http://joekort.com

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