So, what is sex addiction?

Sex addiction, or compulsive sexual behaviours, can describe any sexual behaviour that feels out of control or starts to have a negative impact on your life. For some people, it’s one behaviour that’s become hard to manage. For others, it’s a mix of things that feel compulsive or difficult to stop, even when they want to.

These behaviours might include:

• Spending a lot of time watching pornography, sometimes at the expense of work, relationships, or sleep

• Paying for online sexual content, such as through webcam services or platforms like OnlyFans

• Compulsive sexting or using dating apps, chatrooms, online sex, or phone sex in ways that feel difficult to stop

• Seeking out escorts or anonymous sex, often with a sense of secrecy or urgency

• Having multiple affairs, even when it goes against personal values

• Repetitive behaviours like frequent masturbation, or engaging in voyeuristic or exhibitionistic activities

• Reliance on specific fetishes, where sexual arousal feels limited to certain objects or scenarios

For some, these behaviours develop as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, shame, loneliness, or even boredom. Over time, though, they can start to take over. They may cause distress, damage relationships, and impact everyday life.

Porn addiction in particular is becoming increasingly common. You might find yourself watching more extreme material, struggling to cut back, or noticing that your use is starting to replace other things that matter to you.

If you're finding it hard to stop on your own, you're not alone. Therapy offers a supportive, confidential space to explore what’s happening beneath the surface and find more helpful, sustainable ways of managing emotional and sexual needs.

Common consequences of sex addiction include:

• Distress and Isolation: Feelings of shame and guilt can lead to emotional distress and social withdrawal.
• Relationship Problems: Addiction can cause significant strain on personal relationships, leading to conflicts and loss of trust.
• Financial Issues: The costs associated with addictive behaviours, such as visiting escorts or subscribing to pornographic content, can lead to financial difficulties.

Am I a sex addict?

If you think you may be a sex addict, then use the ATSAC (Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity) self-assessment tool to check by clicking on this link:

https://www.atsac.co.uk/Am-I-a-Sex-Addict

Reproduced with the permission of ATSAC – this is just for you, and no information is stored.  If you would rather answer offline, you can use the link to download the questionnaire.

Acknowledging that you have a problem is the first step to recovery.  I will work with you to understand the underlying problems and help you move to a new lifestyle that fits with how you want to live your life.  There is no doubt about it, changing behaviour is challenging, and I work with you to understand and manage your triggers, enabling you to take charge of your life and build, or rebuild, positive future relationships.

Call me for a no-obligation 10-minute chat to see if I may be able to help.

Support for Partners

Discovering that your partner has a problem with out-of-control sexual behaviours is devastating. I help partners, both male and female, through this overwhelming experience, often when they don’t know where to turn.  If you think this may describe your situation, then call me for a no-obligation 10-minute chat to see if I may be able to help.

Fees & Sessions

Sessions are available Monday to Wednesday

Individual Counselling - £110

Couple Counselling - £130

I use an online scheduling and payment tool.  Once a session is confirmed, I will send you a link. 

Sessions that are cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice are chargeable in full unless there are extenuating circumstances.

I offer specialist online sex addiction therapy to individuals, partners and couples, helping you through challenging times.