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Compulsive Sexual Behavior & Preoccupation

aka
Out of Control Sexual Behavior (OCSB)
aka
"Sex Addiction"
aka
Problematic Sexual Behavior

Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder is defined as "a persistent pattern of failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behavior, which persist for over six months and cause marked distress or significant impairment in important areas of psychosocial functioning" by the  World Health Organization's ICD-11 

Reclaim Intimacy’s Conceptualization of These Issues

When it comes to compulsive sexual behavior & preoccupation, there are many misconceptions and a plethora of misinformation held online, in society, and even by in-field helping professionals. In my work with folks navigating struggles around their own or their loved one’s out-of-control sexual thoughts and behaviors, I utilize information and skills gained from Certified Sex Addiction Therapist training through IITAP, sexual compulsivity training through AASECT, and additional ongoing sexuality-oriented continuing education. I intentionally provide sex-positive, queer affirming, neurodiversity affirming, kink-friendly, sex worker allied, and culturally sensitive counseling services when treating compulsive sexual behavior/preoccupation, out-of-control sexual behavior, problematic sexual behavior, and "sex addiction" (as these issues may be colloquially referred to).

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-Dr. Katie A. Rodenkirch

What Does That Look Like?

For a Struggling Client:

  • I do not label anyone (or everyone!) a sex addict; if that is a term that feels right for you I will use it, and I will not force it upon anyone who sees me for treatment.

  • I do not ask that anyone “gives up sex forever” as that is fundamentally unrealistic and morally inhumane. ​

  • I do not work with or from a shame-based orientation, and will not support personal goals, objectives, strategies, or interventions that are shame-rooted or inherently shame-inducing. 

For the Betrayed Partner & Other Loved Ones:

  • I do not blame any partner(s) or children for a client’s difficulties.

  • I do not push to end relationships or for separation.

  • I do not push to maintain relationships against a partner or family member's will. 

  • I work in a relationship-focused framework, centering the safety and feelings of partners and families in my work with both relationships and individual clients.

In Treatment:

  • I do not mandate 12 step involvement.

  • ​I do not use a ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment modality. Treatment plans are individualized to each specific client or partner or family, and are co-created.

  • I will not ask or push you to be anti-porn, anti-polyamory, anti-sex work, etc. 

  • I will not ask or push you to be pro-porn, pro-polyamory, pro-sex work, etc. 

  • When all involved are enthusiastically consenting and the activity is generally healthy for all involved, your kinks, fetishes, types of sex, sexual activities, fantasies, sexual partnerships, etc., will not be pathologized.

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