Glow West Podcast

Compulsive Sexual Behaviour

I spoke to Caroline West about the term ‘Sex Addiction’ the lack of scientific evidence we have to back it up. The WHO, CCMD, and APA don't recognise it as an addiction, rather a Compulsive Behaviour as currently outlined in the ICD-11.
We discussed that although it can FEEL like an addiction and a sense of being out of control, I don't use terms like 'relapse' or 'abstaining', these can reinforce feelings of shame and isolation. We really want to be building on creating healthier relationships with sex, and masturbation.

As a therapist I look at why the behaviour may occur in the first place; aspects like trauma, attachment, grief, depression, and anxiety, OCD, schemas, emotional regulation, self-worth (and many more reasons) may be factors. As therapists, we then try to support the individual by identifying and working through these challenges and integrating healthier ways of viewing themselves and coping skills.

Thank you to Caroline for creating this platform to facilitate these conversations that can normalise, destigmatise and challenge misinformation, so that people feel less alone and can access support.