Services

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a global diagnostic standard for identifying and coding health information. According to WHO, compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is a type of impulse control disorder characterized by a persisting pattern of failed attempts to control sexual impulses or urges resulting in repetitive sexual behaviors lasting over an extended period of time (at least 6 months). Possible symptoms identified for a person suffering from compulsive sexual behavior disorder include, but are not limited to, preoccupation with sexual activities to the detriment of personal health, interests, and responsibilities; numerous failed attempts to reduce sexual behaviors; and continued engagement in sexual activities despite harmful impact or negative consequences to self and/or others. Compulsive sexual behavior disorder can cause significant distress and diminished ability to function within a variety of important areas, such as work, school, family, relationships, or personal care. It is important to note that the distress characterized by this disorder cannot be solely based on a person’s moral beliefs or judgment about sexual impulses, urges, or behaviors.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapy stresses the role of thinking patterns in how we

feel and what we do. It is based on the belief that our thoughts, rather than people or

outside events, cause our negative feelings. The therapist assists the client in identifying,

testing the reality of, and correcting dysfunctional beliefs underlying his or her thinking –

uncovering the ‘root to the fruit’ so to speak. The therapist then helps the client modify

those thoughts and the behaviors that flow from them. CBT is a structured collaboration

between therapist and client and often calls for homework assignments.

Existential psychotherapy is based on the philosophical belief that human beings are fully equipped to create one’s own meaning and exercising one’s freedom to choose. The existential therapist encourages clients to face life’s anxieties and to start making his or her own decisions while reflecting on consequences and moving away from fear-based thinking. The therapist will emphasize that along with having the freedom to carve out meaning comes the need to take full responsibility for the consequences of one’s decisions.