5524 Bee Caves Rd Suite J-8 Austin, TX 78746
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518 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
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Offering Online Therapy Services
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SEX ADDICTION COUNSELING IN PALO ALTO AND THE BAY AREA
Are you struggling with sexual behavior that's causing problems in your life or your relationship? Have you tried to stop and found you couldn't? Do you feel shame about what you're doing but keep doing it anyway?
Sex addiction is more common than most people realize — and more treatable than most people expect. If you're in the Bay Area and looking for a therapist who specializes in this area, I can help.
What Is Sex Addiction?
Someone has a sex addiction when their sexual behavior causes problems in their life or makes them feel bad about themselves. This can take many forms — pornography use, compulsive masturbation, extramarital affairs, compulsive flirting, or any sexual behavior that feels out of control. The common thread is that the behavior continues despite negative consequences.
Sex addiction is also known as hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior. Whatever you call it, the experience is the same: you know the behavior is causing problems, you've tried to stop or cut back, and you haven't been able to on your own.
Sex Addiction Counseling in Palo Alto and the Bay Area
I've worked with individuals and couples dealing with sex addiction for over 20 years. As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and certified addiction counselor (CADC-II), I'm qualified to assess whether sex addiction is the problem — or part of the problem — and to help you address it.
My first office was in Palo Alto, and I have worked with Bay Area clients for over 30 years. All sessions are now conducted via telehealth, which means you can work with me from anywhere in California — from San Francisco and the Peninsula to San Jose and the South Bay. There's no commute, no waiting room, and no one who knows you will see you walking into an office. For something as sensitive as sex addiction, that matters.
Do You Have to Give Up Sex Completely?
No. Unlike alcohol or drug addiction, you can't simply abstain from sex entirely. The goal of sex addiction counseling isn't celibacy — it's helping you understand which sexual behaviors are part of the addiction and which are healthy. For many clients, that distinction becomes clear quickly once we start working together.
Do You Have to Go to 12-Step Meetings?
No. Programs like Sex Addicts Anonymous work well for some people and not at all for others. For many of my Bay Area clients, meeting regularly with an experienced sex addiction counselor and being accountable to that counselor is an effective first step — and sometimes all that's needed.
Why Work With a Licensed Therapist?
Sex addiction counseling is an area where credentials matter. I'm a licensed psychotherapist and certified addiction counselor with over 30 years of experience. I've heard everything. There is nothing you'll share with me that will surprise me or change how I work with you.
If you're in the Bay Area and ready to address this, I invite you to call me at 650-646-4220. I'm always willing to spend a few minutes on the phone to discuss whether I'm a good fit for what you're dealing with.
