Spouses and Partners of Sexual Addicts Counseling

Being married to or partners with a sex addict can be one of the most painful and traumatizing experiences we can have in a relationship. When it is discovered or disclosed that our partner has been secretly engaging in various sexual behaviors (pornography, affairs, one night stands, prostitutes, cybersex, etc.), it can feel devastating and like our whole world has been hit by a nuclear bomb.

The trauma of this realization can be overwhelming and confusing and often we don’t have anyone to talk to about it because of our own embarrassment or fears of what others will think. Sometimes we try to bear it alone only to get more depressed, anxious and sometimes even a little paranoid. We may start engaging in behaviors that are not like us to try to feel some sense of control and safety. We may blame ourselves or start feeling inadequate as a partner or lover. We may feel resistant to seeking out professional help fearing we’ll be blamed or pressured to stay with or divorce the sexual addict. We may feel like “why should I seek out therapy or counseling, I’m are not the sex addict.”

But, we do need help and seeing someone who understands what it’s like to feel and be where we are in this trauma can be extremely helpful and relieving. We don’t need someone to tell us what to do or judge us. We just need someone to understand, empathize, validate and help us find our own path through this devastating reality. At Cornerstone this is our goal. To help you navigate through this dark and confusing time.