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.
Services
– Individual Counseling
– Group Counseling (when there are enough participants)
– Couples Counseling (when and if both people want and are ready for couples)
What will participants learn about?
– Learn to practice healthy boundaries with your sex addict partner.
– How to decide what to do about the relationship and how to rebuild trust if this is desired.
– How to build a healthy support system with other women.
– Learn to manage symptoms of the trauma; especially triggers that can lead to self-defeating and negative behaviors.
– Increase self-compassion and forgiveness.
Information, Appointments, Referrals
Janessa Beebe, MA, LPCC
612 758-0717
jb@cornerstonetherapyandrecovery.com
Julie Kogan-White, MA, LICSW
651-645-0980 ext. 5
Julie.koganwhite@cornerstonetherapyandrecovery.com
Regula Badertscher Gallo, LGSW
952-715-7225
rbg@cornerstonetherapyandrecovery.com
Samim (Sammy) Muhammad, Intern, AAMFT fellow
651-300-9328 (Text Message-prefer)
sammy@cornerstonetherapyandrecovery.com