What we call something matters because its name influences how we treat it. It may surprise you to read, but sex and porn addiction is not an actual diagnosis, despite claims by the media and others. Disease classification systems exclude it due to insufficient scientific evidence. Compulsive sexual behaviour disorder is recognised by the World Health Organisation (as an impulse disorder), but the term is not interchangeable with the addiction label. For some men, self-identifying as a sex or porn addict can lead to increased pain and suffering over time. I use the term problem sexual behaviours and psychosexual therapy can be more beneficial for men facing distress or difficulties.
Problem sexual behaviours refer to any urges, thoughts, or actions that feel confusing or out of control. Often adult, legal, and consensual in nature, these behaviours may simply be a variation of healthy human sexuality, yet for many men they can lead to significant distress. My approach utilises psychosexual therapy, integrating evidence-based techniques with a holistic perspective on sexual health, while considering emotional, social, physical, and relational factors.
Sexual difficulties encompass a range of issues, from common worries about sex and sexuality that we all have, to concerns such as problem sexual behaviours and sexual disorders; including challenges like erectile disappointment, issues with orgasm, ejaculatory problems, or those related to specific health conditions. Psychosexual therapy can be beneficial in addressing these sexual difficulties.
Cameron Staley
Gabor Maté