You didn’t choose this pattern — but now it feels like it’s choosing you. The urges come fast, followed by relief, followed by shame. You’ve promised yourself you’d stop, but the cycle keeps repeating.
You might feel like you’re living two lives — one everyone sees, and one filled with secrecy, guilt, and fear of exposure. This isn’t about morality or willpower. It’s about reclaiming control, healing what’s underneath, and rediscovering your sense of self.
At Laike Rising Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals break free from sexual compulsive behavior through compassionate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based therapy — offered in Indianapolis, New York City, and via telehealth.
Sexual compulsive behavior — sometimes called hypersexuality — involves persistent and escalating sexual thoughts, urges, or actions that feel out of control and negatively impact your life, health, or relationships.
Common Behaviors We Treat:
Excessive pornography use or cybersex
Compulsive masturbation
Anonymous sexual encounters or multiple partners
Repeated use of sexual services despite consequences
Risk-taking behavior, even after negative outcomes
You might be experiencing sexual compulsivity if you:
Repeatedly try to stop but feel powerless to change
Use sex to escape anxiety, depression, or loneliness
Need more extreme behaviors to feel the same relief
Neglect relationships, responsibilities, or health
Feel stuck in a pattern of secrecy, guilt, and shame
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
Shame, guilt, and self-loathing
Anxiety, depressive symptoms, or panic
Erosion of self-esteem and self-trust
Identity confusion or spiritual conflict
Strained or broken relationships
Sexual compulsive behavior often develops as a coping mechanism — a way to manage unresolved pain or emotional dysregulation.
Common Underlying Causes Include:
Childhood or adult sexual trauma
Depression, anxiety, or low self-worth
Emotional neglect or attachment wounds
Early or excessive exposure to sexual content
Co-occurring addictions (substance use, gambling, etc.)
Impulse control or neurological challenges
Dr. Richard Mills, Certified Sex Therapist (CST), leads our team with specialized training in trauma-informed sexual health. Our approach is individualized, trauma-sensitive, and centered on sustainable, values-based healing.
Comprehensive Assessment
Exploration of behavior patterns and triggers
Mental health and trauma history review
Relationship and attachment history
Clarification of goals and long-term values
Evidence-Based Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Restructure thought and behavior patterns
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Values-aligned decision-making
Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation: Skills for presence and distress tolerance
IFS & Parts Work: Heal internal parts carrying shame, pain, or protective roles
Relapse Prevention Planning: Tools to stay grounded and empowered
Whole-Person Support
Individual therapy for self-awareness and healing
Couples therapy to rebuild trust, intimacy, and communication
Referrals for medical or group support, when appropriate
Long-term support for developing a healthy sexual identity
Initial Phase: Stabilization & Planning
Detailed trauma and behavior assessment
Safety planning and grounding tools
Personalized roadmap for recovery
Active Treatment Phase
Weekly therapy sessions
Addressing shame, trauma, and core beliefs
Developing new emotional and behavioral strategies
Reconnecting with your values, identity, and purpose
Maintenance Phase
Long-term relapse prevention
Healthy sexuality integration
Ongoing check-ins and support as needed
Repairing relational or identity wounds
Feel out of control around sexual thoughts or behaviors
Use sex or fantasy to avoid emotional pain
Have tried to stop but continue despite consequences
Struggle with guilt, secrecy, or fear of discovery
Are navigating relationship strain related to sexual behavior
Want to build a healthy, integrated relationship with your sexuality
At Laike Rising Therapy, we meet you without shame, without judgment, and with deep respect for your story. Our practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed, and grounded in clinical excellence.
Healing is possible — and it begins with connection.
The next step? Schedule your FREE 15-minute consultation.
What you’re experiencing is more common than you’d think, but you’ll likely continue sharing this if you continue trying to deal with this thing on your own.
If you fail to reach out now, those things that caused you pain will resurface.
We believe whatever you are feeling makes sense, and we can help.
We promise to get back to you as soon as we can!
