A recent Herald Sun feature lifts the curtain on a subject that’s often misunderstood and rarely discussed: sex addiction.
Relationship therapist Kelly Anne Mitchell explains that this isn’t about having a high sex drive. It’s a compulsive disorder, a pattern of sexual behaviours that someone can’t control, even when it damages their life and relationships. She adds that while childhood trauma doesn’t cause sex addiction, it can play a role in keeping the behaviour going.
The article shows how secrecy, shame and confusion affect both the person struggling and their partner, and why recognising the addiction for what it is is key to healing. Mitchell points to the need for compassion and specialist support so couples can work toward recovery rather than staying stuck in blame.
Read the full story at Herald Sun to see how understanding sex addiction (and the support partners need) can open the door to real repair.
* A special note from Kelly here is that sex addiction is a complex topic, and what people call addiction may be more linked to the specific behaviours that are connected with forms of trauma, unprocessed emotion, behavioural addiction, emotional soothing, societal programming, or pathways related to dopamine-related regulation.
Image source: Herald Sun article.
