My Specialties
Counseling Services in Seattle, Wa
"Sexual addiction is best described as a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Like all addictions, its negative impact on the addict, and on family members increases as the disorder progresses. Over time, the addict usually has to intensify the addictive behavior to achieve the same results.
For some sex addicts, behavior does not progress beyond compulsive masturbation of the extensive use of pornography or phone or computer sex services. For others, addiction can involve illegal activities such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, obscene phone calls, child molestation, or rape."
-Psychocentral.com
Understanding & Educating About Sex Addiction
As a certified sex addiction therapist, I help people understand addiction as a disease rather than a moral issue. I help the addict see that they don't choose to become an addict, that addiction is like any other disease. I educate about sex addiction and multiple addictions.
I treat both the addicted and the spouses, families, and friends of the addicted and treat both from a place of complete empathy, compassion, and non-judgement.
Multiple Addictions
Couples & Family Therapy
Therapy for Spouses/Partners
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I understand addiction on many personal levels, and it has affected me and those around me. In studying multiple addictions, I realized almost everybody in our culture struggles with addiction, whether being an addict or having close personal relationships with an addict.
Living with addiction is like walking a tightrope, trying to balance life on restricted terms, always needing to self-medicate – with whatever substance or activity – to feel better. Freeing oneself of addiction is climbing down off the tightrope and being able to plant your feet firmly on solid ground. After planting your feet, my goal is to help you walk with determination, dignity, and grace. And to figure out what your goals are and how to achieve them.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling for sex addiction provides a supportive environment where partners can address the impact of compulsive sexual behaviors on their relationship. Through guided conversations with a trained therapist, couples learn to rebuild trust, improve communication, and understand the underlying issues that contribute to the addiction. The counseling process often involves developing healthy boundaries, coping strategies, and emotional intimacy, helping both partners heal and move forward together. This collaborative approach not only supports the individual struggling with addiction but also acknowledges and validates the experiences of the affected partner.
Therapy for Partners
In treating the partner of the addict, I help the partner sort through the betrayal and accept the reality that their spouse is an addict and what that means. And if they plan to move forward, the commitment that they're going to need to make. I help the partner come up with "bottom line behaviors" (COSA) for themselves and what they can live with authentically. I believe that this is a process, and the bottom lines are flexible, fluid and can change.
Partners learning about their addicted spouse go through grief and despair as a death. Post-traumatic stress disorder is quite common among those who find out that there spouse is leading a double life. Once we decide on which way the relationship is going, I will incorporate ways to handle finances, children, cohabitation, separation, an divorce.
Group Therapy
Group therapy for sex addiction offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and progress with others facing similar struggles. Led by a trained facilitator, group sessions provide support, accountability, and practical strategies for managing addictive behaviors. Participants benefit from mutual encouragement and the realization that they are not alone, which can be a powerful motivator for recovery. Group therapy fosters a sense of community and hope, helping members build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Mindfulness-Based Approach
Addiction is akin to having an allergy to the present moment. I take a gentle mindfulness approach to the fundamental problem of addiction: aversion to our reality and the substances and behaviors that help us continue that aversion. I teach patients how to pause and eventually build hobbies and networks that are sustainable instead of destructive to themselves and others. Connection and relationship to other human beings is not only a survival instinct but is necessary to thrive. I offer a support while people take risks in their relationships and help them be present in the moment.