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Sex Addiction Therapist in California

In San Jose, California, thousands of adults struggle with compulsive sexual behavior. National studies estimate that sex addiction impacts 3% to 6% of U.S. adults, or roughly 10-20 million people. 

This behavior often involves harmful secrecy and sequences that can harm one’s mental health and relationships. Fortunately, help is available through Dr. Invia – an LMFT and CSAT (certified sexual addiction therapist) in California. 

This guide is designed to help you gain a better understanding of sex addiction and find the support you need to take control of your life. Book a FREE, confidential consultation with Dr. Invia today to find the right support you need.

Understanding Sexual, Love, and Porn Addiction

Compulsive sexual behavior is driven primarily by the pursuit of physical sensation, which differs significantly from love addiction's excessive emotional dependence, or pornography addiction's reliance on hypersexualized imagery.  

Unlike alcohol or drug addiction, where a person is dependent on the substance, compulsive sexual behavior involves repeated behavioral patterns; however, both addictions target the brain's pleasure and reward center.

Here’s a tabular comparison to better understand the difference:

Category

Sex Addiction

Love Addiction

Porn Addiction

Core Focus

Physical Encounters

Romantic Intensity

Visual Stimulation

Primary Driver

Compulsive Acts

Emotional Craving

Escapism And Ritual

Common Behavior

Risky Sexual Behaviors, Multiple Partners

Unhealthy Relationship Cycling

Excessive Consumption

Substance Link (causing the behavior)

Less Direct

Less Direct

Less Direct

Treatment Focus

Impulse Control, Trauma

Self-worth, Impulse Control, Boundaries, Trauma

Habit Disruption, Impulse Control, Reality Connection, Trauma

Learn more about recognizing porn addiction patterns in our guides: The Complete Guide on Porn Addiction and Porn Addiction Signs.

Does Sex Addiction Really Exist? Why It’s Not Recognized?

The acceptance of sex addiction as a diagnosis is still debated. The DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association) does not list it as a mental health condition; however, it is recognized by the World Health Organization’s ICD-11 as Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD).

Many therapists acknowledge Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) with these persistent patterns:

  • Obsessive sexual thoughts or fantasies
  • Engaging in risky sexual behaviors
  • Repeated failed attempts to control urges
  • Neglecting responsibilities or relationships
  • Escalation to more extreme acts over time
  • Continuing despite emotional, legal, or health consequences

The lack of universal agreement does not diminish the real suffering caused by compulsive behavior. For a deeper exploration of symptoms, see our article: Am I a Sex Addict?

How Sex Addiction Affects Lives in California?

Compulsive patterns typically arise as a way of coping with stress, trauma or emotional pain, but unfortunately, they can spiral out of control. The consequences often ripple outward, affecting many areas of life:

  • People face intense shame, anxiety and loneliness, which can severely impair their work or health.
  • Married couples experience loss of trust, constant conflict and emotional withdrawal.
  • Partners experience betrayal trauma, diminished self-worth, and sometimes, permanent damage to the relationship.
  • Families face impaired communication (which can be improved with communication exercises), financial stress, and unstable living situations.

This cycle of compulsivity creates profound loneliness in all areas of life, which makes the need for compassionate support more necessary.

What You Might Experience Early in Sex Addiction Therapy

Before beginning therapy, many clients expressed that they felt stuck, like one of our patients, a professional in the Bay Area, who felt they were about to lose everything. 

With consistent support and commitment, we begin to see meaningful change and transformation unfold over time. 

Some of the benefits to expect include:

  • Reduced shame and obsessive thoughts
  • Healthier intimacy without guilt
  • Rebuilding trust with partners
  • Managing impulses more effectively
  • Healing underlying trauma
  • Renewed focus on personal growth

Keep in mind that progress is unique for everyone, but change is possible. You can find more success stories of professionals who found relief through our client reviews.

Treatment Options for Sex Addiction in California

Successful recovery usually results from a combination of professional support and your personal commitment to healing. Here are some treatment options for sex addiction in California:

1- Why is a Person Addicted to Sex?

Therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) (CBT) can help with your triggers and provide coping skills. Methods like EMDR are also very useful in processing trauma, while activities such as Mindfulness offer a good approach to reducing impulsiveness.

2- Medication

While not the main treatment, it may be used to manage co-occurring depression or OCD symptoms if present. However, this requires professional psychiatric (medical doctor) consultation for proper use.

3- Self-Managing the Addiction

Alongside therapy, you can also strengthen your recovery by using stress-reducing practices, setting healthy boundaries, and engaging in support groups (e.g., SAA).

Ultimately,  a therapist will determine which solution or combination of methods is best for your situation. Contact Dr. Invia for a Confidential Sex Addiction consultation today.

Why Choose San Jose Counseling for Sexual Addiction Recovery?

San Jose Counseling is led by Dr. Invia, a sex addiction therapist in California who holds dual certification as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). 

This qualification enables Dr. Invia to offer specialized insights into both compulsive behaviors and relational healing, helping individuals regain control and couples rebuild love after emotional damage.

With the help of a carefully selected team of professionals, we offer:

  • Evidence-Based Practices: Individualized combinations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care.
  • Individualized Support: Strategies developed to assist based on your needs - no rigid programs.
  • Safe Space: Confidential sessions, with no judgment.
  • Local Knowledge: Detailed knowledge of San Jose/California resources for holistic support.

We walk alongside you, using proven strategies to create lasting change, right here in our community. Contact San Jose Counseling for specialized help today!

FAQs

Q. What therapy is best for family issues?

For families affected by addiction, Family Systems Therapy helps to address relational patterns that exist. Typically, when trust is broken, Betrayal Trauma Therapy is recommended. However, the approach depends on your specific conditions, which is why you need professional consultation first.

Q. How much does family therapy cost?

Costs will vary depending on the session length and insurance coverage. We accept most PPO plans and offer sliding-scale fees for self-pay clients. Contact us for a personalzed estimate on what these costs could look like based on your situation.

Why Choose San Jose Counseling for Sexual Addiction Recovery?

Q. What’s the difference between family counseling and therapy?

"Family therapy" focuses on addressing deeper relational patterns or mental health concerns clinically. On the other hand, "counseling" often refers to a family dealing primarily with a situational issue (e.g., family conflict related to parenting). While both modes involve guided conversations, therapy offers more structured interventions.

Q. Why doesn’t therapy work for everyone?

Therapy success depends on your readiness, therapist-client compatibility, and consistency. A co-occurring issue or condition such as untreated trauma or a medical condition may impede progress. Sometimes, a different therapeutic approach is necessary if the previous process yielded no result.

Therapist-san-joseVerified By Psychology Today
Online Therapy
Dr. Invia A. Betjoseph

Dr. Invia A. Betjoseph is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MFC 44618. 

As a psychotherapist, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), he provides Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Sex Addiction Treatment for Sexual Addiction and Pornography or Porn Addiction.

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