A Compassionate, Non-Shaming Approach
Sexual compulsive behavior is not treated here as a moral failing or lack of willpower.
Instead, it is understood as a protective response to deeper emotional pain, unmet attachment needs, and nervous system dysregulation.
Many individuals develop compulsive sexual behaviors as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, trauma, shame, or emotional disconnection. Therapy focuses on understanding why the behavior developed—not just stopping the behavior itself.
You are not broken. Your system learned a strategy to survive.
Understanding Sexual Compulsive Behavior
Sexual compulsive behavior can show up in many ways, including:
Compulsive pornography use
Repeated sexual behaviors that feel out of control
Secrecy around sexual behaviors
Escalation of behaviors despite negative consequences
Difficulty stopping even when values are violated
These behaviors are often driven by emotional overwhelm, not desire alone.
Therapy helps slow things down, bring clarity, and restore a sense of internal choice.
Treatment Focus
Our work together may include:
Understanding emotional and relational drivers
Identifying triggers and nervous system patterns
Developing internal safety and accountability
Reducing shame and secrecy
Strengthening emotional regulation
Supporting relational repair when appropriate
Change happens when safety increases—not when shame increases.
A Parts-Based and Attachment-Informed Lens
At Big Valley Therapy, sexual compulsive behavior is often explored through Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) frameworks.
This means:
Compulsive behaviors are viewed as parts trying to help
We work with curiosity instead of self-hatred
Underlying vulnerable emotions are accessed safely
Attachment injuries and relational wounds are addressed
As inner safety grows, compulsive behaviors naturally lose their intensity and urgency.
Addressing Shame at the Root
Shame is often the fuel that keeps sexual compulsive behavior alive.
Many clients come in believing:
“Something is wrong with me”
“I should be able to stop”
“If people really knew me, I’d be rejected”
Therapy helps untangle these beliefs and replace them with compassion, clarity, and grounded responsibility.
Healing happens when secrecy is no longer required for survival.
Nervous System & Emotional Regulation
Sexual compulsive behavior is closely tied to the nervous system.
Together, we work on:
Recognizing emotional overwhelm earlier
Expanding tolerance for difficult feelings
Learning regulation skills that actually work
Creating pause between impulse and action
When the nervous system feels safer, compulsive urges decrease.
Relational Impact & Repair
When sexual compulsive behavior has affected a partner or relationship, therapy can also support:
Honest, structured disclosure when appropriate
Repairing trust through consistency and accountability
Understanding attachment injuries on both sides
Rebuilding emotional and physical intimacy
Relational healing is paced carefully and never rushed.
Therapy for Individuals and Couples
Sexual compulsive behavior therapy may be helpful if you:
Feel stuck in a cycle you can’t break alone
Are tired of hiding or compartmentalizing
Want deeper emotional connection—not just behavior control
Are seeking accountability without shame
Want to align your actions with your values
Both individual and partner-involved sessions are available when clinically appropriate.
What Therapy Is — and Is Not
This therapy is:
Compassionate and structured
Evidence-based and attachment-focused
Respectful of your values and beliefs
Grounded in nervous system safety
This therapy is not:
Shaming
Moralizing
Fear-based
One-size-fits-all
Sexual Compulsive Behavior Therapy in Sandy, Utah
Big Valley Therapy provides confidential, specialized therapy for sexual compulsive behavior in Sandy, Utah and surrounding areas.
Whether you are early in awareness or deeply ready for change, support is available.
Take the Next Step
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Healing is possible when the behavior is understood—not condemned.
Contact Big Valley Therapy today to schedule a consultation and begin therapy for sexual compulsive behavior in Sandy, Utah.