COSRT-Registered · Non-Shaming Approach
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
Confidential, non-shaming support for compulsive sexual behaviour — sometimes called sex addiction — a genuine, recognised condition, treated without judgement.
- ICD-11 WHO officially recognises this as a genuine diagnosis
- Not "Addiction" classified as an impulse control disorder, not an addiction
What Is Compulsive Sexual Behaviour?
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD) is a genuine, clinically recognised condition. The World Health Organization formally added it to the ICD-11 (the international diagnostic manual used across the UK and much of the world), describing it as a persistent pattern of failing to control intense, repetitive sexual urges or behaviour, over an extended period (typically six months or more), causing real distress or interfering with daily life, relationships, or responsibilities.
Is Sex Addiction a Mental Illness? Understanding the Diagnosis
This is a genuinely debated question, and the honest answer has some nuance to it. The WHO's ICD-11 does recognise Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder as a real diagnosis — but classifies it as an impulse control disorder, not an addiction. This matters clinically: unlike gambling disorder, which the ICD-11 does classify as a behavioural addiction, there currently isn't enough definitive evidence that compulsive sexual behaviour works the same way in the brain as substance addictions do. The scientific and clinical community is still actively researching and debating this. To add another layer: the US's DSM-5 (the American diagnostic manual) doesn't recognise CSBD, or "sex addiction," as a standalone diagnosis at all.
Symptoms of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
Based on the ICD-11 criteria, symptoms may include:
Central Focus
Sexual activity becoming a central focus of life, to the point of neglecting health or responsibilities.
Failed Attempts to Stop
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control the behaviour.
Continuing Despite Consequences
Continuing the behaviour despite clear negative consequences.
Little Satisfaction
Getting little or no genuine satisfaction, despite continuing.
Persistent Pattern
Persisting for six months or more, causing real distress.
Can Sex Become an Addiction? What Causes Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
Whether or not “addiction” is the clinically precise term, the lived experience for many people genuinely resembles one — a cycle of urge, behaviour, temporary relief, and then guilt or distress, which can feel compulsive and hard to interrupt regardless of what it’s officially called. Common contributing factors include anxiety, low self-worth, past trauma, difficulty regulating emotion, and using sexual behaviour as a coping mechanism for underlying distress rather than the behaviour itself being the root issue.
How Is Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Treated?
Treatment focuses on understanding what’s driving the pattern, not on shame or willpower alone:
Underlying Drivers
Anxiety, emotional regulation, past experiences.
Understanding the Cycle
Urge, behaviour, relief, guilt — interrupted with insight.
Relationship Impact
Addressed where relevant, alongside Infidelities & Affairs work.
Non-Shaming Approach
Distinct from a 12-step, abstinence-based model.
OUR APPROACH
Our Approach to Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Therapy
Our approach is explicitly non-shaming and exploratory, not a 12-step or abstinence-based model. I draw on Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, CBT, and Attachment Theory to understand what’s genuinely driving the pattern, rather than treating the behaviour in isolation.
A reminder on what this doesn’t involve: in line with COSRT’s code of ethics, there is no physical examination and no physical touch between therapist and client at any point. This is entirely talk-based support.
MEET YOUR THERAPIST
Nariman Al-Aloosi
Nariman is an NCPS-accredited psychotherapist based in Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, with over 12 years of experience supporting clients through Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Therapy and a wide range of other difficulties. Her approach is integrative, Person-Centred, CBT, Psychodynamic, and Attachment-based adapted to what actually helps, not a fixed programme. Nariman also brings direct clinical experience from an NHS sexual health clinic and hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, accredited by Middlesex University.
Nariman works with clients of all backgrounds. Everything discussed in session is entirely confidential.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Is Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Therapy Right for You?
- Sexual behaviour that feels genuinely out of your control, not just morally uncomfortable
- Repeated attempts to stop or cut back that haven't worked
- Sexual behaviour continuing despite real consequences — to a relationship, work, or wellbeing
- A cycle of urge, behaviour, and guilt that feels hard to interrupt
- Wanting to understand what's actually driving the pattern, without shame or judgement
- Uncertainty about whether what you're experiencing meets a clinical picture, or is shame without a clinical basis
WHERE I PRACTISE IN KENT
In-Person in Kings Hill, or Online Across Kent
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Therapy is delivered within Individual Therapy sessions. In-person sessions are available at the Kings Hill, West Malling practice, with online sessions available across Kent.
MORE SUPPORT
Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Therapy Often Connects To
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common Questions About Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
The WHO’s ICD-11 recognises Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder as a genuine diagnosis, classified as an impulse control disorder rather than an addiction. The US’s DSM-5 doesn’t recognise it as a standalone diagnosis at all. It’s a real, debated area of clinical science — not a settled yes or no.
“Sex addiction” is the everyday term many people use; “Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder” is the clinical term used in the ICD-11. They describe similar experiences, though the clinical term reflects that it’s currently classified as an impulse control issue, not formally an addiction.
Clinically, this remains genuinely debated. Regardless of the precise term, the lived experience for many people — a compulsive cycle of urge, behaviour, and guilt — is real and treatable.
The core diagnostic pattern is broadly the same regardless of gender; robust research on gender-specific differences remains limited. How it shows up tends to vary more by individual circumstances than a fundamentally different profile by sex.
No. This practice takes a non-shaming, exploratory approach that looks at what’s driving the pattern, rather than an abstinence-based, 12-step model.
Not necessarily. Guilt or shame about sexual behaviour — sometimes shaped by religious, cultural, or personal beliefs — doesn’t automatically mean the behaviour is clinically compulsive. A proper assessment helps clarify what’s actually going on.
Yes, entirely. Nothing discussed in session is shared with anyone else, including your GP.
Yes — online sessions are available for clients anywhere, alongside in-person sessions in Kings Hill, Kent.
Start Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Therapy Today
Book a confidential 10-minute intro call — no pressure, just a chance to talk through what’s going on and see if it’s the right fit.