Online Counselling for Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
If sexual behaviour feels difficult to control or is affecting relationships, wellbeing or daily life, it can be hard to know whom to talk to. A confidential, non-judgemental conversation may help.
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Understanding the concern
People sometimes use the phrase “sex addiction” to describe sexual behaviour that feels compulsive or causes significant distress or impairment. The terminology is debated, and frequent sexual activity alone does not establish a disorder. Distress may arise from behaviour, relationship conflict, shame or a mismatch between personal values and actions. A careful assessment avoids labelling consensual sexuality as inherently unhealthy.
What counselling may explore
A therapist may help you understand patterns, emotional triggers, secrecy, boundaries, relationship difficulties and ways to make choices consistent with your values. Support should be respectful of different sexual orientations, identities and consensual practices. Therapy should not be used to shame someone or attempt to change their sexual orientation. Where there are safeguarding concerns, therapists must explain confidentiality limits.
When other help may be needed
If sexual behaviour involves coercion, non-consent or risk to others, safety and appropriate specialist intervention come first. If you feel at risk of harming yourself, seek urgent mental-health support. Some people may also need assessment for co-occurring mental-health concerns or problematic substance use. Online counselling is not an emergency or safeguarding service.
Finding a suitable therapist
Ask about experience with compulsive sexual behaviour, relationships, sexual wellbeing and safeguarding. Discuss the language the therapist uses and whether their approach is evidence-informed and non-stigmatising. Veyro lists independent therapists; the speciality tag does not guarantee particular clinical credentials.
Further information and related support
For background information, see Relate’s guide to concerns about compulsive sexual behaviour. You may also explore related Veyro pages: intimacy issues and pornography.
Clinically reviewed by Daniel Rosenberg, Senior Counsellor, ACCPH Member, General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) Registrant on 5 November 2026.
Find therapists who support concerns about sexual behaviour
Anita Furlong
Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Supervisor
Daniel Kent
Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist
Dr Richard Sherry
Consultant Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Trauma Psychologist, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Edoardo Zollo
Psychotherapist for Individuals and Couples
Jonathan Richardson
Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Martina Crivelli
Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist
How Veyro works
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Meet your therapist online from wherever you feel comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Is sex addiction an official diagnosis?
“Sex addiction” is a term people use when seeking help. ICD-11 recognises compulsive sexual behaviour disorder as an impulse-control disorder. It involves persistent difficulty controlling repetitive sexual behaviour that causes significant distress or disruption to daily life. A high sex drive or distress arising solely from moral disapproval does not establish the disorder. You can ask for support without a diagnosis.
Does having a high sex drive mean I have a problem?
No. Frequency alone does not establish a disorder. Distress, loss of control, harm and context matter.
Will counselling judge my sexuality?
Support should be respectful of consensual sexuality and identity, without shame or attempts to change sexual orientation.
Can counselling help relationship trust?
It may provide space to discuss boundaries, communication, secrecy and the impact of behaviour on relationships.
Can I attend on my own?
Yes. You can seek individual support, and discuss whether relationship counselling might also be useful.
What should I ask a therapist?
Ask about relevant experience, their approach to compulsive behaviour, confidentiality and safeguarding boundaries.
What if I feel unsafe or might harm someone?
Seek urgent professional support. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999; routine online counselling is not a crisis response.