A logo for capstone counseling and coaching with a blue circle in the middle.

Exploring the Dimensions of Problematic Sexual Behavior

Capstone Counseling and Coaching of Atlanta - What is a Problematic Sexual Behavior?
Are you struggling to recover from a sex or pornography addiction? Through a research-backed method (pathformen.com) of treatment, recovery from problematic sexual behavior is possible. 

Problematic sexual behavior is a multidimensional problem. As a result, an addict works through a multidimensional recovery process. By addressing each of the dimensions of PSB, full recovery can take place. 

In this article, we will explore the dimensions of problematic sexual behavior. Likewise, we'll discuss what the road to recovery may look like for you. 

Group settings offer the best recovery results of problematic sexual behavior

Often, problematic sexual behavior (PSB) is an intimacy disorder. PSB usually affects an individual, their partner, and their family. As such, your partner and family will play an essential role in your recovery process. 


Research shows group settings are a vital part of the recovery and healing process. Group therapy is a place where many find acceptance. Likewise, many who take part in group settings, find support, guidance, and hope. As a result, participation in group therapy leads to healing for those with PSB. 



The four dimensions of problematic sexual behavior

Your healing and recovery plan will address both your physical and mental health. The process includes exploring spirituality, relationships, and emotional wounds. Likewise, the process examines the physical impact of PSB on both your brain and your body.


There are four dimensions of problematic sexual behavior. In order for a full recovery to take place, each aspect of PSB needs to be addressed. As such, you and your therapist will discuss elements within each dimension in depth. 


The dimensions of problematic sexual behavior are:

  • Emotional 
  • Spiritual
  • Relational
  • Physical



Problematic sexual behavior impacts many dimensions of a person's life.

One dimension to explore on the road to recovery is your spirituality. Spirituality focuses on your core beliefs. Spirituality focuses on your core beliefs and helps to clarify many aspects of your perceptions.


The emotional and relational dimensions can be the most difficult to face. Hence, we teach relational skills and let you work on applying them throughout your recovery process. The elements of these dimensions involve healing the wounds of PSB and the impact on the family. As such, talking about the harmful effects PSB has on your partner and children (psychologytoday.com) will be difficult. However, this part of the process is critical and necessary. As a result, healing can take place for everyone involved. Capstone Counseling and Coaching will be here for you every step of the way.



The problematic sexual behavior recovery and healing process

The steps on the road to recovery are pretty standard. Yet, the actual process of recovery is unique to each individual. 



Let's outline what your healing process might look like. 



First, our therapists will assess your overall mental health. Together we'll explore your levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. We know one's outward behaviors are usually the result of deep internal problems. Our assessment opens the door to address the real issues.



Next, you and your therapist will come up with a treatment plan. Your healing process and recovery plan will address your needs. It will likely include individual therapy, group therapy, EMDR therapy, and couples therapy. 


As you walk down your recovery path, you and your therapist will evaluate your progress often. Together, you'll discuss the depths of addiction. Furthermore, you will be able to address any underlying trauma. As necessary, modifications will be made along the way. Your needs for complete healing and recovery will continue to be at the forefront of the process. Ultimately, the goal will always be to help you heal, reclaim your relationships, and your life.


Problematic sexual behavior is remedied with time, education, and counseling. At Capstone Counseling and Coaching Atlanta, we specialize in the treatment of PSB. Taking that "first step" initiates your healing journey. So, schedule an appointment today. There's never been a better time to start your recovery process.


Schedule Appointment
February 1, 2025
That moment is etched in your memory: your child, frozen with anxiety, unable to join their friends at the birthday party. Or perhaps it was their first day of school or a routine doctor's visit that triggered an unexpected meltdown. As parents, these moments hit us like a physical force – we feel our child's fear in our own bodies, and our instinct screams to protect them at all costs. What if the most powerful way to support your anxious child isn't about changing their behavior at all, but about transforming your own response to their anxiety?
December 9, 2024
The Mental Health Struggles of Gen Z
December 3, 2024
How Your Donation  to our "Give The Gift Of Support" campaign will help to transform lives
December 1, 2024
Unlock Deep Relaxation: The Self-Care Suite is Here
A boy is standing in a classroom with his arms crossed.
By Sara Hong APC June 26, 2024
Signs to Look For....
By Lori Rader-Jacobs March 7, 2024
Help Resolve Conflict with Your Partner
By Sunamita Tuple, MS, EdS, LPC July 10, 2023
Pornography is not just a guy thing. Women watch porn too and become addicted to the dopamine rush in much the same way as men. Some statistics report an estimate as high as 60.2 % of all women and 57% of girls ages 14-18 as having viewed pornography and research suggests that women make up a significant percentage of those with porn addiction, as high as one-third of all addicts. Although less women than men access pornographic websites, it is also worth noting that women are more likely to use other forms of pornographic material (and some may not even realize it) such as erotica books or romance novels, movie or TV scenes, social media such as Instagram or TikTok, magazines, erotic blogs, video games, chatrooms and/or sexting. This is because men and women’s brain are wired differently. Men are wired to be visually stimulated and viewing erotic images leads the brain to produce large amounts of dopamine and this can be very addictive. Women are more relationally stimulated and while women do become addicted to visual pornography, most don’t get the same high as men. Instead, it is the romantic relationship that gets the dopamine flowing. Therefore, the more eroticizing the relationship, the more dopamine gets produced and this can be highly addictive. How do women end up in porn use? Some women have accessed pornography out of curiosity, to obtain information when healthy messages about sexuality were scarce or non-existent, some have discovered it accidently, some were exposed to it at an early age by someone they knew, some were introduced to it by a romantic partner or encouraged or coerced by a romantic partner as an adjunct to their sexual repertoire, and some may have willingly sought it to get tips/ideas or to set the mood with or even keep a significant other, and others use porn as a visual aid while self pleasuring. Although porn addiction negatively impacts both genders, the effect is more devastating for women. Women are more likely to feel a greater sense of shame because of stigma and society’s sexual double standard and are less likely to come forward and ask for help. Fearing being viewed as loose or a slut, they may struggle in isolation and guilt for a longer period of time and experience greater rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Women are more prone to negative body image and lowered self esteem, they may have unrealistic expectations around sexual behaviors and performance and have a higher sense of personal inadequacy and may feel more pressured to perform pornographic acts, accept rape myths, are at greater risk of sexual assault and domestic violence and experience increased marital rape. Viewing more frequent and more intense forms of porn may lead to losing interest in sex that doesn’t live up to the same extreme material they are watching and may experience difficulty in arousal and orgasm with a partner and have to finish by themselves. When not viewing porn, these women may feel down, depressed, irritable, and may lead them to keep searching for porn and eventually more extreme erotic material. Like men, women can justify their use of pornography by seeing it as harmless entertainment and because its only fantasy and doesn’t involve anyone else, there’s nothing wrong with it. However, the reality is that it is very harmful and even dangerous as studies have shown that women who struggle with porn are more willingly to meet with strangers they’ve met in chat rooms or through social media. This sets the stage for unfavorable situations such as being stood up, used by the man to fulfil his sexual fantasy in a one night stand, being drugged and raped or even possibly meet up with a murderer. Pornography addiction, like all sexual addiction, is an intimacy disorder and this is especially harmful to women who place an emphasis on the relational aspect of it. When the means you look towards to fulfill emotional/relational/intimacy needs leaves you empty, alone and ashamed, it creates powerful and deeply rooted negative schemas of identity and worth. Feeling ashamed, alone, lonely and depressed and seeking ways to cope, escape or numb the pain, they turn to their faithful friend, Pornography, who is always present and available, easily accessible, never disappoints and always delivers, fueling the cycle of addiction. Many women feel hopeless and powerless in their struggle and due to the nature of the problem, it is not easily identifiable. More education and awareness is needed for parents, youth sex education programs, church leaders, and medical professionals. There is help for porn addiction and resources are becoming more widely available. There are therapists trained to specifically treat and support women’s struggle with porn addiction. You are not alone in your recover!
By Sarah Ramsay BC-TMH, LMFT May 16, 2023
How Can I Get Unstuck?
By Dr. Janice Stevens LPC, NCC March 16, 2023
Self Care Isn't Selfish, It's Essential.
Differences between a betrayal trauma coach and therapist
By Lisa Shanklin May 19, 2022
It’s important to understand these significant differences between a betrayal trauma coach and a therapist.
More Posts
Share by: