1800 832 032 | info@mymovecounselling.ie
Sex Addiction Programme
Programme Overview
The Sex Addiction Programme at MyMove Together is a supportive and structured 9-week course that helps individuals overcome compulsive sexual behaviours — sometimes referred to as sex addiction — and rebuild trust and confidence in their lives and relationships.
This program is led by a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist who holds a Diploma in Sex Addiction Counselling from the Institute for Sex Addiction Training (ISAT)in the UK, a diploma delivered by The Laurel Centre again in the UK. These reputed courses are also accredited with CPCAB, COSRT, and ATSAC.
The programme combines proven therapies, practical tools, and compassionate guidance. It addresses both the behaviour itself and the deeper issues—such as stress, trauma, or emotional struggles—that may be driving it.
Delivery: The programme can be completed in person at our Limerick practice or online via Zoom, offering flexibility and confidentiality to suit your needs.
What is Sex Addiction
Sex addiction is a behavioural addiction. It involves overwhelming sexual urges, thoughts, or actions that are difficult to stop—even when they cause distress or negative consequences.
Just like substance addictions, sex addiction changes the brain’s reward system. Behaviours that trigger intense pleasure (through chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin) become hard to resist, and over time can feel impossible to control without support.
Many people experience this in different ways — some through compulsive use of pornography, others through repeated sexual behaviours that feel out of control.
Learn more about our approaches:
• Pornography Addiction Counselling →
• Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Treatment →
Signs of Sex Addiction?
Everyone’s experience is different, but common signs include:
• Strong urges to engage in sexual activity, even at inappropriate times.
• Repeated failed attempts to cut back or stop.
• Spending excessive time on sexual thoughts or behaviours.
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to resist urges.
• Using sexual behaviour to cope with stress, loneliness, or other emotions.
Recognising these signs is the first step toward recovery.
The Impact
Left untreated, sex addiction can affect every part of life:
• Emotional health: shame, guilt, anxiety, or depression, especially when your actions don’t align with your core values or the person you want to be.
• Relationships: trust issues, conflict, break-ups, or family strain.
• Daily life: difficulties at work, financial stress, or social withdrawal.
• Physical wellbeing: poor sleep, fatigue, and stress-related symptoms.
It can also lead to isolation, leaving many people feeling misunderstood or alone.
Our Approach to Treatment
At MyMove Together, the Sex Addiction Programme is led by a qualified APCP Psychotherapist who holds a Diploma in Sex Addiction Counselling from the Institute for Sex Addiction Training (ISAT) in the UK. The programme follows a clear process designed to provide both structure and personalised care. Every participant goes through the following stages:
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Diagnostic evaluation – a thorough assessment of your history, challenges, and goals to shape a personalised treatment plan.
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Stabilisation support – guidance and monitoring during the early stages to help you manage urges and maintain progress.
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Wellness & restoration – deeper therapeutic work tailored to your unique needs, helping you build healthy coping strategies and restore relationships.
For some clients, we also provide continuing care — a managed follow-up plan to support recovery beyond the core programme.
Alongside this structure, we use effective, research-backed methods such as:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Mindfulness practices
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Group therapy
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Family therapy (where appropriate)
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Support for mood symptoms such as anxiety or depression
This combined approach tackles both the behaviours themselves and the underlying emotional or psychological causes.
What You’ll Gain
By taking part in the Sex Addiction Programme, you will:
• Learn why compulsive urges develop and how to manage them.
• Gain tools to reduce or stop unwanted behaviours.
• Build healthier coping strategies for stress and emotions.
• Rebuild confidence, trust, and intimacy in relationships.
• Create a sustainable path to long-term recovery.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Sex addiction does not have a single cause. It often arises from a mix of factors—biological vulnerability, past trauma, emotional struggles, and life stress. Recognising these influences is important, but what matters most is knowing that recovery is possible. With the right support, you can take back control, restore relationships, and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Related Services
MyMove Counselling is based in Limerick City - 4 Pery Square - 1800 832 032 V94 EHE6