If you live in an abusive relationship, please get help right away
A verbally abusive partner can become physically abusive.


 

Substance/Alcohol Addiction

Sex/Love Addiction

Article by Zand Institute Counselors

When the word "addiction" is mentioned, most people think of illegal material such as Heroin, Cocaine,  or other similar habit-forming substances. In recent years new forms of addiction have surfaced. Terms such as gambling, food, and sex addiction have become more popular. Therefore addition is not just about substances, but there are other addictive behaviors that are just as destructive to our lives as these substances.

One of the major problems we are facing in our modern society is Love and/or Sex Addiction. These can be more damaging than any substance. This form of addiction not only hurts the addict, but their families including wife/husband, children and grandchildren, their jobs, their friends and the circle just get wider and wider.

Treating sex addiction involves teaching the patient new ways of behaving as well as new ways of thinking since sex addiction is both a behavioral disorder and a thought disorder. One of my specialties is treating love/sexual addiction. Through the years, I have attended group meetings, interviewed sex addicts, read dozens of research material and treated tens of individuals with this type of addiction. I have produced my own program of treatment which has proven to be very successful. Using this program I interview the patient with very specific questions. I will then produce a specific treatment plan for that particular patient and in a very directive way teach the patient how to use the plan. These plans are patient-specific based on the interviews that I have had with them.

I also try to involve partners in this treatment. Partners of Love/Sex addicts have been hurt and need their own treatment. Helping the addicted member of the family with their treatment will become a part of their own recovery and treatment. This, in turn, will help get family ties closer and ensure the minimization of relapse.

Are you suffering from Sex Addiction

Here are a few guidelines. Do you ever have these thoughts or feelings:

  • I need help with the way I think about sex
  • I wish I didn't keep "giving in"
  • Sex or sexual thoughts are controlling me
  • I like sex because it helps me escape from realities of life
  • Sex relieves my Anxiety
  • I feel guilty, remorseful, or even depressed after sex with someone other than my partner.
  • My sexual pursuit is very compulsive
  • My sexual behavior interferes with my relationship with my spouse/partner
  • I keep going from one relationship to another
  • I visit prostitutes
  • If I were in the right relationship I would not be lusting, masturbating, or desiring new partners.
  • My pursuit of sex is affecting my work


These are just some of the traits of a sex addict. Sex takes over and controls everything.

General warning signs of domestic abuse

People who are being abused may: 

  • Seem afraid or anxious to please their partner.
  • Go along with everything their partner says and does.
  • Check in often with their partner to report where they are and what they are doing.
  • Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner.
  • Talk about their partner's temper, jealousy, or possessiveness.

Warning signs of physical violence

People who are being physically abused may:

  • Have frequent injuries, with the excuse of 'accidents'.
  • Frequently miss work, school, or social occasions without explanation.
  • Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (e.g. wearing long sleeves in summer or sunglasses   indoors).

Specialties:

  • Relationship Issues (Straight and/or alternative)
  • Individual, Couples or Families
  • Addiction, (Love,  Sex, Substance, Food...), Pornography
  • Infidelity, lets talk about this
  • Marriage (Marital & pre-marital Counseling)
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence/Abuse
  • Medical Family Therapy
  • Also treating
  • Gay and Lesbian Issues
  • Cultural Adaptation
  • Anxiety, Depression
  • Loss/Grief
  • PTSD
  • ADHD
  • Entertainment Industry Related (Writer's Block, Audition Preparations, Accepting Rejections...)
  • Motivation
  • Law of Attraction
  • Universal Vibration

Our Counseling Services

Domestic Violence / Domestic Abuse

Domestic Violence is described as any incident of threatening behavior, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults, young adults, or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality (Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws or step-family).