Addicted to Love, Starved for Connection: Using schema therapy to heal hyper-sexuality

This presentation applies Schema Therapy principles to treat hypersexual behaviors through a developmental lens. Moving beyond traditional addiction models that focus primarily on behavioral change, Schema Therapy helps meet the client’s underlying core needs and strengthens the client’s healthy adult self/inner leader. This approach achieves a fuller, long-lasting recovery.

Through the example of Jon, we will look at a comprehensive case conceptualization which typifies the development and cycle of hypersexual modes. Progression of pornography use, sex work, fantasy life and intriguing behaviors to relieve emotional pain will be discussed – as well as common blocks to progress.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn to:

1. Conceptualize Hypersexuality through Schema Therapy

2. Recognize underlying core needs in your clients through a sexual history

3. Understand unique Schema Therapy interventions for this population

4. Understand methods of identifying and working through blocks to recovery

Framework and Applications

Hypersexual behaviors often serve as coping strategies for unmet emotional needs from childhood trauma and attachment disruptions. Key schemas include Emotional Deprivation/Abandonment (connection-seeking), Defectiveness/Shame (needs of validation, acceptance), Social Isolation (needs of belonging), and Insufficient Self-Control (need of self-directedness and healthy control) – when painful schemas are activated, addictive protector modes step in.

Case Example:

Jon, a 38 year old, married man (17 years) with two children brought up in a religious family of six children and I don’t know why. He engaged in infidelity beginning six months after his wedding. His wife discovered this after he was blackmailed by a sex worker.