2 Best Sexual Addiction Therapists in Seattle & Bellevue
Takeaway: Struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors can feel overwhelming and isolating. At Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center (BTRC), our trauma-informed approach also addresses various mental health issues to help you regain control over these behaviors and rebuild meaningful connections. We provide compassionate, expert support tailored to your journey of healing and recovery.
Problematic Sexual Behaviors / Sex Addiction
Therapy for Sex Addiction, also referred to as therapy for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder, helps treat people that struggle to control their thoughts and behaviors related to sex. There is an intense focus on sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that can not be controlled.
Sex Addiction/Compulsive sexual behavior can include masturbation, multiple sexual partners, pornography use, strip clubs, or paying for sex. When these sexual behaviors become a major, constant focus in your life, are difficult to control, cause problems in your life, or are harmful to you or others it may be time to seek help.
Those who struggle with sex addiction/compulsive sexual behavior and related mental illness often feel as if they are unable to stop their compulsive thoughts and find themselves acting out sexually, even if they want to stop. People with sex addiction can experience shame regarding the sexual compulsions, especially if it results in chronic infidelity.
No matter what it’s called or the exact nature of the behavior, untreated sex addiction/compulsive sexual behavior can damage your self-esteem, relationships, career, and physical health.
Symptoms of sex addiction/compulsive sexual behavior
Repeated and intense sexual fantasies, urges, and behaviors that take up a lot of your time and feel as if they’re beyond your control.
Frequent urges to do certain sexual behaviors, feel a release of the tension afterward, but that also leave you feeling guilt or deep regret.
Repeated attempts to reduce or control your sexual fantasies, urges or behavior without success.
Continued engagement in sexual behaviors despite negative consequences.
You have trouble making and keeping healthy and stable relationships.
Questions to ask yourself when deciding to seek help
How do I manage my sexual impulses?
Do my sexual behaviors lead to feelings of distress?
Does my sexual behavior hurt my relationships, affect my work or impact any areas of my negatively?
Do I try to hide my sexual behavior?
Why choose The Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center for sex addiction therapy
If you or your loved one is struggling with sex addiction, The Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center offers a specialized, compassionate approach to healing for individuals and couples. Our therapies are designed to help you reclaim control, rebuild trust, and find lasting recovery in a safe and supportive environment.
Why Choose The Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center?
Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT): A cutting-edge therapeutic technique that helps clients process deep-rooted trauma while promoting emotional healing and resilience.
Comprehensive Intensive Programs: Our intensive therapy sessions accelerate your healing process, providing focused support over a condensed period for maximum impact.
Collaborative Approach: Therapists work closely with individuals and couples to create personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs.
Trauma-Informed Focus: We understand the impact of trauma on addiction and provide a safe, informed space to explore and heal.
At The Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center, your recovery is our priority. Together, we’ll address the root causes of addiction and guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling future. Take the first step toward healing—contact us today.
Find your best fit to treat sex addiction.
CSAT therapist neat me
1. Connie Zollner, Psy.D, LMHC, LPC, CCPS, CSAT
Connie is both an APSATS-certified clinical partner specialist (CCPS) and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), which gives her the ability to support and hold balanced space for both sides of a partnership when navigating the impacts of betrayal trauma, problematic sexual behaviors, sex addiction, and out-of-control technology-based behaviors. Credentials
Credentials
Psy.D
LMHC
LPC
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
Additional Specialty Area(s)
Betrayal Trauma
Neurodivergence
Risky sexual behavior
Compulsive sexual thoughts
Sexual activity
Personality disorder
Sex addict
Healthy Relationships
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Personality Disorders
2. Matt McMillon, MS, LMFTA, CSAT-C
Matt, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist-Candidate (CSAT-C), also incorporates motivational enhancement therapy while specializing in supporting individuals and couples through the challenges to overcome sex addiction, betrayal, and trust issues. He helps clients address the profound impact of infidelity, emotional disconnection, and out-of-control sexual behaviors on relationships.
Credentials
MS
LMFTA
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist -Candidate (CSAT-C)
Additional speciality area (s)
Relationship problems
Coping skills
Sexual activity
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Excessive masturbation
Recovering addicts
Behavioral addictions
Sex Addicts
What to expect in sessions
Our sessions are tailored to support individuals and couples navigating addiction recovery, trauma, and other mental health conditions. Each session is a safe, compassionate space where we work together to address personal challenges, set goals, and foster emotional healing.
Here’s what a typical session might include:
Clinical Interview:
We start by discussing your current concerns and identifying the key areas you’d like to address in therapy.
History Review:
For clients recovering from addictive or compulsive behaviors, understanding past patterns helps us create a personalized approach to your recovery.
Goal Setting:
Together, we set clear, actionable goals to guide your progress and ensure you’re moving toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT):
This innovative, evidence-based approach focuses on reducing emotional distress and fostering balance through targeted therapeutic interventions.
Each session is designed to empower you with tools for healing and growth. Whether you’re starting your recovery or building a stronger path forward, our work together will be rooted in your specific needs and goals. Reach out today to take the first step toward reclaiming your well-being.
How sex addiction counseling can help you
Sex addiction counseling provides a safe, judgment-free space to address unhealthy sexual urges and/or harmful or risky sexual activities, and identify their underlying causes. Through therapy, individuals and their loved ones can better understand this complex condition and take actionable steps toward healing and recovery.
Potential Benefits of Therapy for Sex Addiction:
Regain Control: Learn strategies to manage and reduce overwhelming sexual urges that interfere with your daily life.
Identify Root Causes: Address the emotional and psychological factors contributing to your addiction, such as mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Improve Relationships: Rebuild trust and strengthen your connection with loved ones who may have been affected by your behaviors.
Boost Mental Health: Alleviate feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness tied to the addiction while fostering emotional resilience and self-worth.
Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Replace destructive habits with healthier ways to manage stress, challenges, and triggers effectively.
Seeking therapy is an empowering step toward reclaiming your life and mental health. With professional guidance, individuals and their partners can find hope, understanding, and the tools to move forward.
FAQs about therapy for sex addiction
A CSAT therapist, or Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, is a professional trained specifically to help individuals struggling with sex addiction and related behaviors. This credential is awarded by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) after completing extensive training in understanding the complexities of sex addiction, betrayal trauma, and recovery strategies. CSATs use evidence-based treatment methods, such as Trauma-Informed Care and the Task-Centered Model, to guide clients toward healing and long-term recovery.
At the BTRC, our clinicians hold the CSAT credential and bring years of experience in treating sex addiction and its impacts on individuals and relationships. With a deep understanding of addiction-related shame, guilt, and trauma, we create a judgment-free space where clients feel supported and understood.
Here are three therapeutic methods to address sex addiction. Each of these approaches emphasizes healing, understanding, and growth, not just for the individual but also for affected family members.
1. Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy acknowledges the role that past traumatic experiences that may play in compulsive behaviors. It focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment for the patient while addressing both the addiction and its root causes.
Why it works: Trauma-informed care prioritizes trust and empowerment while teaching coping mechanisms to break harmful cycles.
Helpful for: People who feel their addiction is tied to deeply rooted emotional pain or unresolved past experiences.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a highly effective method for addressing underlying trauma connected to sex addiction. It uses guided eye movements to help patients process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact.
Why it works: EMDR can help individuals desensitize triggering memories that lead to unhealthy behaviors, creating space for healthier coping mechanisms.
Helpful for: Patients struggling with traumatic memories or specific triggers related to their addiction.
3. Experiential Therapeutic Techniques (ETT)
ETT focuses on helping individuals experience and process their emotions in a controlled, therapeutic setting. These techniques tap into feelings that are often suppressed, making them easier to address and understand.
Why it works: By confronting and working through difficult emotions, patients can identify patterns and start making intentional changes.
Helpful for: People who might feel disconnected from their emotions or those who avoid addressing the emotional roots of their addiction.
Recovery from sex addiction is entirely possible with the right treatment and support. While precise recovery rates can vary depending on individual circumstances, research suggests that individuals who commit to structured recovery programs—including therapy, support groups, and behavioral interventions—experience a significantly improved quality of life and sustained recovery over time.
Studies, such as those highlighted by the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), indicate that up to 70% of individuals in specialized sex addiction treatment programs report meaningful progress in managing their behaviors and improving overall emotional well-being. Success often depends on factors such as the individual’s willingness to participate in therapy, the strength of their support network, and a tailored treatment plan addressing their specific needs.
If you’re struggling or looking for help, know this—you are not alone, and recovery is within reach. By seeking professional help and committing to the process, you can regain control, rebuild relationships, and experience healing. Don’t hesitate to connect with a licensed therapist or support group specializing in sex addiction recovery. Healing is a step-by-step process, and you can take the first one today.
If you’re searching for sexual addiction therapy in Bellevue, Washington, we’re here to help. Our practice offers both in-person and virtual sessions, providing flexibility to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for individual support or couples therapy, we’re dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for healing.
If you live outside of our service area or feel we may not be the right fit for your needs, we recommend exploring other resources to find the support you deserve. The International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP) is an excellent resource to locate Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSATs) in your area. Visit their website at iitap.com and use their Therapist Finder tool to connect with a qualified specialist near you.
Remember, taking the first step toward finding help is a sign of strength. You don’t have to face this alone—support and healing are within reach. If you’d like to learn more about our services, feel free to reach out directly.
Supporting Family Members and Loved Ones
Sex addiction often affects more than just the individual. Family members and partners may feel betrayed, confused, or hurt. Therapy can provide support not only for the patient but also for affected loved ones.
Couples Therapy: Builds open communication and helps restore trust in relationships affected by addiction.
Family Counseling: Creates a safe space where family members can express emotions, learn about the addiction, and gain tools to provide appropriate support without enabling destructive behaviors.
Support Groups: Encourage affected partners or family members to connect with others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of understanding and community.
Taking the First Step Toward Recovery
The first step can feel overwhelming, but the right therapeutic approach can lead to meaningful healing. If you or a loved one is struggling, consider reaching out to a mental health professional experienced in trauma-informed care, EMDR, or ETT. Their expertise can help identify the best path forward, creating a foundation for long-term recovery.
In addition to individual therapy, the BTRC offers group therapy for men who are struggling with intimacy issues and sexual compulsion or problematic sexual behaviors.
This group provides psychoeducation and a place of community to connect with other men who share your experience. Check out our therapy services to learn more.
If you are struggling with sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior, please
to learn more about our therapy for sex addiction.