Information & Treatment for Pornography Addiction

Watching pornography either by yourself or with a partner is quite common and is considered normal to many people. However, watching porn can become a cause for concern when someone becomes emotionally dependent on it to the point that it interferes with their relationships, ability to function and everyday life. 

This type of addiction may be pretty common. Some doctors consider porn addiction a hypersexual disorder — an umbrella term that includes behaviours such as excessive masturbation.

Signs that a person may have an unhealthy relationship with porn include:

• ignoring responsibilities to watch pornography, even while at work
• progressively viewing more extreme porn to get the same release that less extreme porn once offered
• feeling frustrated or ashamed after viewing porn 
• wanting to stop watching but unable to do so
• spending large amounts of money on pornography
• using pornography to cope with sadness, anxiety, insomnia, or other mental health issues.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution at Bayside Psychotherapy; everyone responds differently to different treatment methodologies.

With training in counselling, couples counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy (traditional and Ericksonian methods), NLP and Buddhist psychotherapy, we have many options to draw on to tackle your addiction to pornography. Your treatment plan will take into consideration their detailed assessment of your history, and your own preferences and goals.

Our objective is to find the best method to help you discover lasting inner peace and happiness without compromising your principles or depending on something outside yourself.

Are you ready to invest in real intimate relationships instead of depleting your energies on pornography? Give us a call at our Highett clinic today on (03) 9557 9113, or use our contact form to find out more.

You don’t need pornography for a satisfying sex life

No two courses of treatment are the same, so the duration of your treatment will depend on your circumstances, your goals, and the progress you and your therapist make together. We review progress on a regular basis so we can alter treatment if necessary, or space treatment out and discontinue treatment as you get closer to lasting success.

Bayside Psychotherapy offers sessions in a safe, non-judgemental space and we have the utmost respect for privacy and confidentiality. Please note, however, that we are legally obliged to break confidentiality in extreme cases, such as those including child sexual abuse, rape or other crimes.

Recognising the need for treatment for porn addiction can be challenging. Signs of an unhealthy dependency on pornography might include compulsive lying about usage, reduced self-esteem, diminished sexual enjoyment, compulsive sexual behaviours, estrangement from family and friends, feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, internet addiction, sexual dysfunction, trust issues, intrusive thoughts, and an inability to control urges to use pornography. If any of these symptoms resonate with you and impact your life negatively, it might be time to consider seeking professional help.

Yes, alongside personalised therapy sessions, Bayside Psychotherapy offers a self-hypnosis recording for pornography addiction. This resource is designed to complement your therapy and provide support outside of sessions. It can be a helpful tool to reinforce positive changes and coping strategies discussed during your therapy sessions.

Booking an appointment at Bayside Psychotherapy is simple and confidential. You can book online through our easy-to-use booking form or call us directly at (03) 9557 9113 to discuss your situation and schedule an in-person or virtual session. Remember, taking the first step towards recovery is a courageous decision, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

During your initial assessment at Bayside Psychotherapy, you will meet with one of our experienced therapists to discuss your concerns and experiences related to pornography use. This session is designed to be a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly share your struggles. The therapist will ask questions to understand better your behaviours, emotional responses, and the impact of pornography on your life. This assessment helps develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. The goal is to set a clear path for your recovery journey, outlining approaches that will be most effective for managing your addiction.