Addicted to Porn and I Want to Stop - Sex Addict Therapy and Stopping Porn

By Derek Flint (PNCPS Acc.): UK-Based Sex & Porn Addiction Therapist

Sex addict therapy and stopping porn

For many people, watching pornography or engaging in sexual activity is a normal part of life. However, if you wonder whether you are addicted to porn or it feels out of control, maybe it is time to explore how to get help from a sex addiction counsellor. Perhaps you are looking for healthy ways to watch porn or restore more of a balance.

If you're wondering whether you might have a problem, consider asking yourself the following questions to see if sex addict therapy can help:

• Am I addicted to porn and I want to stop

• Do I feel unable to stop watching porn or engaging in sexual activity, even when I want to?

• Has my porn use or sexual behaviour escalated over time, requiring more extreme content or risky situations to achieve the same level of satisfaction?

• Do I feel guilt, shame, or distress after engaging in these behaviours?

• Has my work, relationships, or daily life been negatively affected?

• Do I use porn or sex as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions?

• Have I tried to cut down or stop but found it difficult or impossible?

• Are you experience porn induced impotence?

If you answered ‘yes’ to several of these questions, you may be experiencing problematic sexual behaviours or addicted to porn.

What You Might Be Feeling & Experiencing

Sex or porn addiction can lead to a cycle of shame, secrecy, and emotional distress. You might feel isolated, anxious, or even depressed. It can also impact relationships, creating distance or conflict with loved ones. Some people experience a loss of interest in real-life intimacy, while others engage in risky behaviours that could have serious consequences. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on work, social life, or personal goals.

The Way Forward: How Counselling Can Help

Acknowledging you maybe doing things to excess and having a desire for stopping porn that you need help with, is the first step towards recovery. Sex addict therapy from a counsellor who has specific training in this, provides a safe, non-judgmental way to explore the root causes of your behaviours, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and regain control. Therapy can help you:

• Identify triggers and patterns of compulsive behaviour

• Develop healthier relationships with sex and intimacy

• Manage underlying emotional struggles such as anxiety, stress, or trauma

• Build self-compassion and a balanced approach to your sexuality

Access Support in the UK

If you're looking for support, I offer online counselling UK wide, as well as in-person sessions in West Malling, Kent, I can provide the help you need. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself or worried about a loved one, I am here to support you on your journey to recovery.

Take the First Step Today

Don’t let shame or fear prevent you from seeking help. Contact me today for confidential support and to arrange a free initial consultation Fees & Booking

If you need more information or support try Sex Addicts Anonymous Welcome - Sex Addicts Anonymous SAA

If you want to find out more and whether you need more information try this short questionnaire sa-diagnostic-tool.pdf (sex addict test).

1. What is the best way to get help for porn addiction in the UK?

If porn is starting to affect your mood, relationships, confidence, or daily life, professional support can make a huge difference. Therapy provides a private, non-judgemental space to explore what’s behind the behaviour, understand triggers, and develop healthier coping strategies. You can access support online or in person, and many men find relief surprisingly quickly once they start talking.

2. What is compulsive sexual behaviour and how does counselling help?

Compulsive sexual behaviour is when sexual thoughts, urges, or actions feel difficult to control, even when they cause problems in your life. Counselling helps you make sense of what’s happening, manage urges, reduce shame, and understand the emotional roots of the behaviour. It’s confidential, supportive, and tailored to your pace.

3. How do I stop porn addiction?

Stopping alone can feel overwhelming. Therapy helps by:

• Understanding triggers and stress patterns

• Reducing shame and secrecy

• Building emotional regulation skills

• Offering practical strategies for managing urges

• Creating healthier ways of coping

Recovery is possible, and support makes the process far easier.

4. How do I find a sex addiction therapist near me?

Look for a therapist who specialises in compulsive sexual behaviour, porn addiction, or intimacy issues. Many therapists (including myself) offer sessions online across the UK as well as in-person. When choosing someone, look for qualifications, experience with male clients, and an approach that feels safe and respectful.

5. How do I know if my porn use is a problem?

People often ask this when they feel unsure or ashamed. Your porn use might be becoming a problem if:

• You use it to cope with stress or emotions

• It’s affecting your relationship or intimacy

• You feel out of control or unable to stop

• You spend more time than you intend

• You feel guilty, secretive, or ashamed afterwards

If any of these resonate, you’re not alone — many men experience this, and help is available.

6. Can therapy help with low self-worth or confidence?

Yes. Many men struggle with self-criticism, pressure to cope alone, or feeling “not good enough.” Therapy helps you explore the beliefs that keep you stuck and build healthier, kinder ways of relating to yourself. Over time, this often leads to stronger confidence, clearer boundaries, and better emotional wellbeing.

7. Is online counselling effective for men?

Absolutely. Many men prefer online therapy because it’s private, flexible, and comfortable—especially if you feel embarrassed, busy, or unsure where to start. Online counselling works the same way as in-person sessions and can be just as effective.

8. Is my porn use normal, or is it an addiction?

It depends on how it affects your life. Porn becomes a concern when it creates distress, secrecy, compulsive patterns, or relationship difficulties. You don’t need to have “severe” symptoms to ask for help — if you’re uncomfortable with your behaviour, that’s enough reason to talk to someone.

9. how to help someone with a porn addiction?

Helping someone with a porn addiction starts with compassion and understanding. Approach the person privately and without judgment, letting them know you care and are there to support them. Encourage open communication, listen actively, and avoid criticism or shame, as these can make it harder for them to seek help.

Recognise that addiction often involves feelings of guilt and secrecy, so creating a safe, non-judgmental space is crucial. Suggest making a plan together to address the issue, and encourage seeking professional help, such as therapy or support groups, if needed. Remember, your support and patience can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.

10. What happens in the first therapy session for porn or sex addiction?

The first session is simply a conversation. You won’t be asked to share anything you’re not ready for. We’ll talk about:

• What you’re struggling with

• What you’d like to change

• How the behaviour fits into your life

• What support might look like

It’s a calm, confidential, pressure-free space designed to help you feel understood and supported.

11. Is counselling for sex addiction confidential?

Yes. Therapy is private and confidential. The only exceptions are rare situations involving safety or risk, which will always be explained clearly. Many men feel embarrassed or ashamed when they first reach out — but you will be treated with respect, honesty, and without judgement.

12. How do I tell my partner about my porn use or addiction?

This is one of the most common and most difficult questions men ask. You don’t have to do this alone. In therapy, we can explore:

• What you want to say

• How to talk honestly without overwhelming them

• How to rebuild trust

• What steps you’re already taking to change

Many relationships survive and even strengthen after open, supported conversations.

If you are looking for a porn addiction therapy London, trying to decide is watching porn OK, porn addiction counselling online or sex addict therapy then get in touch to arrange a free initial consultation by clicking here Fees & Booking