07899 054 668 
Spa House 18 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2EP
07899 054 668 Spa House 18 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2EP
07899 054 668
Spa House 18 Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2EP
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Harley Street and Tunbridge Wells Therapy
Sex and love addiction are compulsive patterns of behaviour involving relationships, intimacy, or sexual activity that feel out of control and difficult to stop.
These addictions often develop as a way to cope with emotional pain, loneliness, trauma, or unmet childhood needs. Over time, the behaviours become compulsive, creating cycles of shame, secrecy, and distress.
Therapy can help you understand these patterns and begin building healthier, more secure relationships.
People who seek sex and love addiction counselling in Tunbridge Wells or London often relate to many of the following experiences:
• Feeling unable to stop certain sexual or romantic behaviours
• Becoming quickly attached or dependent in relationships
• Confusing intensity with intimacy
• Feeling empty, anxious, or distressed when not in a relationship
• Using sex or relationships to regulate emotions
• Engaging in risky or secretive sexual behaviour
• Repeatedly choosing unavailable or unhealthy partners
• Feeling addicted to the “high” of new relationships
• Struggling with boundaries or emotional regulation
• Feeling shame or guilt after sexual encounters
• Becoming preoccupied with fantasies, romantic pursuits, or sexual activity
Book a therapy session with a counsellor experienced in sex and love addiction recovery.
Sex and love addiction often stems from early relational trauma, attachment wounds, or dysfunctional family dynamics. Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to explore these underlying issues.
Our therapists use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and relational approaches to help you:
• Understand the emotional drivers behind compulsive behaviour
• Develop healthier coping strategies
• Build secure attachment patterns
• Strengthen boundaries
• Reduce shame and self‑criticism
• Create more stable, fulfilling relationships
Many clients benefit from attending Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), a 12‑step programme offering structure, accountability, and community support.
SLAA provides a framework for abstinence from destructive patterns and helps individuals develop healthier relational habits.
Therapy and SLAA often work well together, supporting emotional insight alongside practical recovery tools.
Sex addiction involves compulsive sexual behaviour that continues despite negative consequences. It may include excessive pornography use, multiple sexual partners, risky encounters, or preoccupation with sexual activity.
Love addiction involves becoming dependent on romantic intensity, fantasy, or the emotional “high” of relationships. Individuals may feel unable to function without a partner or repeatedly pursue unavailable or unhealthy relationships.
- Difficulty forming healthy relationships
- Fear of abandonment
- Low self-esteem
- Emotional instability
- Shame and guilt
- Compulsive sexual behaviour
- Preoccupation with romantic fantasy
- Boundary issues
- Attachment wounds
- Risky sexual behaviour
- Relationship dependency
- Difficulty being alone
- Trauma history
- Anxiety and depression
- Secrecy and avoidance
- Difficulty regulating emotions
Yes. Harley Street Counselling and Training provides specialist private counselling and psychotherapy for sex and love addiction. You can see us in person at our Tunbridge Wells clinic (Spa House), our London practice rooms on Harley Street, or via confidential online therapy sessions accessible across England and the rest of the UK.
Experiencing a significant disruption in daily life due to the excessive focus on sex or romantic pursuits, such as difficulty maintaining employment, strained relationships, or financial problems is highly common. In particular, the preoccupation with love, or the preoccupation with sex removes you from connecting with everyday life. The issue isn't just literally in the using, it's in the preoccupation with fantasy which removes you from reality. Neglecting important obligations, such as work, family, or social responsibilities will likely be a consequence.