SEXperience - Experiences Around SEX with Dr. Rachana Watramani

 Love and sex are two different concepts. Addiction to sex and love is a common manifestation of the illness; just because it doesn’t involve a substance doesn’t mean it is any less harmful or destructive to the individual sufferer, or to their family and loved ones. We spoke to Dr. Rachana Watramani who is a Counseling Psychologist and Relationship Counselor who helps people embrace their true self and here’s what she told us about her experience with her clients.

Biological, Psychological and Social

While working with my clients, I have noticed three main reason : Biological, Psychological and Social causes for addiction. Biological reasons where some individuals have higher hormone levels than others; this can affect their sex drive. Psychological reasons where those who have suffered abuse in childhood or during their relationships, may be more prone to developing a sex or love addiction. Social reasons where the addiction may be learned behavior, if a child is brought up in a home where one partner is a love addict, that child may go on to believe that this behavior is normal and so continue the cycle. 

Look Out For These

 People addicted to Love often face common symptoms where they Cling to an idealized relationship, they return time and again to an abusive and damaging relationship and place responsibility for emotional wellbeing on others. Those addicted to Sex Need more sexual activity or more extreme forms to feel the same pleasure and often engage in risky sexual behavior. They end up neglecting personal and financial responsibilities in favor of sexual activity. 

After Effects are Harmful

Those affected often feel deep shame and guilt around their addiction. Fear of being mocked or judged often delays them in seeking help. As with any addiction, they simply cannot get enough of the activity they are addicted to and often resort to more risky and extreme behaviors in order to try and satisfy themselves. Many that suffer from love or sex addiction, do not even realize it is an illness and that there is treatment and help available.

I do not have an exact number on how many clients I have worked with but more and more people are understanding Love and Sex addiction to be an illness and are seeking professional help. The ultimate goal for any sex and love addiction treatment isn’t to deprive you of any form of intimate relationship. Therapy aims to give you the best chance of learning to develop and maintain healthy romantic connections and relationships which may not have been possible in the past.