Compulsive Sexual Behavior Recovery (CBT)
By Dr. Ruja Shrestha
Recovery-focused CBT for managing compulsive sexual behaviors

Dr. Ruja Shrestha
Psychiatrist & CBT Therapist
Services & Capabilities
Diagnostic assessment to distinguish compulsivity from other conditions
Identifying triggers, urges, and behavioral patterns
Cognitive interventions to challenge compulsive thought loops
Behavioral substitution and urge surfing techniques
Emotion regulation skills to reduce acting-out behavior
Building a sustainable recovery plan with accountability
About This Service
Compulsive sexual behavior — often called sex addiction or hypersexual disorder — is characterized by recurrent, intense sexual fantasies, urges, and behaviors that feel out of control and cause significant distress. Dr. Ruja Shrestha provides specialized CBT for individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors, offering a structured, evidence-based path to recovery in Kathmandu.
Compulsive sexual behavior can take many forms including excessive masturbation, compulsive use of pornography, multiple affairs or partners, compulsive use of sex workers, or spending excessive time on sexual content online. The core feature is not the behavior itself but the loss of control and the negative consequences that follow. Dr. Shrestha's CBT approach helps individuals understand the underlying mechanisms driving their compulsivity and develop sustainable recovery strategies.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Shrestha's recovery-focused CBT protocol includes: (1) diagnostic assessment to distinguish compulsivity from other conditions including bipolar disorder, ADHD, or paraphilic disorders; (2) identifying triggers, urges, and behavioral patterns through structured self-monitoring; (3) cognitive interventions to challenge the thought loops that precede compulsive behavior including rationalization, minimization, and entitlement thinking; (4) behavioral substitution and urge surfing techniques that provide alternative responses to triggers; (5) emotion regulation skills to reduce the emotional distress that often drives acting-out behavior; and (6) building a sustainable recovery plan with accountability structures and relapse prevention strategies.
Conditions We Treat
Benefits of This Approach
Regain control over compulsive sexual urges and behaviors
Understand the emotional triggers driving your behavior
Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and negative emotions
Reduce shame and self-blame while maintaining accountability
Restore integrity and alignment with personal values
Build a sustainable recovery plan for long-term wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
How is compulsive sexual behavior diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive clinical interview assessing control over behavior, time spent on sexual thoughts/behaviors, attempts to stop, distress caused, and impact on daily functioning. Dr. Shrestha uses validated screening tools and distinguishes compulsivity from other conditions that may mimic it.
Is sex addiction really an addiction?
The clinical community continues to debate this terminology. What matters is that the pattern of out-of-control behavior causing significant distress responds well to CBT-based treatment. Dr. Shrestha focuses on the behavior and its impact rather than labels.
Do I need to stop all sexual activity during recovery?
Recovery goals are individualized. Some individuals benefit from a period of abstinence to reset neural pathways, while others work on developing healthy sexual expression within their values. Dr. Shrestha helps you define what recovery means for you personally.
Can this be treated without involving my partner?
Yes. While partner involvement can be beneficial for relationship healing, many individuals complete successful recovery programs independently. Disclosure and partner involvement are personal decisions made when you are ready.
Why Choose Dr. Ruja Shrestha?
Expert Care
10+ years of specialized experience
100% Confidential
Your privacy is our top priority
Evidence-Based
Following WHO-standard treatment protocols
Book a Consultation
Schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Ruja Shrestha for Compulsive Sexual Behavior Recovery (CBT)