Compulsive Sexual Behavior Recovery (CBT)

By Dr. Ruja Shrestha

Recovery-focused CBT for managing compulsive sexual behaviors

Dr. Ruja Shrestha

Dr. Ruja Shrestha

Psychiatrist & CBT Therapist

MBBS (Nepal)
MD Psychiatry (Nepal)
CBT Trained (India)
Consultant Psychiatrist & CBT Therapist
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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

Compulsive sexual behavior disorder
Hypersexual disorder / sex addiction
Out-of-control sexual behavior
Compulsive pornography use
Compulsive use of sex workers or multiple partners
Excessive masturbation interfering with daily life
Cyber sex compulsivity including chat rooms and dating apps
Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or OCD

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)

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