Understanding Sex and Love Addiction
Sex and love addiction can take many forms. For some, it shows up as compulsive sexual behavior that feels impossible to control. For others, it means becoming emotionally dependent on relationships or seeking constant validation from partners. These patterns often start as ways to relieve pain, loneliness, or anxiety but can begin to take over daily life and relationships.
At Riviera Therapy in Santa Barbara, we help adults and couples understand how sex and love addiction develop and how recovery can begin. Many of our clients describe feeling stuck in the same relationship patterns or behaviors despite knowing they cause harm. Our therapy process helps uncover the emotional pain, trauma, or shame that keeps those cycles going and replaces them with healthier ways to connect.
Sex and love addictions often overlap. People struggling with sexual addiction or compulsive behaviors may also experience relationship dependence or difficulty setting boundaries. Our therapists use trauma-informed therapy, mindfulness, and attachment work to help clients find balance, build self-trust, and reconnect with their authentic selves.
What Therapy Involves
Recovery starts with honesty and awareness. Working with an experienced therapist helps you see patterns clearly and develop coping skills that support long-term stability.
Clients who come to Riviera Therapy often focus on:
- Recognizing the link between sexual behavior and emotional pain
- Understanding how trauma and early attachment shape adult relationships
- Managing urges and compulsive behaviors without shame
- Building healthy intimacy and communication
- Restoring balance in daily life and relationships
Therapy may include individual sessions, couples counseling, or participation in support groups. Some clients also attend Love Addicts Anonymous or Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) meetings. These twelve-step programs offer fellowship and structure, helping participants share experience, strength, and hope with others in recovery.
The Role of Support and Fellowship
Support is an essential part of recovery from sex and love addiction. While therapy helps clients process emotions and rebuild healthy patterns, connection with peers helps reduce isolation and shame.
Twelve-step meetings and community groups in Santa Barbara and throughout Southern California are open to men and women of all ages who want to stop living in patterns of compulsive or addictive behavior. The only qualification for participation is a desire for recovery and a willingness to seek help.
Many clients find that attending support groups or using a meeting finder to locate nearby SLAA meetings helps them stay accountable between therapy sessions. These groups are not religious organizations but offer a tradition-oriented, fellowship-based model that supports each person’s individual path toward healing.
How Sex and Love Addiction Affects Life
Sex and love addiction can create cycles of guilt, anxiety, and shame that impact emotional well-being, intimacy, and relationships. It can also lead to depression, loss of trust, and conflict with family members or partners. Some people notice overlapping struggles with substance abuse, drug addiction, or alcohol use, which may be part of a larger pattern of avoiding difficult emotions.
Therapy helps clients understand how these patterns developed and learn healthier ways to meet emotional needs. Over time, clients often notice greater confidence, stability, and satisfaction in their relationships and daily lives.
Why Choose Riviera Therapy?
Riviera Therapy is home to one of the most experienced teams of addiction and trauma specialists in Southern California. The practice is led by Dr. Jenn Kennedy, PhD, LMFT, CSAT, a Board-Certified Sex Therapist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist who has trained extensively in trauma recovery, attachment theory, and intimacy therapy.
Dr. Kennedy earned her PhD in Clinical Sexology and Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She is a past president of the Santa Barbara Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and has taught graduate-level courses at Antioch University.
The Riviera Therapy team includes Annie Finch, LMFT, CADC, CSAT | Matthew Chung, LMFT, ASAT, and Kristi Miller, LMFT, each bringing expertise in trauma counseling, addiction recovery, and relationship work. Together, they provide therapy that is structured, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based care.
Our therapists help clients address not just addictive behaviors but also co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma. Whether you are struggling with sexual addiction, love addiction, or a combination of both, you’ll receive treatment that meets you where you are and supports long-term recovery.
Online and In-Person Therapy Options
Riviera Therapy offers both in-person sessions in Santa Barbara and secure online therapy for adults and couples across California. Online sessions make it easier for clients to maintain continuity and privacy while working through sensitive issues.
We also provide referrals to community resources, including support groups, Love Addicts Anonymous, and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, so clients can stay connected between sessions.
Begin Recovery Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with sex and love addiction, help is available. You don’t have to face it alone or keep repeating the same painful patterns. Therapy and support can help you stop living in cycles of guilt, anxiety, and emotional dependence – and start building a healthier, more balanced life.
Contact Riviera Therapy in Santa Barbara, CA, to schedule a confidential consultation or a free 20-minute call. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your recovery and emotional well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sex and love addiction describes patterns of compulsive sexual or romantic behavior that cause distress or interfere with daily life and relationships. It often stems from trauma, attachment issues, or chronic emotional pain.
If you find yourself repeating painful relationship patterns, feeling controlled by desire or fear of being alone, or unable to stop harmful behaviors, therapy or support groups may help.
Therapy focuses on uncovering the emotional roots of addictive behaviors, while programs like SLAA provide peer support, structure, and accountability. Many people benefit from using both.
Yes. Family therapy and couples counseling can support healing for everyone affected by the addiction.
Yes. Riviera Therapy offers online therapy sessions throughout California using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
