Love addiction may seem less harmful than some of the better-known addictions, but it shares many similarities with them. It may not directly damage one's health and finances in the same way as drug dependency for example, but it can undoubtedly wreak havoc with many areas of a sufferer's life. If they are seeking love addiction therapy Atlanta GA residents will find they have a number of options for dealing with this distressing disorder.
Many people are surprised at how common this condition is. It permeates all levels of society and is characterized by dysfunctional patterns of behavior pertaining to sexual and romantic relationships. These behavior patterns are rooted in dysfunctional emotional responses that are a source of huge stress and misery for sufferers. Their low levels of self-esteem lead to an inordinate amount of fear towards rejection, pain and the unknown. Compulsive sexual/romantic relationships are an unconscious way in which sufferers attempt to gain safety and approval.
This condition, like most dysfunctional behavioral patterns, has its roots in childhood experiences. Early trauma like neglect, rejection, abandonment and emotional, physical and sexual abuse are the most prominent factors contributing to its formation. These kind of experiences lead to a serious loss of self-confidence for the victim and a damaged identity.
Victims are troubled souls who typically have great difficulty forming healthy, constructive relationships with other people. Part of the problem lies in their inability to establish clear boundaries. Many encroach too much on other people - being excessively clingy or stifling. Others can be overly possessive, controlling and jealous.
Those suffering with this condition will typically display a number of relationship pathologies. These can include, but are by no means limited to, an inability to stay single, a pronounced uneasiness about being single, remaining in destructive relationships, repeating destructive relationship patterns, undermining their reputation (by pursuing an unsuitable romantic partner) and neglecting/undermining their finances.
A serious issue for a lot of sufferers is the effect their disorder has on other key aspects of their lives. Their work lives often suffer when their attention and energy is expended on sexual/romantic adventures. Their relationship with close family members and friends can also suffer from the same neglect. Difficulties can also develop when family and friends recognize the problem and their efforts to help create conflict.
Overcoming these and other addictive behavior patterns can certainly be a challenge. There are however effective therapies that enable patients to move beyond them. Cognitive behavioral therapy, twelve-step support groups and individual counseling are three proven ways in which patients can begin changing what are often very entrenched negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Regardless of the kind of treatment patients engage in, they will generally be asked to refrain from sexual/romantic encounters for at least a short period of time. It is important for them to take some time out and gain a fresh perspective on their problems. If necessary, it also provides them with an opportunity to deal with substance abuse (a common related issue). In time, and with expert support, patients can learn how to form healthy relationships that are based on genuine love and respect for other people.
Many people are surprised at how common this condition is. It permeates all levels of society and is characterized by dysfunctional patterns of behavior pertaining to sexual and romantic relationships. These behavior patterns are rooted in dysfunctional emotional responses that are a source of huge stress and misery for sufferers. Their low levels of self-esteem lead to an inordinate amount of fear towards rejection, pain and the unknown. Compulsive sexual/romantic relationships are an unconscious way in which sufferers attempt to gain safety and approval.
This condition, like most dysfunctional behavioral patterns, has its roots in childhood experiences. Early trauma like neglect, rejection, abandonment and emotional, physical and sexual abuse are the most prominent factors contributing to its formation. These kind of experiences lead to a serious loss of self-confidence for the victim and a damaged identity.
Victims are troubled souls who typically have great difficulty forming healthy, constructive relationships with other people. Part of the problem lies in their inability to establish clear boundaries. Many encroach too much on other people - being excessively clingy or stifling. Others can be overly possessive, controlling and jealous.
Those suffering with this condition will typically display a number of relationship pathologies. These can include, but are by no means limited to, an inability to stay single, a pronounced uneasiness about being single, remaining in destructive relationships, repeating destructive relationship patterns, undermining their reputation (by pursuing an unsuitable romantic partner) and neglecting/undermining their finances.
A serious issue for a lot of sufferers is the effect their disorder has on other key aspects of their lives. Their work lives often suffer when their attention and energy is expended on sexual/romantic adventures. Their relationship with close family members and friends can also suffer from the same neglect. Difficulties can also develop when family and friends recognize the problem and their efforts to help create conflict.
Overcoming these and other addictive behavior patterns can certainly be a challenge. There are however effective therapies that enable patients to move beyond them. Cognitive behavioral therapy, twelve-step support groups and individual counseling are three proven ways in which patients can begin changing what are often very entrenched negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Regardless of the kind of treatment patients engage in, they will generally be asked to refrain from sexual/romantic encounters for at least a short period of time. It is important for them to take some time out and gain a fresh perspective on their problems. If necessary, it also provides them with an opportunity to deal with substance abuse (a common related issue). In time, and with expert support, patients can learn how to form healthy relationships that are based on genuine love and respect for other people.
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