Kristine Zimmerman
LMHC | CSAT | CMAT
Treatment Areas
Sex Addiction
Sexual addiction, sexual compulsivity, or hypersexual disorder, whichever term you use, is a pattern of out of control sexual behavior with an inability to stop despite adverse consequences. In my practice I use many tools to assess for addiction including the PATHOS Inventory developed by Patrick Carnes, a quick aid in identifying those who may have problematic sexual behavior. If you identify with 3 or more of the following indicators you may want to seek further evaluation.
- Do you often find yourself preoccupied with sexual thoughts? (Preoccupied)
- Do you hide some of your sexual behavior from others? (Ashamed)
- Have you ever sought help for sexual behavior you do not like? (Treatment)
- Has anyone been hurt emotionally because of your sexual behavior? (Hurt)
- Do you feel controlled by your sexual desires? (Out of Control)
- When you have sex, do you feel depressed afterwards? (Sad)
To learn more, visit sexhelp.com.
Betrayed Partners & Spouses
The discovery that a partner or spouse has a sexual addiction is both shocking and life-altering. This is true for both males and females as well as gay and straight partners. As described by many, the despair, anger and hopelessness can bring an overwhelming sense of being alone with nowhere to turn. Partners are often reluctant to talk with anyone at first because the shame is so great. When the secrets and lies begin to unravel the impact on the partner often includes a trauma response or an acute stress reaction. Not only emotional, the impact can be on many levels: cognitive, spiritual, physical, and sexual.
My work with the partner or spouse includes an assessment of where they are in the discovery phase, managing the trauma, gaining a sense of safety and security, and developing healthy boundaries. For a Partner’s Survey, visit recoveryzone.com.
Codependency
The term codependence has been around for a long time and is somewhat controversial. Many people can relate to the concepts of codependency and identify symptoms, but the definition still lacks consensus. We are relational beings. Living in this world requires us to be relational with family, friends, co-workers and significant other. When these relationships have dysfunctional patterns of interaction, and instead of feeling supported and enhanced, they provoke anxiety and depression; your quality of life has been diminished. Whether you view codependency through the addiction or disease model the fact remains that it’s a discernible condition that is progressive, impairs normal functioning, and has life threatening consequences.
My work with codependency involves using the Post Inductive Therapy (PIT) model, developed by Pia Mellody, from The Meadows. It uses strategies to access the core wounds from childhood to determine how they may be playing out in your current adult relationships. Self-esteem, boundary development and shame resilience are a key focus of the therapy. See PiaMellody.com.
As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), I have completed training developed by Dr. Patrick Carnes which required attendance at multiple training modules and supervision with a CSAT Supervisor. It also requires ongoing education so that CSAT’s such as myself are experts in providing sexual addiction therapy. It is a rigorous process designed to help me best help you.
I have completed additional training to become a Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT). This includes behavioral addictions such as love addiction, disordered eating, financial and work disorders and more. I trained with The International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals, iitap.com.