What is it Like to Live With a Sex Addict From a Partner’s Perspective?

By Caralee Frederic, LCSW | Certified Gottman Therapist | Couples Workshop Presenter

Partners living with a sex addicts often describe:

Feelings of intense loneliness, distancing, confusion, deep hurt, and even betrayal.

A sense of being disconnected, reaching and never being able to arrive at the heart of his or her spouse.

A deep sense of rejection which often seeds feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Repeated attempts to adapt to what he/she thinks the addicted spouse needs.

Failure to achieve a sense of oneness or intimacy.

Exacerbated confusion.

A sense of hopelessness.

Anger from his or her own unmet needs.

Shame, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Sometimes, a partner may develop a reactive form of Intimacy Anorexia in response to the damage incurred by the addicted spouse.

Was this Blog helpful? If so, I highly recommend my couples weekend workshop: The Art and Science of Love, created by the Gottman Institute. Information and exercises are presented in an organized, cohesive manner. It’s a wonderful investment in your love life, and will truly strengthen your relationship!

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Caralee Frederic

Caralee Frederic, LCSW, has practiced as a private couples and individual therapist in Colorado, specializing in marriage and family counseling, for about 20 years. She is a Certified Gottman Therapist, and also focuses on sexual addiction recovery, trauma and Couples On The Brink Counseling.

Caralee Frederic

Principle Skills Relationship Center is one of the few therapy practices in Colorado that specializes in treating couples with The Gottman Method. The Center integrates the Method in treating betrayal, trauma, and sexual compulsions and addictions.