Women’s intimacy issues
From compulsion to avoidance and all points in between
Although the prevalence of love addiction in the US population is estimated at around 3%, studies addressing specific populations, such as young college students, point to rates as high as 25%.
A report in Sage Journals
Intimacy issues like love addiction and love avoidance may not be officially recognized in the latest version of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a specific diagnosis, but there is enough data to support its characterization as an independent disorder. Anyone who has struggled with an intimacy disorder knows that they can affect a person’s ability to function in healthy relationships. What you may not know is that these disorders are usually rooted in emotional trauma and may be connected to other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Fortunately, with the right treatment, women who are struggling with intimacy disorders can find relief from unhealthy patterns and learn how to build relationships that are healthy, mutual, and life-giving.
Common Intimacy Disorders
- Love addiction
- Love avoidance
- Sex addiction
- Internet sex addiction
- Pornography addiction
- Sexual trauma
- Sexual compulsion
- Sexual anorexia
Intimacy disorders can express themselves in someone compulsively seeking attachment or sexual connection or someone going to the opposite extreme to avoid any type of physical or emotional bonds. Both forms of acting out can be debilitating or harmful to the individual and others. Internet sex addiction and pornography addiction are also intimacy issues that women can face. While usually thought of as plaguing males, experts are seeing a rise in females dealing with these disorders.
In order to find healing, unhealthy patterns must be broken and new patterns must be created so they can have functional, healthy relationships with others.
For women’s intimacy issues that require an inpatient setting, check out our sister program Willow House at The Meadows for more details.
Our Women’s Intimacy Groups
Women who struggle with relationships and intimacy issues require a nurturing environment where they can rebuild their confidence and develop relationships that will empower their recovery. Our Meadows Outpatient Center locations in Dallas and Scottsdale offer a Women’s Intimacy Group that provides a place of support, healing, and hope where they can address these complex issues. These women-only groups are ideal for those just beginning treatment or someone who has completed an inpatient or residential program and is looking to step down to an outpatient level of care as they practice maintaining the structure and tools they have gained.
FEATUREd ARTIcle
The Importance of addressing women’s intimacy issues
While rom-coms and Hallmark movies are welcome slices of rosy escapism from time to time, it doesn’t take long to realize how the storylines conveniently gloss over the complexities and potential intimacy issues involved with being in a healthy relationship.
Reach Out Today
We meet each woman where they are in their recovery, offering structure and support at an individualized pace based upon how much insight the patient brings into their work. Patients are allowed to be human, with struggles being brought back to the group to be processed and shared. Peer support is used to truly engage and teach participants how to reach out to one another, especially in times of crisis. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one begin the journey to recovery.
