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.
This surprisingly common condition is characterized by compulsive behavior patterns with regard to romance and sexuality. These behaviors are driven by deep-seated hopes and fears that cause the sufferer profound stress, turmoil and unhappiness. Sufferers tend to have poor self-esteem and fear pain, rejection and unfamiliar experiences. Their compulsive romantic and/or sexual relationship patterns are an unconscious attempt to bolster a fragile sense of self and to assuage deep insecurity.
As with most disorders of this nature, it often has its origins in the sufferer's childhood experiences. Traumatic events such as loss, rejection, neglect and abandonment, not to mention physical, emotional and sexual abuse, can have a devastating effect on a child's emotional and psychological development. Experiences of this nature can result in a damaged identity and seriously impaired self-confidence that sufferers seek to compensate for.
This damaged sense of self causes sufferers immense difficulties when it comes to forming healthy relationships with other people. They tend to have trouble establishing boundaries, and can be excessively needy and dependent. Some sufferers can be manipulative, jealous, controlling and possessive, even to the point of violence.
People with this disorder will tend to exhibit certain pathologies in their relationships. Things like difficulty staying single for any length of time, anxiety about being single, tolerating abusive relationships, sabotaging relationships, sabotaging their reputation (by unwisely pursuing unsuitable potential partners) and ruining their finances, are just a handful of the kind of problems that sufferers create for themselves.
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.
Whatever treatment patients decide to undergo, they will usually be asked to abstain from romantic/sexual relationships for a period of time. This break allows them to get some distance from their problems and to gain some perspective. Abstinence also gives patients the time, if necessary, to deal with related issues such as eating disorders and drug or alcohol abuse. In due course, with the proper support, patients can expect to reach a point where they can establish healthy, loving relationships that are firmly based on reality and foster genuine intimacy.
This surprisingly common condition is characterized by compulsive behavior patterns with regard to romance and sexuality. These behaviors are driven by deep-seated hopes and fears that cause the sufferer profound stress, turmoil and unhappiness. Sufferers tend to have poor self-esteem and fear pain, rejection and unfamiliar experiences. Their compulsive romantic and/or sexual relationship patterns are an unconscious attempt to bolster a fragile sense of self and to assuage deep insecurity.
As with most disorders of this nature, it often has its origins in the sufferer's childhood experiences. Traumatic events such as loss, rejection, neglect and abandonment, not to mention physical, emotional and sexual abuse, can have a devastating effect on a child's emotional and psychological development. Experiences of this nature can result in a damaged identity and seriously impaired self-confidence that sufferers seek to compensate for.
This damaged sense of self causes sufferers immense difficulties when it comes to forming healthy relationships with other people. They tend to have trouble establishing boundaries, and can be excessively needy and dependent. Some sufferers can be manipulative, jealous, controlling and possessive, even to the point of violence.
People with this disorder will tend to exhibit certain pathologies in their relationships. Things like difficulty staying single for any length of time, anxiety about being single, tolerating abusive relationships, sabotaging relationships, sabotaging their reputation (by unwisely pursuing unsuitable potential partners) and ruining their finances, are just a handful of the kind of problems that sufferers create for themselves.
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.
Whatever treatment patients decide to undergo, they will usually be asked to abstain from romantic/sexual relationships for a period of time. This break allows them to get some distance from their problems and to gain some perspective. Abstinence also gives patients the time, if necessary, to deal with related issues such as eating disorders and drug or alcohol abuse. In due course, with the proper support, patients can expect to reach a point where they can establish healthy, loving relationships that are firmly based on reality and foster genuine intimacy.
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