Porn, ChemSex & Compulsive Sex: What’s Really Going On?
Can someone watch a lot of porn or have a lot of sex without it being a problem? The key may be less about how often someone does something and more about whether it still feels like a choice. In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Dr Maurizio Alvarez to explore compulsive sexual behaviour, problematic pornography use, chemsex, shame and loss of control. They discuss how these difficulties can present in therapy, the role of loneliness, boredom, emotional regulation and neurodiversity, and how early exposure to pornography may shape our understanding of sex and intimacy. They also explore consent, sexual health, relationships, the manosphere and what effective treatment for compulsive sexual behaviour can look like. #CompulsiveSexualBehaviour #ChemSex #Psychology Highlights 00:00 Introduction: Porn, Chemsex & Compulsive Sex 00:40 Can frequent sex or porn use be non-compulsive? 01:08 Is porn addiction a clinical diagnosis? 01:42 How compulsive sexual behaviour can present 02:20 How shame keeps the cycle going 02:38 What is chemsex? 03:58 Why rewarding behaviours can become habits 04:50 Sex, intimacy and connection 05:47 Understanding your erotic template 06:47 Early experiences of sex and sexual curiosity 07:46 How people first learn about sex and porn 09:31 Porn, consent and early exposure 11:17 Non-consensual exposure to pornography 12:17 Compulsive sex, porn and chemsex explained 14:10 Consent, drugs and sexual safety 15:45 What maintains compulsive sexual behaviour? 16:19 Loneliness, boredom, shame and neurodiversity 18:36 Attachment, relationships and sexual patterns 19:52 How pornography influences sexual expectations 20:31 Is there such a thing as “normal” sex? 22:51 Sex positivity and sexual health 23:54 When should you get a sexual health screening? 25:28 Porn, social media and young people 26:40 The manosphere, loneliness and shame 28:52 Talking about sex in clinical practice 29:45 Gender differences in psychosexual therapy 31:27 Treatment for chemsex and compulsive sex 31:38 CBT, ACT, DBT and trauma processing 33:42 De-shaming and changing behaviour 34:07 Not all compulsive sexual behaviour comes from trauma 34:42 Porn use and relationships 35:10 When a partner’s porn use becomes an issue 36:36 Advice for people struggling with compulsive behaviour 38:45 Where to find Dr Maurizio Alvarez 40:11 Final thoughts 🎧 Listen to the Professor Paul Gilbert episode mentioned in this episode here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/911ec653-e103-476c-bd81-65cf7306cffa/ Or Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/N40b5TmxQkoLinks: 📲 Connect with Dr Maurizio: https://www.drmaualvarez.com and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maualvarez/ 🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and support the show head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-coursesAsk Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page)✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.© Dr Marianne TrentMentioned in this episode:Exciting News! OTM is Open! Check out MY Bonuses! Psychologists! What if you could earn money beyond trading your time for money?
I'm Dr Marianne Trent, Clinical Psychologist, and I've been developing passive and recurring income streams since 2019.
I have some exciting news…. Sophie Foote's One to Many programme is NOW OPEN for enrolment!
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I completed the programme myself in 2022 and have since supported two cohorts of psychologists through their journeys.
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Remember, you must purchase through MY link to receive my bonuses! 💜 I’m here if you have any questions! https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/sophie-foote-bonus
Exciting News! OTM is Open! Check out MY Bonuses! Psychologists! What if you could earn money beyond trading your time for money?
I'm Dr Marianne Trent, Clinical Psychologist, and I've been developing passive and recurring income streams since 2019.
I have some exciting news…. Sophie Foote's One to Many programme is NOW OPEN for enrolment!
It's designed to help you turn your expertise into scalable offers like courses, memberships and digital products.
I completed the programme myself in 2022 and have since supported two cohorts of psychologists through their journeys.
And if you join through my affiliate link, you'll receive Sophie's bonuses PLUS my exclusive support package at no extra cost!
That includes six months of WhatsApp support, four group masterminds, masterclasses, personalised guidance, a Fortnum & Mason treat and a time-limited 1:1 coaching bonus!
Enrolment closes Monday 16 November at 10pm.
Find out more via my bonus page, linked in the description.
Remember, you must purchase through MY link to receive my bonuses! 💜 I’m here if you have any questions! https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/sophie-foote-bonus