Looking for Porn Addiction Treatment and Therapy in Canberra?

If porn is becoming a problem in your life
I can help

Struggling with Porn Addiction?
You're Not Alone.

If pornography use is interfering with your relationships, work, or personal well-being, it's time to seek help. Luke Vu PhD, a Sydney-based clinical psychologist, offers online therapy for individuals facing challenges with porn addiction. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, you’ll get the support and skills needed to regain control and lead a fulfilling life.

Meet Luke Vu PhD.
Your Partner in Recovery

Dr. Luke Vu is a registered clinical psychologist with a PhD in Psychology from the University of New South Wales and a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Technology Sydney. His expertise is in treating digital addictions, including pornography, gaming, and gambling, as well as associated issues like anxiety and depression. Dr. Vu's practice is dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their values and achieve meaningful change through targeted psychotherapies.

Tailored Therapy for Porn Addiction in Canberra

Dr. Vu employs evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing to address porn addiction. His approach focuses on understanding the underlying patterns of addiction, developing practical coping strategies, and fostering long-term behavioral change. Therapy sessions are conducted online, providing a discreet and convenient option for clients across Sydney and abroad.

Understanding Porn Addiction

Porn addiction, often referred to as compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), is characterized by an individual's inability to control their consumption of pornography, leading to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. While the World Health Organization's ICD-11 recognizes CSBD as an impulse-control disorder, the classification of porn addiction remains a topic of ongoing research and debate.

Contributors to Porn Addiction

There isn’t a single cause for problematic pornography use. Several factors can contribute to the development of porn addiction:

  • Stress and Emotional Avoidance: Using pornography as a maladaptive coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.

  • Early Exposure: Early introduction to pornographic content can influence future consumption patterns.

  • Trauma and Abuse: Unresolved trauma or abuse may lead individuals to seek solace in pornography.

  • Social Isolation: Lack of meaningful relationships can drive individuals toward excessive porn use.

  • Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression or anxiety can exacerbate compulsive behaviors.

  • Easy Access to Digital Content: The internet provides immediate and private access to a vast array of pornographic material.

  • Habitual & Unregulated Use: Sometimes use patterns simply grow and escalate into significant problems affecting your work and relationships.

Impact of Porn Addiction on Daily Life

Porn addiction can have profound effects on various aspects of an individual's life:

  • Relationships: Decreased intimacy, trust issues, and emotional disconnect with partners.

  • Mental Health: Increased feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression.

  • Productivity: Neglect of responsibilities at work or school due to excessive time spent consuming pornography.

  • Physical Health: Potential development of sexual dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction.

  • Social Life: Withdrawal from social interactions and increased feelings of isolation.

Why Is Porn Addiction on the Rise in Canberra?

In Australia, approximately 70–94% of adults report lifetime pornography use. Wiley Online Library

  1. Australia ranks 8th globally for pornography consumption.

  2. Over 70% of Australian adults report having viewed pornography in the past year.

  3. A 2023 report noted a 30% increase in young Australians seeking help for porn-related issues.

  4. Canberra-based clinics have seen a spike in inquiries for compulsive porn use and sexual health concerns.

(Sources: Wiley Addiction Journal, The Nightly, The Cabin Sydney)

What causes problematic pornography use?

Using pornography temporarily satisfies a basic human drive which makes it so rewarding to consume. Like anything that is immensely rewarding, it is easy to move from unproblematic to problematic when our use patterns start to get engrained and is used to manage other issues (such as stress,  negative moods and etc.) For some, excessive pornography use alone is the cause of their problems and for others, excessive pornography is another symptom of a deeper issue.

Will you judge me for using pornography?

Provided that your consumption of pornography is legal in Australia, we’ll have an open, non-judgmental and honest dialog about your use. My therapeutic stance is focused on how can we work towards getting you back in control of your use and reconnecting with your envisioned life before it became a problem . I do, however, have strict and mandatory reporting requirements if the pornography consumed is illegal (e.g. involves minors). I’m a psychologist who understands the high-speed, high novelty and endless supply of today’s porn and the new struggle it represents for those starting recovery. For an interesting opinion piece on finding a therapist who treats excessive porn use, read NoFap’s article “How to find a porn-literate therapist”.

 70% of Australian adults report having viewed pornography in the past year.

Treatment of pornography addiction or problematic pornography use

The treatment of problematic pornography use is an emerging area and the only treatments that have evidence (at the time of writing)  is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy -Internet Addiction (CBT-IA) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), both of which I practise. Pornography addiction or problematic pornography use that has been acquired and not part of a lifelong pattern is likely to benefit from short-term focused recovery. Whereas, pornography addiction that is related to deeper or trauma issues typically requires longer-term therapy.

Fortunately, its easy to get professional treatment if you need it. I provide psychological therapy online to patients in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and internationally. My current timezone is Sydney [AEST or UTC+10] and I provide after-work appointments.

Our Approach to Porn Addiction Therapy in Canberra

Our therapy services in Canberra are designed to address the unique challenges of porn addiction:

  • Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored strategies to meet each client's specific needs.

  • Evidence-Based Therapies: Utilization of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other proven methods.

  • Confidential and Supportive Environment: A safe space to explore underlying issues without judgment.

  • Skill Development: Building coping mechanisms, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing interpersonal relationships.

FAQ
Porn Addiction Treatment & Therapy in Canberra

  • If you find yourself unable to control your porn consumption despite negative consequences, or if it interferes with your daily life, relationships, or responsibilities, it may indicate an addiction.

  • Yes, with appropriate therapy and support, individuals can overcome porn addiction and regain control over their behaviors.

  • Absolutely. All sessions are conducted with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.

  • The duration of therapy varies depending on individual needs and progress. Some may benefit from short-term interventions, while others may require longer-term support.

  • Yes, we provide online therapy sessions to accommodate different preferences and needs.

  • While not classified in the DSM-5, compulsive sexual behaviour is recognised as a disorder in ICD-11. It's very real and can have serious effects on your wellbeing.

  • Absolutely. We offer secure online sessions to anyone Australia as well as in-person in Sydney

  • It depends on your individual needs. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (6–10 sessions), while others may need ongoing support.

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Based in Sydney | Online Appointments Available Australia-wide