Moving Beyond “Sex Addiction”: An International Perspective on Theory, Research and Practice
14m
Silva Neves
Psychotherapist & Sexologist
Trailer
Get AccessFull VideoSilva Neves talks about the debate around sex addiction, pornography addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB/CSBD), and out-of-control sexual behaviours, framing it as a timely, contested issue that shapes clinical practice, research, and public understanding. He invites clinicians, researchers, and the public to rethink common labels and terminology—arguing for sexology-informed language over outdated addiction framings—and highlights why accurate keywords (sex addiction, porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour, CSBD) matter for clear communication and ethical care.
The talk outlines a modern, evidence-based, sexological approach to assessment and treatment, stressing trauma-informed, kink-informed, culturally humble practice and careful differential assessment (distress vs. disorder). Key SEO topics addressed include clinical assessment for compulsive sexual behaviour, links with depression and moral incongruence, sex-positive therapy, and alternatives to abstinence- or addiction-focused models—useful search terms for clinicians and students looking for best-practice guidance.
Watching the video helps professionals and informed readers find practical, ethically grounded guidance on topics like diagnostic clarity, sexological assessment, culturally competent sexual health care, and interventions tailored to individual needs (CBT, psychodynamic, existential, psychosexual therapy). The presentation is concise, research-linked, and actionable—ideal for anyone searching for authoritative insights on sex addiction vs. compulsive sexual behaviour and how to update training and clinical practice.
Reference:
Twist MLC, Neves S, Vigorito MA, Ansara G, Rudolph E, Marshall K, Baydoun M & Herrero R. (2025). Statement on behalf of the editorial board from the journal of Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research, and Practice on ‘sex addiction,’ ‘pornography addiction’, out-of-control-sexual-behaviours, and compulsive sexual behaviours. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 40(4), 721–744. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2025.2578550
Produced in 2026
Silva Neves
Psychotherapist & Sexologist
Lecturer and Supervisor
I am Silva Neves, an experienced, accredited psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist, trauma therapist, trainer, and author, holding a busy private practice in Central London, UK.
I gained my post-graduate qualification as a psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist with LDPRT (Middlesex University) in 2013. After that, I completed further training in somatic trauma therapy with Babette Rothschild and also EMDR, focusing on sexual trauma. I also did an extra training specifically on couples therapy. I gained my qualification in clinical supervision in 2017.
I’m an accredited member of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists), and registered with UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy), NCP (National Counselling Society), UKPTS (UK Psychological Trauma Society), EMDR Association UK, and I am a Clinical Associate with Pink Therapy.
In the last 10 years I worked in various settings: charity organisations, NHS (National Health Service in the UK), private clinics and in my own private practice. I regularly deliver clinical trainings on sexual trauma and sexology to diverse organisations across the UK and internationally. I also speak at international conferences. I am a Course Director for CICS (Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology). I’m also an accreditation assessor for COSRT.
I am the author of Compulsive Sexual behaviours, A Psycho-Sexual Treatment Guide for Clinicians (Routledge, 2021), and a forthcoming book: Sexology: The Basics, due to be released in November 2022. I regularly write articles for Psychology Today and therapy magazines/ journals. I am a member of the editorial board for the leading international journal Sex and Relationship Therapy.
I am particularly experienced in working with: 1- sexual trauma, 2-LGBTQ-specific therapy, 3- compulsive sexual behaviours. I employ a humanistic and integrative approach, drawing on many theories and treatment strategies, including somatic trauma therapy, CBT, ACT, Gestalt, Person-centred, Psychodynamic, TA and specific knowledge in sexology and intimate relationships.
Languages
English, French