Voyeurism

In voyeurism a person seeks sexual stimulation by watching others engaged in a variety of sexually arousing states.

Voyeuristic sex is focused on observing other people engaged in sexual activity, rather than engaging in sexual contact yourself. This can involve getting sexually aroused using pornographic pictures in books, magazines, the computer, pornographic films, peep-shows or secretly observing other people when they might be naked or having sex. Voyeurism tends to be combined with excessive masturbation, even to the point of injury.

 Voyeurism (the Peeping Tom syndrome)  removes the sex addict from emotional vulnerability. Through this form of sexual addiction, the voyeur seeks sexual pleasure without the risk of intimacy or even revealing himself. He also doesn not respect the privacy of the people he spies on. The voyeur relies on using another person for sexual stimulation. 

Though voyeuristic scenarios can be mutually arranged, the targets are most commonly not aware of the person watching them. When this is the case, such behavior is usually classified as a second-tier sexual addiction as legal charges can be filed should the voyeur be caught.

Common Patterns Associated with Voyeurism:

• masturbating in front of a mirror
• peering into a stranger's window in hopes of catching them involved in sexual activity
• using binoculars/telescope to survey sexual activity in a motel/hotel/apartment complex
• setting up secret video surveillance of a public rest room, dormitory shower, apartment
• sneaking into a neighbor's home to watch them undress
• watching your partner having sex with others (with or without their knowledge)
• going to a strip club to watch women undress
• looking at hidden cameras available on the Internet (e.g. "Voyeur-cams")
• hiding in a closet to watch a family member come out of the shower
• climbing a tree to see into the backyard of a neighbor skinny-dipping

If you are engaging in voyeurism consider reaching out to NYCSAT to schedule a confidential consultation.  Please email us or call 212.665.7352

Treatment for Voyeurism at NYCSAT 

1. Want to Change

Though it seems simple, the first step to overcoming voyeurism is having a desire to stop the behavior. 

Unfortunately, many voyeurs never seek treatment out of embarrassment, or because they do not want to change. They are in denial about their problem and the potential serious consequences. This is why a large percentage of people who seek treatment for voyeurism do so only after getting in trouble with the law and treatment is court mandated. Spare yourself the shame and embarrassment of an arrest and seek professional help before it is too late.

2. Treat it Early

Preventing voyeurism while it is in its early stages, or before it has begun, is usually an effective treatment.

Early treatment involves psycho-education and cogntive - behavior interventions. In addition, the underlying issues need to be explored, identified and treated. 

4. Group Therapy and Support Groups

One of the most beneficial aspects of group therapy is that the client learns that he or she is not alone in their problem with voyeurism.

If you are comfortable attending  a twelve-step support group program - such as Sex Addicts Anonymous (SRA), or Sexaholics Anonymous(SA) -  this can be very helpful and supportive for your individual therapy. You can learn from others who struggle with the same or a similar issue and who have successfully stopped their voyeuristic behaviors.

To schedule a confidential consultation in person or by phone email us or call at 212.665.7352