Better help says they treat love addiction is their a therapist there who treats it ? Also trauma .

Hi Ann!

Thank you so much for reaching out to BetterHelp with your question. Let's first get a deeper understanding of what a love addiction looks like as well as the different types:

People facing love addiction have several ways of showing up in such unions. Susan Peabody, known for her writings on love addiction cites 4 main types of love addicts:

• Obsessed/obsessive love addicts
• Codependent love addicts
• Narcissistic love addicts
• Ambivalent love addicts

Obsessed love addicts struggle with detaching from partners—even if the relationship is no longer healthy, or the partner is emotionally distant.

Next, the codependent love addict uses their partner for their source of self-esteem and self-worth. They people please in relationships, hoping to get validation from their significant other. If the other partner is codependent, it may not be a problem early into the relationship, but resentment can build if the partner seeks a more emotionally independent partner. Codependent love addicts can look for worth in their relationships, and may give to the point of exhaustion, or connect with partners who have addictions, or are emotionally unavailable, wanting to “fix” their partner. Love addiction has more dependence on a partner in comparison to codependency. Love addicts expect partners to give them purpose, but are unable to receive love from their partner, creating a catch-22.

Alternatively, narcissistic love addicts place themselves in a position of power in their relationships. They exploit the partner, using them for a source of attention, ego-boosting, servitude, and more. Additionally, they can severely mistreat their partner, by ignoring them and acting out in selfishness. Despite this, there is an attachment to their partner.

Lastly, the ambivalent (or avoidant) love addict avoids true intimacy. They can function as the one who holds on to past loves, engages in one-sided relationships (unrequited love), and can sabotage their relationships. Furthermore, they are addicted to the illusion of relationships but may run away or be inconsistent about getting close in relationships. Any of these models of love addicts can use sex to maintain unhealthy attachments, lie, manipulate, play out past relationship dynamics, or even threaten themselves or their partner if they decide to leave.

Now that we have covered the details of different types, let's look at the best treatment options/therapies:

Oftentimes, there is an underlying shame and void that needs healing and awareness. Additionally, obsessiveness and anxiety can occur that love addicts cannot fix alone. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help bring awareness to the love addict as they become mindful of their thoughts. Meditation can slow the feeling of anxiety and bring compassion to the individual suffering.

In cases where anxiety exists, meditation and cultivating self-love can work wonders to bring the focus back to the individual suffering, while allowing them to build self-worth and fill the void. For trauma, therapists in inpatient rehab facilities can both help provide helpful insight, while recognizing unhealthy patterns from childhood or adulthood that can impact diagnosing unhealthy patterns or behavior. Lastly, useful medications for depression or anxiety can benefit the individual.

I recommend looking for therapists with experience in addiction, trauma, intimacy issues, and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

I hope this is helpful for you. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out!