# Dr. Lara Dye, PH.D > Trauma and Addiction Psychology --- ## Pages - [Austin, TX](https://drlaradye.com/austin-tx): Compassionate, confidential treatment for individuals and couples in Austin struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors and relationship addiction. - [Testimonials](https://drlaradye.com/testimonials): Testimonials REAL PEOPLE, REAL HEALING “Following a traumatic life event involving deep betrayal and a subsequent divorce, I began working... - [Marriage Counseling](https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/marriage-counseling): Therapy for Couples in Austin Explore Your Relationship with Marriage Counseling Couples’ or marriage therapy, also known as ‘couples counseling’,... - [Sex Addiction Therapy](https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/sex-addiction-therapy): Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder The term “sex addiction” is used colloquially to describe what the ICD-11 now calls Compulsive Sexual... - [Couples Counseling](https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/couples-counseling): When All You Need is Another Perspective Overcome Relationship Problems with Relationship Counseling Relationships are complicated. After all, you spend... - [Childhood Trauma Therapy](https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/what-is-childhood-trauma): What is Childhood Trauma? In recent years, the word “trauma” has been over-used and thus the term “childhood trauma” can... - [Psychotherapy Services](https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services): Individual Psychotherapy When I first meet with clients, I perform a few individual Initial Intake assessment sessions. This is to... - [About Dr. Lara](https://drlaradye.com/about): Lara Dye, PH. D Dr. Lara Dye is a psychologist licensed in Texas (36382) and California (35807). She earned a... - [Contact Us](https://drlaradye.com/contact-us): Contact Us Clinical Psychologist | Addiction Specialist Lara Dye, Ph. D, CSAT Do you have questions for Dr. Dye regarding... - [Home](https://drlaradye.com/): Experience profound change and healing through psychotherapy with Lara Dye, Ph.D., CSAT who has years of experience treating 'sex and love' addictive behaviors. --- ## Posts --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages ### Austin, TX > Compassionate, confidential treatment for individuals and couples in Austin struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors and relationship addiction. - Published: 2025-05-26 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/austin-tx Sex & Love Addiction Therapy in Austin, TX Compassionate, confidential treatment for individuals and couples in Austin struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors and relationship addiction. Contact Dr. Lara Dye Testimonials Expert Sex Addiction Therapy Serving Austin and Central Texas Experience profound change and healing through specialized psychotherapy with Dr. Lara Dye, Ph. D. , CSAT, who has 15+ years of experience treating sex and love addictive behaviors for Austin-area residents. Dr. Dye provides secure telehealth sessions to clients throughout Austin, including Downtown, South Austin, East Austin, West Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and surrounding Central Texas communities. Contact Dr. Lara Dye Recognizing Addiction Signs in Austin Residents Concerned about addiction or unwanted compulsive sexual behavior? Austin's fast-paced lifestyle and tech industry culture can sometimes mask underlying addictive patterns. Learn about the variety of ways addiction or compulsive behavior can begin and then worsen over time. Early identification is crucial for effective treatment, whether you're in the heart of Austin or the surrounding Hill Country. Get Started Comprehensive Therapy Services for Austin Clients Restore emotional balance by decreasing or stopping distressing sexual behaviors. Work with Dr. Lara Dye in confidential and compassionate therapeutic services designed specifically for Austin residents to achieve your goals of sexual integrity. Individual Psychotherapy for Austin Residents One-on-one treatment process with Dr. Lara to explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions are conducted via secure telehealth, perfect for busy Austin professionals who need flexible scheduling around work and traffic considerations. Group Psychotherapy for Central... --- ### Testimonials - Published: 2025-05-14 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/testimonials Testimonials REAL PEOPLE, REAL HEALING “Following a traumatic life event involving deep betrayal and a subsequent divorce, I began working with Dr. Dye. Through her expertise and guidance, I came to understand that traumatic events from childhood were adding to my current pain and keeping me in a cycle of reaction instead of decision in my life. Knowing this and being able to affect a change in my behavior were two very different things. I was aware, but unable to truly change things through weekly sessions alone. At Dr. Dye’s suggestion, I attended a three-day intensive with her and it has truly been life changing. I was able to see the connection between events in my childhood and how I currently operate in relationships. I was able to address moments that created beliefs that no longer serve my functional adult. I am forever grateful for the insights, the work, and Dr. Dye’s compassionate work. ” B. P. – Attended Survivor’s Workshop --- ### Marriage Counseling - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/marriage-counseling Therapy for Couples in Austin Explore Your Relationship with Marriage Counseling Couples' or marriage therapy, also known as 'couples counseling', can help you and your partner decrease conflict and increase a sense of safety and connection. Dr. Lara Dye has worked with many clients who have struggled with compulsive sexual behavior and has the expertise to help them with the intense pain and fear it creates in their family system. Dr. Dye has worked with many clients, including those from different ethnic or religious backgrounds and with differing sexual orientations. Dr. Lara Dye is happy to provide marriage counseling to all couples, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation or gender identification. Marriage Counseling May Benefit Couples With: Communication problems Sexual difficulties Infidelity Sexual addiction or compulsive sexual behavior disorder Chronic illness Mental health issues Child-rearing conflicts Financial conflicts Long-standing emotional wounds What to Expect from Marriage Counseling Marriage counseling helps couples identify and resolve any conflicts or issues in their relationship. It teaches each partner invaluable communication skills, so that they can both work together to get their needs met. It may also serve as a way for a couple to renew their commitment to one another, and start developing coping strategies for moving forward. Alternatively, marriage counseling can help both you and your partner identify the reasons why you need to take space from or even end the relationship. Marriage is hard work in and of itself, let alone when you involve children, financial problems, infidelity, addiction, trauma, and... --- ### Sex Addiction Therapy - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/sex-addiction-therapy Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder The term "sex addiction" is used colloquially to describe what the ICD-11 now calls Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD): Persistent pattern of intense, repetitive sexual urges or behaviors one has difficulty controlling. Significant distress or impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning due to the sexual behavior. Sexual behavior that is excessive in frequency, duration, or intensity, or involves inappropriate objects, situations, or partners. Exclusion of other mental health conditions that may explain the sexual behavior, such as sexual dysfunctions or substance use disorders. Unlike alcohol and substance use disorders ("drug addiction") where there may be some shame or stigma to the problem, compulsive or "sex addicted" behavior causes the sufferer to feel incredible guilt, shame and fear. They feel isolated and are very fearful of familial or societal rejection inhibits them from seeking help. Through years of education, training and working with hundreds of clients with these behaviors, I can: help you determine if sex, love or romantic behaviors have become out of control in your life assess the issues contributing to the problematic behavior create a comprehensive treatment plan in order to restore more stable behavior often suggest group psychotherapy or support. may suggest a medication evaluation as there is empirical evidence that the symptoms of depression and anxiety caused by the compulsive behaviors are often best treated through talk therapy and medication. If you or someone you know is dealing with problematic or compulsive sexual behaviors, reach out to Dr. Lara Dye. Licensed... --- ### Couples Counseling - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/couples-counseling When All You Need is Another Perspective Overcome Relationship Problems with Relationship Counseling Relationships are complicated. After all, you spend a lot of time with your loved one who knows all of your faults and loves you anyways. Still, sometimes your loved one is battling his or her own problems stemming from childhood, addiction, or other past emotional wounds. Dr. Lara Dye is a couples therapist in Austin. Contact her today! Benefits of Couples Counseling Clarify feelings about your relationship Resolve roadblocks in your relationship Renew intimacy and foster reconnection Can help with personal growth Can help resolve past emotional trauma Learn conflict management skills Learn communication skills Couples Counseling Many people think relationships are as easy as learning to walk. You practice and practice until you can do it effortlessly. However, marriage and relationships aren’t a skill you can learn and do repetitively. It’s a dynamic relationship with a human being who can change and often does. Relationships are unpredictable and far from repetitive. Every day is different, and every interaction can be different. To put it succinctly, marriage and relationships are hard work, challenging, and often frustrating. Sometimes you just need an outside perspective to help you gain skills and knowledge on human interactions in order to function better in your existing relationship. A marriage counselor or a couples counselor can help. Dr. Lara Dye in Austin specializes in helping couples work through the challenges they face, whether it’s a communication issue, or it’s a childhood trauma one... --- ### Childhood Trauma Therapy - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services/what-is-childhood-trauma What is Childhood Trauma? In recent years, the word "trauma" has been over-used and thus the term "childhood trauma" can be confusing. Folks experiencing compulsive sex and love behaviors are more likely than others to have experienced early attachment wounds with primary caregivers in their childhoods. What this means is that infants, toddlers and young children, are literally perfectly made to bond well with their parents (or caregivers). Their neurobiological environment, except in rare circumstances, might be described to be like a sponge which craves to 'soak up' bonding and nurturing activities with their caregivers. At early ages, this will look like a lot of touch, hugs, and physical reassurance. As the child ages, they may not need as much of the physical closeness of the parent, but are very sensitive to their parents' emotional availability and interest in the child. When a child jumps off a diving board and says (for the hundredth time "look dad"! ) this is a perfect example of the child's incredibly strong need to be seen, be important and liked by the parents. Between ages 0 - 6 or 7 years-old, the neurons of attachment in the brain are especially wired to seek out, respond and flourish when their parents (or stable caregivers) are consistent, caring and protective. Rather than listing all the ways a child might be "abused" or who experience "trauma", one way to sum up this irreducible need of the child to be important to, cared about and protected is that... --- ### Psychotherapy Services - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/psychotherapy-services Individual Psychotherapy When I first meet with clients, I perform a few individual Initial Intake assessment sessions. This is to ensure accurate diagnosis and helps me better understand other mental health symptoms or disorders that may be causing or contributing to their CSB. Anonymous Group Psychotherapy After working with sexually compulsive behavior, in particular with men, I strongly recommend they attend group therapy. Some men attend 12 step groups. Over the last 10 years, I have created and run group psychotherapy, often in conjunction with individual psychotherapy. Because 'sex addiction' can feel so shameful, most clients understandably are quite nervous to either attend an in person, or an online group. Because I am so convinced of it's efficacy in "catapulting" folks ahead in their recovery journey, I have found ways to ensure as much as humanly possible that group attendees (until they feel comfortable enough with other group members) are able to do a camera off virtual group. Couples' Psychotherapy Its more likely than not that my clients seek my services after they have been "discovered". The partner may have discovered this for the first time but more likely the partner realizes that they have had other 'discoveries' or at least suspected compulsive sexual behavior. They report feeling devastated, "gas-lit", and can show PTSD-like symptoms. While I almost always recommend couples' therapy at some point in the process, I often strongly suggest the partner who may be having nightmares, bursts of anger, crying episodes, etc. . to a professional trained... --- ### About Dr. Lara - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/about Lara Dye, PH. D Dr. Lara Dye is a psychologist licensed in Texas (36382) and California (35807). She earned a master’s and doctoral degree in psychology from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (Palo Alto University) in Palo Alto, California. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Occidental College in Los Angeles. Dr. Dye has extensive post-graduate training in love and sex addiction from the Meadows in Arizona (Pia Mellody) and is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) granted through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals. Her work with clients is benefitted by her connections and association with mental health professionals who are world-renowned experts in addiction and trauma. Dr. Dye has worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health clinics, major hospitals in San Francisco, and mobile mental health crisis units. One of her pre-doctoral practica was spent at Stanford University’s Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital. She has over 25+ years of experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. She has extensive experience working with couples, groups, and individuals always on a confidential basis. She is a member of SASH (Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health) as well as a member of AASECT (American Association for the Advancement of Sexual Health). During her graduate school experience, Dr. Dye trained in many Northern California agencies specializing in child, adolescent, and family therapy, including: Stanford University's Lucille Packard Hospital, Child Day Treatment, Palo Alto, CA California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA... --- ### Contact Us - Published: 2025-05-08 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/contact-us Contact Us Clinical Psychologist | Addiction Specialist Lara Dye, Ph. D, CSAT Do you have questions for Dr. Dye regarding addiction, trauma, or couples therapy? We are here to help. Please contact us using the form on this page, by giving us a call, or sending us an email. We are here to answer you questions regarding therapy, group classes, and more. When you need a licensed therapist in Austin, contact Dr. Lara Dye today! (512) 415-5735 lara@drlaradye. com REAL PEOPLE, REAL HEALING “Following a traumatic life event involving deep betrayal and a subsequent divorce, I began working with Dr. Dye. Through her expertise and guidance, I came to understand that traumatic events from childhood were adding to my current pain and keeping me in a cycle of reaction instead of decision in my life. Knowing this and being able to affect a change in my behavior were two very different things. I was aware, but unable to truly change things through weekly sessions alone. At Dr. Dye’s suggestion, I attended a three-day intensive with her and it has truly been life changing. I was able to see the connection between events in my childhood and how I currently operate in relationships. I was able to address moments that created beliefs that no longer serve my functional adult. I am forever grateful for the insights, the work, and Dr. Dye’s compassionate work. ” B. P. – Attended Survivor’s Workshop --- ### Home > Experience profound change and healing through psychotherapy with Lara Dye, Ph.D., CSAT who has years of experience treating 'sex and love' addictive behaviors. - Published: 2025-05-02 - Modified: 2025-05-26 - URL: https://drlaradye.com/ Love, Sex & Relationship Addiction Specialist for Individuals and Couples Contact Dr. Lara Dye Testimonials The healing power of Psychotherapy Experience profound change and healing through psychotherapy with Lara Dye, Ph. D. , CSAT who has years of experience treating 'sex and love' addictive behaviors. Contact Dr. Lara Dye Addiction Signs Concerned about addiction or unwanted compulsive sexual behavior? Learn about the variety of ways addiction or compulsive behavior can begin and then worsen over time. Early identification is crucial for effective treatment. Get Started Therapy Services Restore emotional balance by decreasing or stopping distressing sexual behaviors. Work with Dr. Lara Dye in confidential and compassionate therapeutic services to achieve your goals of sexual integrity. Individual Psychotherapy One-on-one treatment process with Dr. Lara to explore and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Group Psychotherapy Anonymous group therapy sessions can be hugely beneficial in conjunction with individual psychotherapy. Couples’ Psychotherapy Relationships are complicated. Couples' therapy helps to function better in your existing relationship. Get in Touch Sex Addiction Therapy Concerned about addiction or unwanted compulsive sexual behavior? Learn about the variety of ways addiction or compulsive behavior can begin and then worsen over time. Early identification is crucial for effective treatment. Sex Addiction Therapy Couples Counseling Relationships are complicated. Sometimes you just need an outside perspective to help you gain skills and knowledge on human interactions in order to function better in your existing relationship. Dr. Lara Dye can help. Couples Counseling Marriage Counseling Marriage counseling helps couples identify and resolve... --- --- ## Posts ---