What is Sex Therapy and Does it Work?
These days, many of us find it hard to find the time to have a decent and satisfactory sex life with our partner. We’re either too busy, too tired or too stressed much of the time. While we may not like it, this is pretty normal.
However if you feel your libido is dead it usually signals that there is either something physically, mentally or emotionally going on with the person or the relationship. While in the past many people felt uncomfortable at the idea of talking to someone about their sex issues, it has become increasingly more common and people are now turning to certified sex therapists, like me, for help.
How Do You Know if Sex Therapy is Right for You?
If you are experiencing a lack in libido, it’s first important to rule out that your problem stems from anything physical. It’s best to start by making an appointment with your gynecologist or urologist who can detect any hormonal imbalances or any other illnesses/issues that may be going on.
If you get the green light medically speaking, then there is a very good chance your issues are stemming from something mental or emotional. It may be that you are in the mood but your partner isn’t. Maybe both of you are feeling a disconnect from the other. You might feel too stressed out or there may be pain with intercourse.
Whatever it may be, I can help you discover what the issue might be and give you the tools to resolve it.
In general, sex therapy can be used to address:
- A lack of sexual desire
- Intimacy after infidelity
- A couple’s disparity in sex drives
- Intimacy after having children
- A kink, or desire that cause a person distress
- Compulsive sexual behavior
- Painful intercourse
- Sexual anxiety
- Difficulties achieving orgasm and more…
What to Expect
Couples talk therapy and psycho-education are a couple tools used in sex therapy, it’s generally not enough to resolve all of a person’s issues. To address whatever emotional issues may be going on underneath other techniques will be suggested. Usually, these techniques will involve emotional and physical exercises that clients will do on their own outside of the therapy setting.
NOTE: Nothing of a physical or sexual nature should happen in the therapist’s office. Sex therapists are NOT the same as sex surrogates who do act in a physical way with their clients.
Finding a Therapist
If you are interested in exploring treatment, it’s important to find a practitioner with the proper credentials through AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists). Your therapist should be an experienced and licensed psychotherapist with training in sex therapy from a reputable program. www.AASECT.org
I am certified through AASECT and take continuing education in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as Sex Therapy every year.
If you would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help. [email protected]
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