|
What is Sex Therapy?
People who seek help with their sexual relationships are frequently left scratching their heads trying to understand what sex therapy is and what a sex therapist does. This confusion is often compounded by our cultures uneasy, and sometimes hostile, relationship to sex, sexuality and sexual pleasure. This unfortunately prevents us from learning to accept that sex and sexuality are complex, multidimensional aspects of the human experience and a powerful source of life affirming energy and joy.
Individuals, straight and gay couples benefit from sex therapy, often reporting that not only has there been an improvement in the quality of sexual intimacy but a deepening trust and emotional connection with their partner.
Our sexuality, as well as our understanding of the erotic, is interwoven with the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual dimensions of being human. At its’ core, sex therapy is about working with individuals and couples to learn new ways to express and explore the joy of sexuality in all of the complexity discussed above. This may mean offering education about how to better communicate sexual desire with a partner, for others it may mean focusing on sexual difficulties such as erectile problems, low sexual desire and difficulties with orgasm and pain occurring during sexual activity. A sex therapist may also work with a couple, or individual, to determine how they wish to define and pursue their own definition of optimal sexual functioning and the issues which prevent them from attaining this stated goal.
When a couple, or individual, comes in for sex therapy they can expect a combination of interventions that include, a) assessment of the presenting issues, b) assessment of the couple, or individuals, style of relationship, c) sexuality education, and d) directed therapeutic interventions.
Does A Sex Therapist Have Sex With Their Clients?
No! This is illegal and unethical. A sex therapist will not touch you, or have expectations of a sexual relationship with you. A sex therapist is a trained and licensed mental health professional such as a social worker, psychologist, marriage and family therapist or licensed counselor. After completing a graduate degree the therapist then seeks out additional specialized training, and supervision, in the diagnosis and treatment of sexuality issues. While sex therapy often includes the explicit discussion of sexual material, and the interventions offered are often sexual in nature, to be explored in the privacy of ones home with ones self or ones partner, there will never be any form of sexual interaction with the therapist.
Do Sex Therapists Only Work with Sexuality Issues?
It depends on the therapist. Many therapists have training in other areas such as treatment of anxiety, depression, family issues, substance abuse to name a few. Generally sex therapy is a sub specialty for a licensed therapist.
Can you refer me if I have a medical issue relating to sexual health?
Yes. Medical professionals and therapists often work together to achieve a successful outcome in treatment. If medical consultation or consultation with other sexuality professionals is necessary, this can be arranged. For women this may mean a consultation with a gynecologist or other medical professional to explore issues relating to sexual pain or inadequate lubrication. For men, this may include consulting with a urologist to discuss problems with the prostate, genital blood flow, testosterone levels or other genital functioning.
What is Sexual Dysfunction?
Many individuals with sexual dysfunction Erectile Dysfunction or Female Sexual Dysfunction tend to wait months or even years before seeking a proper diagnosis and treatment. The embarrassment often associated with a sexual disorder makes it difficult to discuss sexual issues and to bring them to the attention of professionals working in the field of sexual medicine. In spite of the increasing prevalence of sexual difficulties, there is a often the hope that such problems will resolve themselves without medical or psychological attention. Unfortunately, this is seldom the case.
When a sexual difficulty has persisted for a period of months or years it has often taken a significant toll on both individuals in a relationship. For the individual with the difficulty, there may be feelings of embarrassment, shame, inadequacy and even failure. For the partner of a person with a sexual dysfunction, it is not uncommon to also see a variety of feelings and reactions to the problem. These may range from periods of sadness to more intense feelings of frustration and resentment. Other partners feel unattractive and undesirable. In times of such stress, it is not uncommon for communication to be at a minimum or even nonexistent.
Although new diagnostic procedures and medical advances are helpful in finding a successful resolution to many sexual dysfunctions, a resolution of the emotional consequences may be more gradual and difficult to achieve. Feelings of hurt, rejection or resentment may persist even after a medical solution has been achieved. In cases where the emotional stress and relationship issues have been more significant, talking with a sex therapist about these areas may be helpful. Reestablishing healthy communication in a relationship is an essential step in regaining emotional closeness and trust.
|
