What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy aimed at helping individuals and couples address factors that affect their sexual satisfaction. Its primary goal is to assist people in overcoming both physical and emotional challenges to foster a fulfilling relationship and an enjoyable sex life.
When couples find themselves in a sexless marriage, sex therapy can provide crucial support. Many partners may realize that their sexual intimacy has significantly diminished or completely stopped. A sex therapist can facilitate open communication between them, guiding the couple to explore underlying issues such as emotional disconnection, stressors, or unresolved conflicts that may be impacting their sexual relationship. This exploration can help address the root causes of their lack of sexual engagement and foster a deeper understanding between partners.
In therapy, both couples and individuals can concentrate on rekindling intimacy and strengthening emotional connections, while also addressing any fears or anxieties related to sex. The therapist supports them in developing coping strategies and techniques to enhance their sexual experiences, fostering an environment where everyone feels encouraged to openly share their needs and desires.
If your therapist suspects a medical dysfunction is the result of a physical sexual concern, they may refer you to a medical doctor. Your therapist and the doctor can consult about your signs and symptoms and work to help find any physical concerns that may be contributing to greater sexual problems.
What Happens During a Sex Therapy Session?
Sex therapy sessions can help you identify and change thoughts and behaviors that are interfering with your sexual life. You may see your therapist by yourself or with your partner(s). Your therapist may ask you questions about your health and sexual background, sex education, beliefs about sex, and specific sexual concerns. They may also assign homework — activities and exercises that you do in the privacy of your home.
Identify and change thoughts and behaviors
Sex therapy may help you identify the thoughts and behaviors that are interfering with your sexual life. Once you're aware of these, you can start to change them.
Build trust and intimacy
Sex therapy may help you build trust and intimacy with your partner(s). This can be done through exercises that help you communicate better, express your needs, and listen to each other's needs.
Feel comfortable
Sex therapy can be awkward or uncomfortable at first, but it's important to feel comfortable.
You should feel safe to talk about your sexual concerns.
What Can You See a Sex Therapist For?
Sexual activity is a complex experience that involves emotional, mental, and physical components. If you are struggling with any aspect of your sexual health, a sex therapist can help.
Sex therapists can help with a variety of issues, including:
Sexual dysfunction
This includes problems with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during sex.
Communication about sex
If you are having trouble communicating with your partner about sex, a sex therapist can help you improve your communication skills.
Sexual anxiety
This can include fear of sex, performance anxiety, or body image issues.
Relationship issues
If sexual problems are causing problems in your relationship, a sex therapist can help you improve your communication and intimacy.