What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of talk therapy that’s designed to help individuals and couples address issues impacting sexual satisfaction, intimacy, and romantic relationships.

The goal of sex therapy is to help people move past physical and emotional challenges to have a satisfying relationship and pleasurable sex life.

What is a pleasurable sex life?

Pleasurable sex is not restricted to both partners achieving organism. There are also several factors that may come before a pleasurable sex life can be achieved, specifically:

-       Connection & Intimacy

-       Trust

-       Respect and a feeling of appreciation

While some of these emotions may be more oriented towards males or females, it is common for anyone in the relationship to feel a form of one of these at some point.

A pleasurable sex life means both partners feel respected and are enjoying the act of sexual intercourse. Despite the emotional relationship, there are other factors that can impact a couple’s sex life – sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction may be more common than you think, In fact, 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report experiencing some type of sexual dysfunction during their lifetimes. These dysfunctions may include:

• erectile dysfunction

• low or excessive libido

• lack of interest in sex or physical intimacy

• lack of response to sexual stimulus

• inability to reach orgasm

• inability to control sexual behavior

• distressing sexual thoughts

• unwanted sexual fetishes

Sex therapy may be able to help you reframe your sexual challenges and increase your sexual satisfaction. In our practice, we often find sexual satisfaction may require individual therapy in conjunction with couple’s therapy.

What can I expect?

1.    Be prepared to be honest and vulnerable

2.    Be prepared to address concerns within the relationship that may go far beyond the bedroom

3.    Be prepared to address personal trauma and challenges

4.    Be open-minded and willing to make compromises

5.    Expect homework. This part may be work at first, but it should be fun

Do I need sex therapy?

If your quality of life and emotional health are greatly affected by your sexual dysfunction, it’s a good idea to see a therapist specializing in sex therapy. Likewise, if a lack of intimacy or difficulty communicating with a partner leads as your most serious personal concern, a sex therapist is the place to start.