Do you need Sex Therapy?
It is perfectly normal to go through periods when you're just not in the mood for lovemaking. However, if your sex life is not as rich and meaningful as you would like it to be, and you find yourself withdrawing from your partner in a physical sense, you may benefit from sex therapy. I understand that entering into any kind of therapy is a hard thing to do, especially for people who feel the need to protect their private lives or find it difficult to talk about sex. However, the decision to go into therapy is actually a sign of sanity. It’s a signal that you’re wise enough to know when you need support, and responsible enough to get it.
1. Learn More About your SexualityKnowledge is always the first line of defence. Despite the fact that there is more openness regarding sexuality in society today, many women have little understanding of their own bodies and sexual functioning.Read as widely as you can about sexual dysfunctions, and then decide whether talking to a professional might be of benefit to you.
2. Explore Medical CausesIt is important to rule out any possible medical casues for sexual issues, especially if your problem is physical in nature. Both prescription and non-prescription drugs, alcohol and smoking can negatively impact on your sexual functioning.Your medical practitioner may also be able to detect difficulties due to illness, aging, or hormonal balances. This can be accomplished with simple blood tests.
3. Consider Psychological IssuesReflect on whether there are any traumatic issues from your past or emotional conflicts that may be contributing to your problem. If you have experienced trauma such as any kind of sexual abuse, you may benefit from bodywork.
Body Psychotherapy
utilises therapeutic techniques to help you deal with discomfort during sex. Sex Therapy really works. Read
Grace's Story
about how one client healed from child sexual abuse with body psychotherapy.
Sometimes it helps to be evaluated by a trained sex therapist who can help you sort out what would be best for you. What Happens in Sex Therapy?Sex therapy generally works on two levels: you need to address the emotional issues underlying your sexual problem, and learn techniques to deal with the physical symptoms that you are experiencing.
Dr. Mia Rose has been trained in various forms of psychotherapy, for example Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It sometimes takes time, effort and a willingness to change your thinking patterns to heal experiences of sexual trauma.
Treatment of Sexual DysfunctionsDepending on the nature of the problem, treatment of sexual dysfunctions will include a combination or all of the following:1. Medical treatment for problems that stem from general medical conditions, including chronic pain, hormonal issues, and effects of drugs and alcohol. 2. Education regarding all aspects of sexual activity, including communication, intimacy and sensuality. Also make sure you have a solid understanding of female sexual arousal. 3. Relaxation techniques. 4. Identification of factors that inhibit arousal, for example lack or privacy or tiredness, and devising strategies for minimising these factors. 5. Increasing arousal levels during sexual intercourse. 6. Use of lubricating gel. 7. Kegel’s pelvic floor exercises. Although these exercises are often recommended to help women achieve orgasm, there are conflicting reports on their contribution to helping women climax. The exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and thus increase the ability to recognise sensations of sexual arousal. 8. Self-help exercises, such as discussed in the sections on
being your own sex therapist
and
directed masturbation.
This technique involves giving and receiving caresses (initially not sexually) in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. You will be asked to hold, stroke and massage each other without sexual contact. The second step is to progress to genital stimulation without climaxing. As a result, you will typically discover many new ways to experience pleasure without sexual intercourse. As you become more comfortable with intimate touch, and you start to associate it with pleasure, you gradually progress to sexual intercourse.
Remember....If you're having a hard time with any aspect of sex, the best thing you can do is to go slow and be patient with yourself. Free yourself from self-judgment and talk to your partner about what is happening for you. Notice what happens in your body and stay present with your feelings. Think about what you can do to turn sex into a delightful experience for yourself and your partner.Your sexual life is only limited by your own imagination! (From Sex Therapy back to Better Sex Home Page)
|
