What is Sex Therapy, What Actually Happens in Sex Therapy?

SEX, although just a three letter word, hold a lot of emotions and feeling as it something very intimate shared by two individuals. And one can often see that people do not wish to talk about it loud just because it is something very private and should not be discussed out loud. However, that shouldn’t be the case, instead one should talk about topics like these more openly so that have a proper knowledge about everything and won’t be misguided or stay in the dark and suffer.

And today we are going to talk about one such thing that is what is sex therapy, what actually happens in sex therapy, who needs it and so on. So stay tuned till the end to know what it actually means and how it works.

“I think we are doing poor sex education if we don't look at how erotic behavior actually takes place, and offer people interventions that are reasonable. - Pat Califia”

― Tristan Taormino, Ultimate Guide to Kink: BDSM, Role Play and the Erotic Edge

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a form of speech therapy designed to help individuals and couples deal with medical, psychological, personal, or social issues that affect sexual satisfaction.

The goal of sex therapy is to help people go through physical and emotional challenges so that they can have satisfying relationships and happy sexual health.

Sexual dysfunction is common. In fact, 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report experiencing some form of sexual dysfunction during their lifetime. These problems may include:

·         Erectile dysfunction

·         Low libido

·         Lack of interest

·         Premature ejaculation

·         Low self-esteem

·         Lack of response to sexual stimuli

·         Inability to reach orgasm

·         Excessive libido

·         Inability to control sexual behavior

·         Depressing sexual thoughts

·         Unwanted sexual interests

Satisfying sex life is healthy and natural. Physical and emotional intimacy are important aspects of your well-being. In the event of sexual dysfunction, having such a satisfying sex life can be difficult.

Sex therapy may be able to help you reorganize your sexual challenges and increase your sexual satisfaction.

#7 Reasons why would one need a Sex therapy?

1.      You Are Both Sexually Deprived

"Couples can come to the treatment for sex for whatever reason," Jones said. “They may feel that they have lost touch with their spouse and that one or both of them may want to explore the sexual aspects of the other partner's behavior.”

2.      You are having trouble getting Orgasm or Arousal

The first thing a sex therapist has to do in this case is to have the person physically examined by a doctor to make sure there are no health conditions that cause a lack of appetite or lack of orgasm.

3.      Considering Sexual Harassment

"A person who has been sexually harassed or raped may come to treatment for many problems — one of the most common reasons why one may visit a Sex Therapist. It is not uncommon for someone who has had this type of experience to experience intimacy, he tells us. And sex therapy can help a person overcome a painful experience and make sure that it does not affect their future sexual feelings.

 

4.      You Think You May Have Sexual Problems or Imperfections

This may refer to a number of problems, including erectile dysfunction (“which is very common in young clients”), low sexual desire, and sexual arousal disorders (“although these are considered problems only if they cause client stress”). Things like vaginismus (random muscle contraction in the vagina) and dyspareunia (pain during sex) are also good reasons to seek help.

5.      You Are Having a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

“Most of the time when a person is diagnosed with an STI that is Sexually Transmitted diseases, they are so shocked and scared that they do not really register what their doctor says thus often end up needing the help of the sex therapist. Because one of the functions of a sex therapist is to educate the patient about medication and care, as well as safe sexual practices to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. ”

 

6.      Faced With LGBTQ Problems

“People in the LGBTQ community often have problems with acceptance, discrimination and segregation. And thus can visit a sex therapist in order to know how to come out clean about their sexual identity.

7.      You Want to Talk About Basic Relationship Issues

Sex is not everything in a relationship, but it is also nothing. “Relationships can range from helping couples learn how to communicate better to finding ways to rekindle intimacy.

Alright! Now that we know what Sex Therapy is and why one might need it, let’s also have a quick look at what exactly happens in Sex Therapy or How Sex Therapy works.

What actually happens in Sex therapy?

Sex therapy is similar to any other form of psychotherapy. You handle this situation by talking about your experiences, worries, and feelings.

Together with your therapist, you then work on coping strategies to help improve your responses in the future so that you can have a healthier sex.

During your initial appointment, your provider will only speak to you or you and your partner together. A therapist is there to guide you and help you process your current challenge:

They are not there to take the side of one person or to help persuade anyone.

Also, everyone will keep his clothes. A sex counsellor will not have sex with anyone or show anyone how to have sex.

With each session, your therapist will continue to push for better management and accept your concerns that may lead to sexual dysfunction. All oral therapy, including sex therapy, is a supportive and educational approach.

It is designed to provide comfort and encouragement for change. You will probably leave your therapist's office with assignments and work to do before your next appointment.

If your therapist suspects that your dysfunction is the result of sexual harassment, he or she may refer you to a medical doctor.

Your therapist and doctor can discuss your symptoms and symptoms and work to help diagnose any physical ailments that may be contributing to serious sexual problems.

Where do I find a Sex Therapist?

A certified sex therapist can be a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage and family member, or a social worker. These mental health professionals receive additional human sexual training to be accredited as a certified sex therapist.

You do Google or Psychology Today to search for doctors in your area or call your local hospital or community education office. Many of these organizations will happily provide information about sex therapists on their hospital network.

You can also ask your insurance company. They may be able to provide you with a list of certified sex therapists. You can deal with the list until you find the sex counsellor you want.

If you would like personalized recommendations, talk to your healthcare provider, gynaecologist, or urologist. Many doctors have met and recommended sex therapists to their patients on a daily basis. They may be able to direct you to a provider with a style that suits you closely.

You can also talk to your friends. Disclosing details can be difficult for some people, but if you feel comfortable asking a friend, they can recommend a doctor you and your trusted partner.

So, I hope that anyone reading this will not shy away from approaching a doctor and take help if needed, because you see sexual health is also as important as your mental and physical health.

Ref: 7 Reasons to Go to Sex Therapy, According to a Therapist - PureWow

Sex Therapy: Couples, Techniques, and What Does a Sex Therapist Do? (healthline.com)