Communicating About Sex: How Sex Therapy Can Help You
Historically speaking, sex can be a taboo topic--so much so that it might be taboo even in your own relationship. This can make communicating about sex difficult, which can, in turn, cause problems in relationships. This is where sex therapy comes in.
Through sex therapy, you can take on a number of different issues in your sex life.
Issues can range from individual sexual function to problems within a relationship. Often these inform one another, e.g. an individual’s concern can influence his/her sexual relationships.
You might be wondering what kinds of concerns, whether individual or relational, you can bring up in sex therapy.
Any topic that has you concerned about your sexual history or your current sex life is a topic for sex therapy.
In therapy, sex is not taboo. You will not be judged in therapy, and issues you face in your sex life will be treated with dignity, respect, and privacy.
Sex Therapy Counseling
Many people wonder just what, exactly, sex therapy is. Sex therapy is simply a form of psychotherapy called “talk therapy” that addresses sexual issues.
Practitioners are licensed psychologists, social workers, physicians, and licensed therapists who have specialized training in sexual and relationship health (Mayo Clinic).
Sex therapists will help you work through your sex-related concerns in a safe space where privacy is of the utmost importance.
Sex therapists are trained professionals who are non-judgmental and can help you begin the process of working through any concerns you might have about your sexual history or current sex life.
You may decide to see a sex therapist on your own or go as a couple. Either is an option for you as you explore your own sexual concerns or those you have with your partner.
Why Go to Sex Therapy?
People seek sex therapy for help with both physical and emotional sexual problems. Physical concerns stem from the body. They include issues such as erectile dysfunction or painful sex.
Emotional concerns include issues with intimacy or past sexual history. For example, if you have experienced sexual assault, sex therapy can provide support for victims of sexual abuse to help you move forward towards a more fulfilling sexual life.
Just like other forms of therapy, it’s important to seek help when a concern is impacting your life in a negative way.
If you are struggling with any aspect of your sexuality, sexual history, sexual desires, or sexual relationship to the point that it is negatively impacting your ability to have a healthy sex life, then sex therapy is for you.
Sex therapy can help with a number of different concerns ranging from mild annoyances to deep-rooted problematic behavior. In consultation with your therapist, you can decide how much therapy you might need and what, exactly, it will entail.
Communication is Key!
In what ways could you be a better communicator to your partner? Try sending a loving text message or expressing gratitude for your partner face-to-face today.
What Concerns Can a Sex Therapist Help Me With?
According to research, committing to the process of sex therapy can help you resolve concerns about:
Sexual function
Sexual addiction
Inability to communicate about sexual needs
Impulsive or compulsive sexual behavior
Problems with intimacy
Sexual orientation and desire
Sexual dysfunction, such as Erectile Dysfunction or Anorgasmia (trouble reaching climax)
Past sexual history
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Lack of sexual satisfaction
Lack of desire
Changes in sexual activity between couples
Low or excessive libido
Unwanted sexual fetishes
Etc.
Of course these aren’t the only problems that a sex therapist can help you with. The goal of this list is to help you understand some specific concerns that individuals seeking sex therapy have brought to the table.
The ultimate goal of sex therapy is to help you have a healthy, safe, and pleasurable sex life. Sex is one of the most primal and natural of our instincts, and it’s important that we are able to enjoy it and use it to connect with our partner.
Sex Therapy For Couples
Over the course of any relationship, it’s natural that intimacy might wane. Life events such as the birth of children and career changes understandably affect our sex drives. There’s nothing wrong with this; in fact, it’s completely normal.
However, many couples seek to return to the emotional and physical intimacy that they had when they were first together.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that a couple’s sexual activities have to be as exciting as they once were (although excitement may come with greater intimacy); it simply means that they wish to connect on a deeper, more intimate level.
Sex therapy for couples helps partners communicate their concerns, desires, and frustrations. A sex therapist can help you navigate the complexities of your relationship in order to reach a greater level of intimacy with your partner.
Finding a Sex Therapist
If you have decided that sex therapy might be right for you or for you and your partner, the next step is to find a therapist who is right for you.
There are several ways to find a sex therapist to help you individually or to counsel you and your partner. There are three main ways to begin your search:
We recommend starting your search with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). AASECT’s website specifically includes a certified sex therapists that you can locate using a set of filters.
You can also specifically search for a sex therapist on Psychology Today’s website. Psychology Today can give you profiles of therapists in your area, and you can also filter your search according to therapists who take your insurance.
Your primary physician, gynecologist, or urologist can also recommend a sex therapist in your area. According to Healthline.com, “many doctors have met and recommend sex therapists to their patients every day. They might be able to direct you to a provider whose style closely aligns with your own.”
AICC and Sex Therapy
Atlanta Innovative Counseling Center stands ready to help you work through any concerns you might have related to seeking sex therapy. If you would like more information regarding the process of working with a sex therapist, please reach out to us. We can help demystify the process for you!
AICC can also match you with a counselor who best fits your needs. Our very own Anjel Francisco specializes in working with couples in order to strengthen physical and emotional intimacy. Anjel is passionate about helping individuals and couples overcome sexual issues in order to enjoy greater connection with their partners.
If you are struggling with any aspect of your sexuality or sex life, reach out to AICC today. There is no shame in moving forward, and we would be honored to work with you in order to achieve your therapeutic goals.