WHAT IS SEX THERAPY?
Sex therapy is counseling that focuses on sex and sexual relationships. It is based on open communication in a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere where individuals and couples feel safe to discuss their sexual issues.
Sexuality is a vital aspect of the human experience, but all too often intimacy, pleasure, comfort or safety is missing, leaving individuals feeling a great sense of loss. Through therapy, these issues are understood and replaced with new ways of being sexual that emerge, allowing clients to embrace and enjoy their sexuality.
Sex therapy involves exploring what makes you the sexual person that you are today. Most of the beliefs around sexuality are unconscious and frequently distorted.
The earliest factor in developing sexual beliefs was probably learned from your parents, either through direct conversation and rules around acceptable sexual behaviors or by their indirect example regarding their comfort with sex and intimate relationships. Their discomfort can be passed down to you without words, but impact you for a lifetime.
Your faith when growing up and today can impact how you feel about and behave sexually. Often religion instructs that one should wait for marriage to be sexual, but does not adequately reverse the many abstinence messages heard until the wedding day. This leaves couples unskilled at allowing themselves to seek and enjoy sexual pleasure.
Our culture bombards you with images of beautiful people all enjoying amazing sex, without depicting the normal experiences of sexual dysfunctions and challenges, often leaving you to feel, you alone have sexual problems.
Your sexual history has a great impact upon your current sexual functioning. Sexual trauma often leaves the victim feeling shame and guilt about the event and can severely inhibit their ability to enjoy sexuality throughout a lifetime, if left unaddressed. Messages learned from past sexual experiences or relationships can continue to be believed in the present.
The common theme with most sexual problems is feelings of shame. When the origins of these present day feelings and beliefs are explored, understood and challenged, healthy sexuality and intimate relationships can be achieved.
DO I NEED A PARTNER TO BENEFIT FROM SEX THERAPY?
It is not necessary to be in a couple to benefit from sex therapy. Many clients seek help with sexual problems on an individual basis. While clients in a relationship are encouraged to engage in therapy together, one member of the couple may prefer individual therapy for their personal sexual issues.
HOW LONG DOES SEX THERAPY USUALLY LAST?
Unlike traditional counseling, sex therapy can be brief and strategic, designed to address specific sexual issues. Often more challenging problems that have existed for a long time will take longer to resolve.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT MY PRACTICE OF SEX THERAPY?
Sex and relationship therapy has been my specialty since I embarked upon my training as a therapist. I have always concentrated my practice on clients with sexual issues.
After many years of training in sex therapies, I bring an attitude of compassion and understanding to the work I do. I consider it a privilege to be invited into the very private lives of my clients as they share their story, often for the first time.
For many in relationships, this will necessitate developing new communication skills. Couples will come for therapy around a sexual problem and learn that it is rarely just about sex. They will leave therapy with self-awareness, self-acceptance and resolution of their sexual issues, as well as tools designed to address other challenges of communication and connection.
Following are some examples of the sexual issues I treat. This list is far from comprehensive. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding your personal concerns.
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LOSS OF INTIMACY
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PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
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LACK OF DESIRE/ LOW LIBIDO
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ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION/ DIFFICULTY OBTAINING AND MAINTAINING ERECTIONS
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PREMATURE EJACULATION
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PEYRONIE’S DISEASE
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DELAYED/ OR INABILITY TO ACHIEVE EJACULATION
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SEXUAL PAIN
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DIFFICULTY WITH LUBRICATION AND AROUSAL
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INABILITY TO CLIMAX
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SEXUAL OFFENDING
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PAST SEXUAL ABUSE
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INFIDELITY
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MENOPAUSAL CHANGES
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ILLNESS
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EFFECTS OF AGING
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SEXUAL ORIENTATION
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OUT OF CONTROL SEXUAL BEHAVIORS/SEX ADDICTION
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OPEN RELATIONSHIPS
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POLYAMORY
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ASEXUALITY
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KINK
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FETISHES
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PARAPHILIAS