Sex Therapy
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is a form of therapy that address issues that impact sexuality and sexual satisfaction. Sessions do not include any sexual acts or breaches in privacy and the rights of the client or psychologist.
Sexual concerns are more common than we realise and therapy can help improve things for couples. The aim is to help partners move beyond emotional and physical challenges towards a harmonious sexual existence within a relationship.
What to Expect During Sex Therapy?
Individuals or partners usually meet the psychologist in their office. Anxiety to meet a therapist is common. Talking about sex often feels as though it is a taboo subject. Discussing issues of this nature could feel awkward and clumsy at first, but rest assured, a qualified therapist is well-equipped to help you through the process.
You and or your partner will have initial discussions with the therapist to gain a full understanding of your concerns regarding your sexual functioning and the underlying factors thereof. Your therapist will start the session by inquiring about and empathising with your concerns and maintaining variables. Questions could include health challenges, interpersonal dilemmas, personal beliefs, religious affiliation, and how this affects sex in the relationship.
Your chosen therapist then facilitates a psychotherapeutic approach that addresses sexual concerns in a thoughtful and evidence-based approach. Therapy sessions are individual or couple’s therapy. Sex therapy can be effective regardless of the sexual orientation of individuals, gender, or gender identity.
The duration of sex therapy will all depend on the client’s concerns, the goals of the client, and the treatment approach found most fitting by your psychologist. Typically, sex therapists would have gone through the process of additional training to conduct sex therapy.
There is no physical contact during therapy.
There is never any physical contact during sessions. Psychologists encourage partners to practice homework projects after sessions strictly in the privacy of their own environments.
Success usually depends on the commitments of partners during sessions. Putting in the work often reaps rewards.
Communication is Key
Sex is just another way in which we communicate in a relationship and relational dynamics, therefore often play out in intimate communication as well. Learning how to effectively communicate with your partner often spills over into having a more satisfying sexual experience.
How to Find Out if Your Therapist is a Good Fit
Your sex therapist needs to be registered with the New Zealand Psychology Board with some additional training in sex therapy. Your licensed therapist should have the relevant, necessary degree to practice clinical psychology. Your psychologist should have relevant experience in the field of sexual abuse if you are seeking help for this.
Topics that your health professional will cover include but is not limited to:
- Compulsive sexual behaviour.
- Pain during sex.
- Challenges concerning sexual desire and arousal.
- Lack of sex drive.
- Sexual disorders and erectile dysfunction.
- Premature ejaculation.
- Anorgasmia (trouble reaching an orgasm).
- Lack of sexual arousal.
Through sex therapy, you can learn to express your concerns clearly, better understand your own sexual needs, and overcome intimate challenges. Remember, effective sex therapy requires trust and good communication.
If you think you and/or your partner may need sex therapy, you can contact Mental Health Matters today for an appointment. Dr Erika Nell is a qualified independent Clinical Psychologist registered at New Zealand Psychology board (NZPB) and Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).