Sex therapy can help individuals and couples address sexual issues and improve their overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore 5 things that sex therapists wish their clients knew, to help them get the most out of their therapy sessions.
- Therapists are certified professionals
Many couples see sex therapists as experts they go to when their intimate life is on the rocks. This is far from true.
You need sex therapy even when your intimacy is flourishing. More so, you may need their expertise when you are still single but plan to settle down in a long-term relationship.
According to the article published by Medical News Today, many couples tend to seek sex therapy when their relationship is facing challenges or difficulties. However, it is essential to recognize that couples can benefit from therapy at any stage of their relationship, not just during troubled times. Seeking the guidance of a therapist can be valuable in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling relationship, addressing any concerns, and enhancing intimacy and communication.
Even though sex therapy practitioners are professionals, you still need to understand them. They have different pieces of training and consult using different approaches.
Sometimes you may need this intervention when you are hurting. Hence under the circumstances, you would already be distressed.
So you should ensure that you are comfortable with their methods.
But there is a myth saying that sex therapists would instruct you to act or demonstrate some of your most intimate situations to support their intervention. This is a lie.
Usually, sex therapists try to only understand the underlying factors to commence a suitable healing process.
- How to communicate better
Communication is vital for any relationship. Couples come from varied backgrounds and so it’s natural that there are misunderstandings.
Sex is complex. Thus it comes with a lot of unfulfilled desires and emotional cravings. These unmet expectation rear their ugly heads out of the bedroom.
Lack of commitment is a leading cause of divorce. So sex therapists are aware of the situation and hence emphasize good communication.
According to the research published by Healthline Media, insufficient communication can be a contributing factor to the dissolution of a relationship or even lead to divorce for married couples. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy and robust relationship by fostering understanding, trust, and a strong emotional connection between partners. This is precisely why sex therapy places significant emphasis on promoting good communication between partners, as it can positively impact their intimacy and overall relationship satisfaction.
Therapists would like you to talk to your partner about sex like any other topic. The discussion should be candid.
It should occur any time over coffee when doing the laundry or even going for a jog. There shouldn’t be any ambiguity in what you want and desire.
Understand that your partner wouldn’t read your mind.
Still, you shouldn’t demand or threaten. Take a modest tone without the urge to hurt their feelings. Most of all, appreciate your partner’s opinion and commit to your agreement.
- Put intimacy on the menu
Long-term couples are the biggest victim of this problem. With careers and family pressure, their discussion revolves only around their work day.
Sexual desires and talks are deliberately avoided or skimmed by. After all, they know each other and there is nothing new to offer.
Even when in bed, they act like strangers. These couples give sex minimum time in between more pressing chores. So it becomes just another boring must-do activity in marriage.
Yet, normalizing this vice is the genesis of future marital tension. And sex therapists understand this trend.
So sex therapy experts advocate that you put sex in the menu and prepare well for it. Intimacy should feature fun and play elements.
Integrate music, dancing, and a good sense of humor. Appreciate that sex shouldn’t be the last thing on your day’s list. It should always be in the air.
Allocate time for romance. Always try sometime new to add magic to your marriage.
- Being patient
Women need longer to reach there. Even if they are in the mood, you need to kiss, caress and hold them dearly to accelerate their sexual urge.
Sometimes your libido may be mismatched. You may notice that your partner getting turned on by acts that actually offend you.
Simple acts like these may make you subtly ignore your partner’s feelings. And it’s these small things you ignore and dismiss that irritate your partner.
As days go by, these sexual problems multiply, get more intense and grow by number. So they start simmering. What do you do?
Does the mismatch make you consider your partner weird? No that is just their personality.
Don’t pretend that there are no sexual challenges affecting your relationship, tackle them. But it’s how you address these issues that matter.
According to the study published by Buzz feed, it’s essential not to ignore or dismiss any sexual challenges that may be affecting your relationship. Instead, confront these issues and address them directly. How you approach and handle these challenges can significantly impact the outcome and overall health of your relationship.
Allow your partner to relay them across without being dismissive. Listening and understanding can bring back the spark in your sex.
- Seeing a therapist doesn’t mean a sore relationship
Many couples especially men would avoid seeing a sex therapist at all costs. For them, scheduling an appointment with a reproductive health practitioner is worse than going for a medical checkup.
Why is this the case, you may wonder? Because they see this appointment as a reflection of their failed relationship.
Some consider a meeting with a therapist as the last attempt before the relationship crumbles. And so they what to avoid this last step to allegedly prolong their rocky intimacy.
But this assumption is far from the truth. Sex therapists agree that scheduled visits are a good sign that you deeply care about your relationship.
The gesture proves that you are eager for all the best advice to help you strengthen it.
Reproductive health practitioners contend that more people should be seeing them more frequently. They are trained not only to resolve sex issues but also to offer supportive professional advice to take intimacy to the next level.
All in all, there are several things that sex therapist wants people to know but could not tell them to their faces. We hope the information can help you learn more about your sex life and what your therapist is trying to tell you.
What Do Sex Therapists Get Asked The Most?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on addressing and improving individuals’ sexual and intimate relationships. Sex therapists are trained professionals who provide counseling and guidance to individuals and couples struggling with sexual and intimacy-related issues. While sex therapy is still a relatively new field, it has gained significant attention and popularity in recent years. As more people seek help and guidance in matters of sex and intimacy, sex therapists have become valuable resources for addressing a wide range of concerns.
As with any form of therapy, sex therapists receive a variety of questions and concerns from their clients. However, certain topics and questions tend to be more common than others. In this paper, we will explore the most frequently asked questions that sex therapists receive and delve into the underlying reasons behind these concerns.
1. How do I improve my sexual performance?
One of the most common questions that sex therapists receive is about improving sexual performance. Many individuals struggle with feelings of inadequacy and pressure to perform well in the bedroom, which can lead to anxiety, stress, and even sexual dysfunction. Sex therapists help their clients understand that sexual performance is not a competition, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving sexual satisfaction. They work with their clients to identify and address underlying issues that may be contributing to performance anxiety, such as past traumas, relationship dynamics, or unrealistic expectations.
2. How can I increase my libido?
Another frequently asked question is about low libido or a lack of sexual desire. Many individuals experience fluctuations in their sexual desire, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or relationship issues. Sex therapists help their clients identify the root cause of their low libido and develop strategies to improve their sexual desire. This may involve addressing underlying emotional issues, exploring new ways to connect with their partner, or making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and increase overall well-being.
3. How do I talk to my partner about my sexual needs?
Communication is vital in any relationship, especially when it comes to sexual needs. However, many individuals struggle with expressing their desires and needs to their partner, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction in the bedroom. Sex therapists provide a safe and non-judgmental space for couples to discuss their sexual needs and desires. They also teach effective communication skills and techniques to help couples express their needs and wants openly and honestly.
4. Can I still have a fulfilling sex life after menopause?
As women age, they experience hormonal changes that can affect their sexual desire and function. Menopause, in particular, can bring about physical changes such as vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex, which can impact sexual satisfaction. Sex therapists work with individuals and couples to understand and address the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause. They also provide guidance on alternative forms of intimacy and sexual activities to maintain a fulfilling sex life.
5. Is it normal to have different sexual desires than my partner?
Sexual compatibility is an essential aspect of any intimate relationship, and it is common for individuals to have different sexual desires than their partner. However, many individuals struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or resentment when their desires do not align with their partner’s. Sex therapists help individuals and couples recognize that it is normal to have different sexual desires and teach them how to communicate and compromise to achieve sexual satisfaction for both partners.
6. How can I overcome past sexual trauma?
Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma may carry the effects of it into their present sexual relationships. Sex therapists help their clients process and heal from past traumas, which may include sexual abuse, assault, or negative childhood experiences. They use specialized techniques and approaches to help their clients overcome the impact of trauma and develop a healthy and fulfilling sex life.
In conclusion, sex therapists receive a wide range of questions and concerns from their clients, but they all revolve around one common theme – the desire for a fulfilling and satisfying sex life. Sex therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals and couples overcome their sexual and intimacy-related issues and develop healthier and more satisfying relationships. By addressing these frequently asked questions and providing guidance and support, sex therapists help their clients achieve a happier and more fulfilling sex life.
