Sex therapy helps you overcome obstacles — physical, medical, emotional, or relational — that get in the way of good sexual functioning.
Physical problems, emotional problems, or their interaction can cause sexual pain and fear. The emotional pain it causes often aggravates physical pain. Fear may grow out of misinformation, pain or trauma, and it may exacerbate the physical pain, and lead to avoidance and muscular tension. No matter how the problem begins a vicious cycle develops. Working with a psychotherapist can help you to control pain and fear rather than having them control you.
Sex therapy is a focused form of counseling that helps people find solutions to sexual difficulties. A sex therapist works in collaboration with you, individually or as a couple. Sex therapy includes both learning and doing. During each therapy session, the therapist will work with you to select areas on which to focus, designing a series of step-by-step exercises to help you meet your goals. The exercises are practiced in the privacy of your home to build knowledge, comfort and ability in the physical, emotional and relational aspects of sex. Each week you will learn more about your sexuality and what works best for you.
For sexual pain or fear, sex therapy includes individual and couple exercises that increase trust, and self-confidence. The therapist will help you and your partner explore non-painful forms of sexual pleasure. Cognitive therapy, communications exercises, positive imagery, relaxation and pain management training may all be part of the therapy. The relief of having a plan and a professional guide is both supportive and empowering. You do not have to bear the burden of the pain or fear problems alone
