What Is Sex Therapy and What Does a Sex Therapist Do?

When you're in a romantic relationship with someone, you might feel passionately in love and excited to explore your attractions and sexual needs. Maybe you and your partner have been together a while now, so the prospect of exploring new territory doesn't seem so overwhelming anymore. But suppose your relationship is beginning. In that case, that's merely the beginning of an endless string of pleasant surprises that will continue to come around again and again for as long as you two stay together.

However, there will be times when the simple act of being intimate with your love can be a little challenging.

What if there was a way around all that? A way to unlock the potential of your sexual connection again, even if things don't feel quite right at the moment? That could be precisely what you need to keep moving forward toward happier days ahead. If you recognize this and want to take action today, Sex Therapy may be just what you need.

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of counseling that aims to help couples with difficulties enjoy a deeper connection with each other. It differs from couples' counseling because it focuses on building a more fulfilling sexual relationship.

Sex therapists may work with people who want to improve their sex life, such as those with low libidos, a lack of interest in sex, painful sex, sexual problems, or other issues. Some people may also seek sex therapy as part of their overall health plan, especially those who want to make positive lifestyle changes.

How Is Sex Therapy Different From Other Counselling?

While couples counseling is often based on the promise of helping couples work through issues and grow as a couple, sex therapy is focused solely on the sexual relationship. Counselors may include the sexual aspects of a relationship in their discussions, while therapists are more likely to focus solely on the sex itself.

Beyond these distinctions, there are a few other significant ways that sex therapy differs from other types of counseling.

• First, sex therapy is usually conducted with only one partner.

• Second, the focus tends to be less on the emotional aspects of a relationship, such as issues related to trust or communication.

• Third, sex therapy is usually not provided by a social worker but by a trained sex therapist.

What Does a Sex Therapist Do in a Sex Therapy Session?

When people come to see a sex therapist, they will typically make an appointment and discuss with the therapist how they are feeling about sex and their desire to improve it. The therapist will ask questions about the relationship, the partner's sexual history, and relationship goals.

After these initial discussions, the therapist and the partner design a plan to address their identified issues. The therapist will often provide both partners with a copy of the plan to keep track of the progress together.

The therapist may also do a sexual assessment of the partners, including asking them to describe what they like or dislike about sex and how they think their partner may feel. The therapist may also ask partners to have sexual activities or role-play scenarios to see what they like and don't like.

Common Problems People Come To Sex Therapy For

• Low libidos − If your partner isn't ready to have sex with you, perhaps because he is feeling anxious or lacking in confidence, seeing a sex therapist may be helpful. Finding ways to boost your partner's self-esteem and reduce anxiety may help feel more comfortable about getting physical with you again.

• Pain during sex− If you or your partner experiences pain during sex, seeing a sex therapist may help you and ensure you're doing things safely. You may also want to consider speaking to your doctor about whether you are engaging in sexual activities safely.

• A lack of sexual desire − If you've been feeling a lack of desire for a while now, you are not alone. While it's not easy to process, it's important to remember that it's normal to feel this way at times. You can work on boosting your self-esteem and mood to get back on track.

• Difficulties performing in bed − If your partner finds it difficult to perform during sex, it can be a source of emotional turmoil. You can discuss ways to boost your partner's confidence, boost your confidence and help your partner feel more comfortable about sexual abilities.

• Difficulty expressing sexual feelings − If you find it difficult to talk with your partner about your sexual feelings, it can be a source of emotional strain. You can discuss ways to talk with your partner more honestly about your feelings and boost your self-esteem and self-confidence to feel more comfortable communicating your sexual needs.

Benefits of Doing Sex Therapy Together

• Learn about each other's sexual desires and needs - If you both make an effort to share your desires, needs, and fantasies during your sessions, you will be able to learn more about your partner's likes and dislikes and what he most enjoys sexually. This information can help you get closer to providing a fulfilling sexual experience for your partner.

• You make progress together - While it may take time for you to receive the benefits of working through your sexual issues as a couple, it's important to remember that you will be helping your partner as well as yourself.

• You bond as a couple - Sex is a very intimate and emotional experience for both partners. Often, partners who struggle to enjoy sex due to low self-esteem or anxiety about performing feel embarrassed or ashamed by their problems. However, working through these issues as a couple can help you feel more confident in your relationship and help your partner feel more confident.

Conclusion

Sex is an integral part of any relationship, and it can be beneficial to work through sexual issues with a sex therapist. Suppose you struggle with low libido, pain during sex, a lack of desire for sex, exhausting or painful sex, or difficulties performing in bed. In that case, you may consider seeing a therapist to help you find a more satisfying way to enjoy sexual intimacy.