When Is It Time For Couple Sex Therapy?
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A Psychotherapist with Clinical specialization, working for over seven years now. Areas of specialization range from Anxiety-related disorders, Mood-related disorders, Personality disorders, Sexual dysfunctions & other mental health issues.
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Updated on 30 May, 2024
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A lot of couples face intimacy issues, physical difficulties and or performance issues when it comes to having a sexual relationship that really is satisfying for both. But, since the conversation around sex is seen as a taboo topic, couples really have a hard time communicating their emotions. And sadly, this is not just about speaking about the concerns to a medical professional but sometimes, even amongst one another. And that begins a series of concerns that can eventually become a threat to the relationship’s sanity if not addressed in time.
But speaking about time, the first question that most couples have is to find out when exactly is the time when the delay can start doing more harm than good. And finding the right answer to that can be a real help to your relationship. Let’s quickly explore more about it.
Couples Sex Therapy: What Is It?
Couples’ sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy that helps couples address and resolve sexual concerns and difficulties within their relationship. It is a process in which a trained therapist helps couples to communicate more effectively about their sexual needs and desires, understand each other’s perspectives, and develop problem-solving skills to improve their sexual intimacy.
Who Needs Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy can be beneficial for individuals and couples who are experiencing difficulties related to their sexual health and well-being. The purpose of sex therapy is-
- To provide sex education, a guide for sexual communication and setting boundaries
- To discuss sexual fetishes, pain during sex, how mismatched sex drives can lead to feelings of loneliness for one partner, lack of sexual desire, sexual changes that result from menopause etc.
- To address issues such as sexual assault, sexual history, confidence issues, relationship issues, sexual inhibitions, sexual trauma, sexual orientation, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, sexual pain, sexual dysfunction etc.
Sex therapy can also be beneficial for those dealing with psychological or emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, or past traumas that may be impacting their sexual functioning.
Who Is Couples Sex Therapy Most Beneficial For?
Couples’ sex therapy is beneficial for couples experiencing difficulties with sexual intimacy, such as a lack of desire, difficulty with arousal or orgasm, or pain during sex. It can also help couples dealing with issues related to sexual communication or boundaries, or for those who have experienced a traumatic event or medical condition that is impacting their sexual relationship. Additionally, couples who have different sexual desires or needs, or those who have gone through significant changes such as having a baby, ageing or menopause may also benefit from a couple’s sex therapy.
Couples’ sex therapy can also be helpful for couples dealing with sexual problems stemming from psychological or emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, or past traumas. It can also assist couples who are struggling with sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
When Is It Time For Couples Sex Therapy?
When it comes to seeking therapy for an issue you face as a couple, then most often, the “right” time for it is when you feel like things seem a little off, or perhaps when you have tried to resolve it but the problem is either pushed under the carpet, or the solution doesn’t really seem to be solving things.
This sometimes leads to making the problem bigger than how it started by adding some layers to it every time. So, here’s when you should ideally seek couple sex therapy and ask an expert to help you with their guidance.
A sex therapist can help individuals and couples address and resolve a wide range of sexual concerns and difficulties. They can provide education, support, and guidance to help individuals and couples improve their sexual health and well-being.
What Happens In Couples Sex Therapy?
Well, a couple of sex therapy sessions can look different for each couple based on the concern they have. However, a bottom line description would be a safe space that lets both partners openly express their thoughts and emotions while the therapist would hear them unbiasedly and help them with coping mechanisms and share some useful tools and techniques to practice in order to deal with the problems.
The entire process also involves genuinely checking the physical health concern and slowly driving the couple towards acceptance.
Sex Therapy Exercises
Sex therapy exercises are techniques that a sex therapist may use to help individuals and couples improve their sexual health and well-being.
Some common sex therapy exercises include:
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Sensate focus exercises: non-genital touch exercises to help individuals or couples increase their awareness of their own bodies, and to improve communication and intimacy in their sexual relationship.
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Communication exercises: exercises for learning effective communication skills to help individuals and couples express their sexual needs and desires, and negotiate boundaries and limits in their sexual relationship.
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Masturbation exercises: exercises for practising self-stimulation to help individuals increase their sexual desire and pleasure, and to address sexual dysfunction.
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Behavioural exercises: learning and practising specific behaviors, such as sexual positions or techniques, to help individuals and couples increase their sexual satisfaction and pleasure.
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Mindfulness and relaxation exercises: techniques to help individuals and couples reduce anxiety and stress, and increase relaxation and pleasure during sexual activities.
Note that the exercises will vary depending on the therapist and the specific needs of the individual or couple.
Who Can You Seek Help From?
Sex therapy sessions can be sought from a registered mental health professional or sex therapist. These can be done through virtual sessions or by having a session with the therapist in person. You can also start with a gynaecologist or a urologist who can guide you about the actual prevalence of the medical issue that you might be facing and if seeking a therapist or a psychiatrist at this stage is the best thing that can help or not.
It is important to seek out a qualified sex therapist; one who is trained and experienced in working with sexual issues and who can provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space for clients to explore and address their concerns.
In case you feel that is holding you back, then make the easiest, most reliable and most affordable choice of booking a session with expert doctors from Allo Health who help with all sexual concerns and are experienced to provide sex therapy too.
