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For many people talking about sexuality can be awkward and
uncomfortable. An effort is made in therapy to create a sense of
emotional safety, so that, at your own pace, sexual issues can be discussed
openly as part of a collaborative effort to set goals and reach them.
Sometimes just individual therapy is indicated; in other
situations, couples therapy is the most effective way to go. In
couples work, some individual interviews are generally part of the process,
since people usually feel more comfortable sharing some information, like
history, without their partner present. The idea would then be to integrate
important and useful information from the individual interviews into the couples sessions.
Current areas of focus in my practice:
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Clarifying needs and conditions for a good, healthy sexual
experience, including reducing anxiety about sex; challenging myths and unrealistic expectations about sex and
sexual performance; clarifying values around sexuality; and facilitating
communication. |
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Desire issues for both sexes: The most common presenting
problem in sex therapy today involves lack of desire on the part of
either gender; or desire discrepancies between partners which creates
conflict. Therapy addresses these issues and seeks a satisfying
outcome on an individual and couple level. |
| Male sexuality. Therapy seeks resolution of
problems like: difficulties getting or maintaining erections; reaching
orgasm too soon; difficulties reaching orgasm; lack of desire. Although there are now medications,
like viagra, that may help with some kinds of problems, medications do not
work for everyone, and they do not in themselves address psychosocial
factors that continue to interfere with sexual satisfaction. Therapy
can involve discussing the proper role of medication and medical procedures
in resolving sexual problems. Other important areas of concern
include: the impact of general medical condition on sexual functioning, and the impact of aging on
sexuality. |
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Female sexuality. Lack of desire is a common presenting
problem that can be a focus of therapy. For some other issues that go beyond
desire - like difficulties reaching orgasm, pain or muscle spasm around
intercourse - I often refer to female therapists in the area, as many
clients feel more comfortable talking to a woman about these issues.
In that case, I
may still play a role in the healing process as a couples therapist. |
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