If you suffer from a sexual problem, a relationship problem, or both, you are not alone!

Sexual dysfunction is not just an individual's problem, it is a couple's problem. The effects of sexual dysfunction can be dramatic and devastating to the relationship. Challenges to the treatment of sexual dysfunction which affect the relationship for the couple include, but are not limited to unfamiliarity of the disorder, under-diagnosis of the disorder, the cost of therapy, embarrassment and adherence to the recommended therapy.

The impact of the disorder can manifest itself in complex psychological and interpersonal issues, diminished physical and emotional intimacy and decreased satisfaction with relationships and sexual life. Both partners may have distressing emotions including embarrassment, shame, self-doubt, shyness, feelings of inferiority, anxiety, depression, fear, apprehension, loneliness, disconnection with the partner and others, anger, resentment and frustration.

The role of sex therapy is to help people explore their sexual concerns, better communicate their sexual needs, and expand their repertoire of sexual and sensual activities. By increasing the overall pleasure and intimacy of sexual contact, a couple will be able to enjoy expressions of sensuality that are free from the goal-driven pressures of intercourse and orgasm.

Much of the work of sex therapy is actually done at home between meetings with the therapist. After the initial getting-to-know-each-other period, the therapist will assign you and your partner materials to read or behavioral exercises to practice at home. You'll be asked to focus on your feelings and sensations during the assignment and to discuss them with the therapist in the next session.

The therapist may also serve as a sex educator. In many cases — for example, with age-related changes or vaginal pain syndromes — understanding the physiological basis of the problem often goes a long way toward relieving your anxiety, as well as your partner's. The therapist will discuss such issues with you during therapy sessions and may suggest useful books and videos. He or she will also challenge erroneous beliefs that stand in the way of enjoyable sex, such as "All sexual contact must lead to intercourse," "The man must be in charge of the sexual activity," or "Foreplay is only for teenagers."

Sexual problems are nearly always intertwined with psychological issues. As a result, solving the physical problem (if one is present) is only half the battle. If sexual issues persist for any length of time, performance anxiety, anger, frustration, low self-esteem, lack of physical affection between you and your partner, and a sense of hopelessness about the problem can further debilitate your sex life. So can a tendency to blame yourself or your partner for the problem. Most people need help repairing the emotional distance created by the problem before they can regain a healthy sexual relationship.

Sex therapy can also help you learn to control other factors that inhibit your sexual performance. By understanding where stressors lie and how they influence sexual functioning, a couple can take steps to create a relaxed, distraction-free environment for sex.

The likelihood of obtaining a successful outcome in sex therapy is increased when both partners in a relationship are willing to work together. Both individual and relationship issues may thus be addressed. It is possible to work on individual issues with sexuality when only one partner comes to therapy.

If you or your partner are struggling with a sexual issues

please contact us today to setup a meeting with a certified sex therapist.

There are two ways to setup an appointment with one of our counselors:

1) Fill out the Contact Form and a counselor will call you with 24-hours; 2) Call our offices at 303-933-5800.