What is Sex Therapy?
According to the World Health Organization, an important component of the physical and mental happiness of all people is a healthy sexual life. The professional support given by psychologists or psychiatrists trained in this field to people whose sexual life is disrupted for any reason and who are unhappy with it is called sexual therapy.
How is Sex Therapy Applied?
Sexual problems may occur due to organic, psychological or a combination of both. The cause determines the course of treatment. Before going to a sex therapist, an obstetrician or urologist should be consulted to determine whether there is an organic problem.
Sex therapy is applied in the therapy room by psychologists or psychiatrists trained and experienced in this field. In order to achieve more success from the treatment, it is recommended that the person who applies with a sexual problem has a partner, to attend the therapy with his partner. In the therapy room, the sexual problems experienced by the clients, the emotions and feelings they create are expressed, the solution attempts for these problems and their past sexual experiences are discussed with all clarity. If applied as a couple, sexual history and sexual problem history are taken by interviewing both partners separately at the first meeting. No sexual contact or any sexual intimacy takes place in the therapy room. The therapist provides educational information about sexuality by talking to the client or the couple, as well as using materials such as pictures and videos. Interviews are held in which thoughts, behaviors and feelings about sexual life are examined. Afterwards, various homework assignments are given and sexual therapy is applied.
What Sexual Dysfunctions Does Sex Therapy Treat?
Vaginismus (Involuntary contraction of the vagina muscles)
Premature (Uncontrolled) Ejaculation
Late (Over-Control) Ejaculation
Hardening Problem
Loss of sexual desire
Orgasm and Arousal Problems
Dyspareunia (Painful Sexual Intercourse)
Satyriasis (Male Sexual Dissatisfaction)
Nymphomania (Female Sexual Dissatisfaction)
Sexual Problems Are Not Destiny
The handling of sexual problems is changing and developing day by day in direct proportion to the change in perspective on sexuality. The main driving force of this change and development is the gradual differentiation and appreciation of the role of both men and women in the social and sexual sphere, although it is more for women. In Western societies, women who felt guilty about their sexual desires in the past, are now questioning themselves about having better sex and orgasm. On the other hand, although male sexuality finds a little more freedom in our country and in the societies in the east, the oppressive attitude on both male and female sexuality still continues. Many people who grew up in these cultures have difficulties in expressing their sexual problems. Sexual problems are not destiny. It is mostly due to lack of sexual education. The common reasons for most people or couples who have sexual problems despite having a healthy body and mental structure in our country are; Lack of sexual knowledge, insufficient sexual experience, false beliefs (myths) about sexuality, upbringing according to the culture, strict religious and moral beliefs and traditional sexual roles.
Every individual has the right to have a healthy and happy sexual life. If your quality of life and emotional health are being affected by your “sexual dysfunction”, it may be necessary to see a sexual therapist without neglecting yourself.
