Sex therapy is talk therapy aimed at helping overcome challenges that may affect their sexual satisfaction. While you and your partner may not feel like your sex life is perfect, it is challenging to know if or when to seek sex therapy.
This blog aims to provide information about:
- signs that show a need for sex therapy;
- common reasons couples seek sex therapy;
- how to navigate the challenges of intimacy in a relationship, and
- the benefits of seeking professional help for your sexual concerns.
Understanding the Signs That Show the Need for Sex Therapy
Many couples seek sex therapy in the following situations:
- they experience mismatched libidos,
- They are not sure how to get back into having sex after having a baby,
- have low drive when they have small children,
- opening up the relationship to include swinging and/or polyamoroury;
- porn issues;
- religious issues;
- infidelity.
Some other couples seek sex therapy to build upon and enhance the sex life they currently have.
Common Reasons Couples Seek Sex Therapy
Insight’s sex therapists provide support in many areas including:
- erectile dysfunction & premature ejaculation;
- lack of sexual desire;
- sexual pain disorders;
- anorgasmia (inability to orgasm);
- sexuality, coming out, LGBTQIA2S+ issues, transgender issues;
- fetishes or philias;
- sexual compulsion, and/or porn addiction;
- kink, swinging and polyamorous issues, and many others.
The goal of sex therapy is to provide education and tools for individuals and couples to overcome sexual challenges, create a fulfilling sex life, and enhance their intimate relationships.
Navigating the Challenges of Intimacy in a Relationship
Intimacy is a closeness built through communication and non-sexual physical affection (i.e. holding hands or cuddling) that is felt between partners in a relationship. Over time, without intervention, intimacy can fade within romantic partnerships.
Research shows that a lack of intimacy within a romantic partnership can negatively affect sexual satisfaction for both parties in the relationship.¹ Some ways that you and your partner can maintain and enhance intimacy in your relationship include, but are not limited to:
- Ask for what you want within the relationship (sexual or non-sexual) and encourage your partner to do the same.
- Take time to listen and share with your partner every day.
- Focus on quality time together and try new experiences (i.e. a new restaurant or hobby) with each other.
While these tactics may help ease intimacy issues in your relationship, working with a sex therapy professional will be most beneficial in addressing specific concerns you or your partner may have within your unique relationship dynamic and enhancing sexual satisfaction.
The Benefits of Seeking Professional Help for Your Sexual Concerns
Meeting with a therapist who has expertise in sexual concerns can make a significant difference in your life. Seeking professional help for your sexual challenges will allow you to regain control, reignite passion, and optimize your sex life.
If you want to learn more about sex therapy and determine if it would be a good fit for you, Insight Psychological is here to help. Be sure to tune in to our podcast ‘Up the Rabbit Hole with a Sex Therapist’ where Dr. Cory Hrushka and Brandi Enns talk about all things sex and gender and answer questions sent to us via Ask A Therapist on our website. The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Music. Call 780-461-1717 or click here to book with one of our Edmonton or Calgary therapists today!
- Pascoal, P. M., Narciso, I., & Pereira, N. M. (2013). Emotional intimacy is the best predictor of sexual satisfaction of men and women with sexual arousal problems. International Journal of Impotence Research, 25(2), 51–55. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2012.38
