In my private counseling practice
the most common sex therapy clients
are for sexual abuse, low (hypoactive) sexual desire, sexual addiction
(including
pornography), premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and female
orgasmic disorder (lack of orgasm). Here are some of the topics
discussed in
this section of the website:
Erotology
(erotic sexuality)--helping couples improve their sex lives--sizzelin'
sex.
Below is a discussion on these topics and links to additional web pages.
Sexual
Abuse
Sex therapy studies have
indicated that
between 50 and
80% of women have been sexually abused as children or teens. Sexual
abuse is often an underlying cause behind both relationship and sexual
issues. Hypnotherapy is an extremely powerful approach for addressing
sexual abuse and related issues. Read more...
Sexual
Dysfunctions
Sex therapy for sexual
dysfunctions can be
caused by both
physical and psychological causes. Only a medical doctor can evaluate
if there is a physical cause. Sexual abuse can also give rise to
dysfunctions. However, many psychologically-based sexual dysfunctions
arise from intimacy and differentiation issues. Differentiation refers
to the process through which we become more fully our unique selves
while staying in relationship with those we love. It is a life-long
process. Differentiation is one of our species driving life forces.
Sexual dysfunctions include Sexual Desire Disorders, Sexual Arousal
Disorders, Orgasmic Disorders, Sexual Pain Disorders
Hypoactive
Sexual Desire
Disorder--refers to a lack or recurrent deficiency in
fantasies and desire for sexual activity. In both men and women, this
is a lack of or persistent decrease in sexual desire. Post-menopausal
women often experience a drop in desire that accompanies the physical
and physiological changes of their bodies.
Sexual Aversion
Disorder--is
a persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to and avoidance of all, or
almost all, genital sexual contact with a sexual partner.
Sexual Arousal
Disorders--
Known as, female sexual arousal disorder, this is a
persistent or
recurring inability to maintain an adequate vaginal lubrication-vulva
swelling response during sexual activity. Read more
Known from the ads on TV as Erectile Dysfunction, in men this is the
inability to
maintain an adequate erection during sex, a.k.a impotence.
Orgasmic Disorders--
Male or female Orgasmic
Disorder
refers to the persistent and recurring inability to have an orgasm
during sex.
Premature
Ejaculation--persistent
and recurring ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, on,
or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it. Sex
therapy for this was pioneered by Masters and Johnson. Read more...
Sexual Pain Disorders--
Dyspareunia,
not
due to a general medical condition, can arise in males or females. It
is a recurrent or persistent genital pain associated with intercourse.
Vaginismus,
not
due to general medical condition, is the recurrent or persistent
involuntary spasm of musculature of the outer third of the vagina that
interferes with sexual intercourse.
The paraphilias include a
variety of what
society considers non-normal sexual behaviors, some of which are
criminal behaviors.
Exhibitionism--Recurrent,
intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors
involving the exposure of one's genitals to an unsuspecting stranger.
Fetishism--not
your Native American totems, these involve recurrent, intense, sexually
arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the use of
non-living objects (e.g. women's underwear, shoes, clothing).
Frotteurism--Recurrent,
intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors
involving touching and rubbing against a non-consenting person.
Pedophilia--a
criminal offense, involves recurrent, intense, sexually arousing
fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving prepubescent child or
children under 13 years of age. Therapist are required by law to report
these or any case of child abuse.
Sexual Masochism--Recurrent,
intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors
involving the act (real) of being humiliated, beaten, bound, or
otherwise made to suffer.
Sexual Sadism--Recurrent,
intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors
involving real acts in which psychological or physical suffering,
including humiliation of the victim is sexually exciting to the person.
Transvestic
Fetishism--
a heterosexual male has recurrent, intense, sexually arousing
fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving cross-dressing
(dressing as a woman).
Voyeurism--Recurrent,
intense, sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors
involving the act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked, in
the process of disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity.
There are a bunch of
others that are
listed under, "Not Otherwise Specified."
Gender Indentiy Disorders have to do with being
born in a body of one gender but feeling that you are really the
opposite gender. That is, being born a male but feeling that you are
really a female and visa versa. This is not the same as cross-dressing.
Gender Orientation
Current research indicates that sexual preferences are not learned but
that we are pretty much born with them. There is some indication that
the brain organization laid down in early development may play an
important role in gender orientation. The truth is, you are either
attracted to males or females. There is a major dispute over whether
someone can be truely bisexual. This is not to say that you can't have
sex with both sexes and enjoy it. It means rather that you have a
natural preference for one sex or the other. Sex therapy for gender
orientation is more about becoming comfortable with who you are, not in
"curing" you.
Erotology
This is about enhancing your sex life, that is the erotic. There are
several resources available that can help you spice up your sex life.
