Couples therapy
Couples sex therapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to resolve sexual or relationship difficulties affecting a couple's intimate life. Unlike individual sex therapy, where the work focuses on a single person, couples therapy involves a broader approach that includes relationship dynamics and interactions between partners. This form of therapy is particularly useful for resolving conflicts, restoring intimate communication, and overcoming sexual blockages or dysfunctions that impact the couple's harmony.
Goals of couples sex therapy
The goal of couples sex therapy is to improve the quality of the couple's sex life, restore intimacy, and promote healthy communication. Reasons for couples to seek counseling may include:
Sexual disorders: Sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, or orgasm problems can affect the intimate relationship and sexual satisfaction of both partners.
Decreased sexual desire: A decrease in desire or pleasure can affect one or both partners, creating tension or discomfort within the couple.
Lack of communication: Sexual communication is essential for expressing one's needs, expectations, and desires. A lack of communication can lead to frustration or misunderstanding.
Relationship conflicts: Relationship problems, such as disagreements about sexuality or different expectations, can have a direct impact on a couple's intimate life.
Trauma or stressful events: Past trauma, such as abuse or emotional shock, can affect a couple's sexuality. Similarly, stressful life events (such as the birth of a child, moving house, or financial problems) can lead to a deterioration in intimacy.
Reconciliation after a breach of trust: If major conflicts, such as infidelity, have occurred, the couple may seek to restore trust and give new meaning to their shared sexuality.
My role as a sex therapist in treating couples
I work in a professional, caring, and confidential setting to help partners better understand their respective sexual needs and desires, while addressing the relationship difficulties that affect them. I have several roles during therapy:
Listening and mediation: The sex therapist provides a neutral space where each partner can express themselves freely. They facilitate communication between the two members of the couple, helping them to understand each other's points of view and feelings.
Identifying underlying problems: By analyzing the sources of difficulties, whether sexual, emotional, or relational, the sex therapist helps the couple identify common or individual issues to be addressed.
Psychological support: When the couple is facing deep conflicts, the sex therapist can offer emotional support to help the partners overcome tensions and strengthen their emotional bond.
Practical strategies and tools: Sex therapists can suggest practical exercises, such as role-playing, communication exercises, or activities aimed at rekindling desire and intimacy. For example, they may suggest non-sexual touch exercises to reestablish emotional connection or exercises aimed at reducing anxiety related to sexual performance.
Creating a safe environment: The therapist ensures that the therapeutic space is safe and non-judgmental so that each partner can openly discuss often sensitive topics.
The benefits of couples sex therapy :
Improved communication: Couples learn to express themselves better and listen to each other, promoting a more harmonious relationship.
Restored desire and pleasure: Practical exercises and listening help to rekindle desire and sexual intimacy.
Strengthening of the emotional bond: By working together on their issues, partners strengthen their emotional relationship and intimacy.
Reduction of tension and conflict: Therapy helps resolve conflicts that affect the couple's sexuality, promoting a climate of understanding and mutual respect.
Restoring trust: After periods of doubt or broken trust (for example, after infidelity), sex therapy can help rebuild a stronger relationship.
Don't wait for embarrassment, discomfort, or conflict to set in. A couple is like a plant that needs to be cared for every day!