The Role Of Sex Therapy: Womens Sexual Health
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
The role of sex therapy
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.
Licensed sex therapists are particularly well suited to this task. Although they're qualified to understand the same broad emotional issues as individual or couples therapists, sex therapists have advanced training in addressing specific sexual problems, and they use a more targeted approach. Initially, underlying personal dilemmas and relationship conflicts are addressed only in the context of your sexual problems. As a result, sex therapy will probably return you to sexual functioning sooner than traditional counseling. However, once the sexual issue is resolved, many people continue working with the sex therapist or another mental health professional to tackle deeper personal and relationship issues.
Sex therapy in the age of erectile dysfunction drugsWhen Viagra was first introduced, some sex therapists worried they would shortly be out of a job. But they soon learned otherwise. Erectile dysfunction can set in motion a cycle of emotional and relationship problems that need addressing. Likewise, an instant "cure" in the form of a pill can uncover other sources of sexual dysfunction, such a low libido, difficulties with arousal, or vaginal pain from menopausal changes. If Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis allows you to resume sex after a hiatus, a sex therapist can help you transition back to sexual activity. These are some of the therapist's tasks:
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| Last updated: | January 23, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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