Sex Therapy: How It Works and Health Benefits

Discover how sex therapy can help resolve issues of sexuality and intimacy with the guidance of specialized professionals. Learn five advantages of this therapeutic approach.

You and your partner may not always be able to solve all problems on your own, and that’s okay: sex therapy exists precisely to help in these situations.

For many, sex therapy may seem excessive or even embarrassing. But in reality, it is a specialized form of psychotherapy focused on addressing issues related to sexuality and intimacy.

Conducted by professionals specialized and trained in psychology, sex therapy helps individuals or couples resolve issues such as sexual dysfunctions, relationship difficulties, or concerns about sexual identity.

The benefits of this type of therapy for sexual and psychological health, whether for the man himself or the couple, are numerous.

Next, we will present 5 advantages of sex therapy. Stay tuned!

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a form of therapeutic intervention, conducted by psychologists, psychiatrists, or other specialized health professionals, focused on resolving issues related to sexuality.

It emerged in the 1960s, driven by the work of Americans William Masters and Virginia Johnson, the first to develop detailed scientific research on human sexual response.

The method aims to address issues such as sexual dysfunctions, intimate relationship difficulties, and concerns about sexual identity.

What problems are treated in therapy?

For men, there are numerous problems that can be treated in sex therapy. Among the main ones are:

Erectile dysfunction;
Premature ejaculation;
Delayed ejaculation;
Anorgasmia;
Low sexual desire;
Performance anxiety;
Gender dysphoria or sexual identity issues;
Difficulties resulting from previous sexual trauma;
Sexual compulsion.

In addition to helping with physical and personal issues, it also helps to improve self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and even promote a more satisfying and intimate relationship.

Sex therapy also addresses possible sexual communication problems with the partner and can help resolve underlying emotional issues that impact sexual life, promoting well-being.

How does sex therapy work?

While common therapy covers various emotional and psychological issues, sex therapy specifically focuses on problems related to sexuality and intimacy.

The main difference between them lies in the motivation to resolve certain problems and the specialized techniques that are used to treat dysfunctions and improve sexual health.

Both forms of therapy aim to promote general well-being, but sex therapy directly addresses intimate and sensitive aspects of the patients’ lives.

Like common therapy, sex therapy is a structured process that involves several stages, including:

Initial assessment: initial interview and diagnosis, if possible;
Setting goals: therapeutic goals established with the patient;
Therapeutic interventions: identification of the most applicable technique, cognitive-behavioral therapy; behavioral exercises; sexual education or couple therapy;
Continuous monitoring and evaluation: with regular sessions and adjustments, if necessary;
End of treatment: with goal review and maintenance plan.

The main goal of sex therapy is to help patients solve their sexual difficulties and improve, in the long or short term (depending on the severity of the problem), not only their sexual health but also their emotional health.

Who should undergo sex therapy and when should I seek a therapist?

If you have already received a diagnosis and/or treatment recommendation for a problem of sexual origin, it is important that you follow the recommendation for sex therapy.

This may happen through the referral of a urologist, for example, or a psychologist who addresses issues more broadly.

However, if this is not your case, know that anyone facing difficulties in their sexual life and who desires improvements in this area of life can and should seek a specialized therapist.

Additionally, couples facing difficulties in sexual communication or who wish to improve intimacy can also benefit from sex therapy.

When to seek a therapist

If you feel that your sexual difficulties are negatively impacting your quality of life or your relationships, seeking a sex therapist may be beneficial. This way, you will have all the specialized support to help you understand and overcome these challenges.

Consider seeking a sex therapist mainly when:

You are facing persistent difficulties in your sexual life, of physical or psychological origin;
You have problems with sexual communication;
You feel uncomfortable or anxious about your sexuality, sexual identity, or sexual practices;
You have experienced sexual trauma that affects your sexual and emotional life;
You wish to explore and improve specific aspects of your sexual life to increase overall well-being and the quality of your relationships.

5 Advantages of therapy

Sex therapy brings significant benefits that can positively transform sexual life and relationships. Check out the main benefits:

1. Reduction of sexual anxiety and stress

First of all, sex therapy can significantly contribute to reducing sexual anxiety and stress, helping men to deal with concerns more calmly, whether they are about sexual performance, very high expectations, or self-image problems, promoting a more comfortable approach.

2. Improvement of emotional connection

Sex therapy also facilitates the emotional connection between partners, encouraging more open and understanding communication about desires and needs, in order to strengthen intimacy and affective bond.

3. Increase in sexual satisfaction

When the problem is the lack of desire, sex therapy can be an ally to understand what is wrong in terms of sexual satisfaction. It can help identify and resolve obstacles and underlying causes that limit pleasure, promoting a more satisfying sexuality.

4. Strengthening of self-esteem and confidence

When we address aspects as important to men’s health as self-esteem and confidence, sex therapy stands out in overcoming traumas and insecurities. This approach can significantly improve self-image, promoting a full and satisfying life.

5. Improvement of mental health

Physical, sexual, and mental health are always interconnected in some way. For this reason, when there are sexual or relationship issues, sex therapy significantly contributes to improvements.

Additionally, it is a powerful ally to discover underlying emotional issues that can affect both sexual life and general well-being, providing psychological support for a balanced and full life.

In general, sex therapy not only addresses specific issues related to sexuality but also offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and improvement in quality of life.

Those facing challenges such as sexual dysfunctions, affective communication, and self-image can find support and specialized guidance to regain quality of life.

Facing difficulties that impact your sexual life? Schedule a pre-assessment with Dr. Paulo Egydio today to explore your specific needs and discover how sex therapy can improve your daily life.

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