Mismatched Desires – How Sex Therapy Can Help You Connect

Sex is a powerful way for two people to bond and feel true intimacy with one another. But what happens when one person in the relationship has less of a sex drive than the other person? Are they destined for relationship doom, or can they meet somewhere in the middle?

The answer is, plenty of couples suffer from this exact same scenario and many of them have found solutions by working with a sex therapist.

What is a Sex Therapist?

A sex therapist is a certified mental health professional who helps people suffering from sexual difficulties or dysfunction that are not a result of a physical issue. Sex therapists address underlying mental and emotional issues that may be causing the sexual problems you are dealing with. Common issues they help clients with are:

·      Low libido

·      Erectile dysfunction

·      Anxiety related to sex

·      An inability to orgasm or get aroused

·      Fear of sex

·      Mismatched sex drives in couples

·      And more…

What You Can Expect in a Sex Therapy Session

If you and your partner have mismatched sex drives and are considering seeing a sex therapist, you no doubt have a lot of questions. What will it be like? Will you feel awkward and embarrassed? Do you have to take your clothes off? (no to that last question BTW!)

The following are some things you can expect during a sex therapy session:

Many Questions!

In order for a trained therapist to help you with your problem, you and your partner will need to be pretty open about your sex life. A good therapist will make you comfortable and ease into the conversation. But be prepared to eventually open up and honestly answer questions.

Testing

Since a sex therapist is trained to tackle sexual issues from a mental and emotional angle, he or she may suggest you make an appointment with your doctors to have some bloodwork and other potential tests conducted. Oftentimes, sex drive issues can be a result of imbalanced hormones and other physical ailments.

Homework

Therapy is more effective when the couple continues to do the work at home in-between sessions. I often have my clients try specific exercises at home. This helps them and gives us a starting point at our next session.

The idea of sex therapy can be very intimidating but I assure you, it can be a gentle process that ultimately helps you and your partner get closer together. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch with me.

SOURCES:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/insight-is-2020/201303/how-couples-can-cope-different-libidos-sexual-desire

https://smilemakerscollection.com/blog/pleasure-tips/partners-mismatched-libidos/

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-sex-therapist-5210416