Psychologists who are experts in sex therapy deal on a daily basis with patients who come to their consultations for different reasons: erectile dysfunction, lack of desire or excitement, difficulties in reaching orgasm, premature ejaculation… These problems often affect not only the person who suffers them, but also their partner.

But talking about sexual problems can be difficult, in large part because people in this situation can feel ashamed, guilty, failed, and defeated both in life and in front of their partners. Fortunately, sex therapy can help overcome these problems, the suffering they cause, and, in turn, improve well-being.

But… What does this form of therapy really entail? What are its benefits? In this article that we present today we are going to explain the characteristics of this type of therapy and the reasons why it is advisable to go to sex therapy.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy that can help people who are experiencing difficulties in their sex and love lives because they have a sexual disorder or are not comfortable with physical intimacy. Sexual dysfunctions, problems of gender identity , paraphilias (exhibitionism, voyeurism, etc.), conflicts regarding sexual orientation and even problems derived from sexual abuse, are some of the topics that are dealt with in psychotherapy sessions.

Sexual disorders or limitations can be multicausal and many factors may be involved in the maintenance of the problem. This is why professionals who work with sexual problems deal with psychological or mixed causes (that is, with psychological and organic elements), which means that intervention to solve this type of difficulty often requires multidisciplinary work, involving psychologists, gynaecologists, pelvic floor physiotherapists, among other specialists. The therapeutic process can last from two to three months to several years, although the latter is rare.

The impact of sexual problems on the couple

Sex therapy is often associated with couples’ therapy , as this type of problem can affect both partners when it occurs within the relationship. The fact is that intimate moments with the couple play a very important role in the unity and stability of the relationship and influence the emotional health of its members.

Sexual relations make both members feel a unique connection, but when this fails, the foundations that sustain the affective relationship can be destabilized . Sometimes, the couple can attend psychotherapy sessions together when the problem affects both of them.

When to go for sex therapy

According to recent research, approximately 20% of men are not satisfied with their sex lives and only 30% of women claim to be. However, only one third of those affected seek psychological help despite the fact that the benefits of sex therapy are more than proven.

The most frequent reasons for going to sex therapy are

  • The lack of sexual desire.
  • Difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) or premature ejaculation for men.
  • Difficulty in having an orgasm
  • Pain during sex or inability to have penetrative sex.
  • Fear or aversion to sex.
  • Sexual assault or abuse.
  • Lack of sexual skills.
  • Sexual disinterest or problems derived from the monotony of the couple.
  • Sex addiction.
  • Gender dysphoria.
  • Paraphilias.

It is necessary to emphasize that it is not essential to have serious problems to go to this type of therapy, as sex therapy can also be useful to treat other issues. For example: to vary and enrich the erotic repertoire of the couple or to develop social skills in the field of sexuality. At the beginning of sex therapy, each individual case is always carefully evaluated to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Where to find such a therapist

If you identify with any point in this article and you are looking for a sex therapist, it is essential to find a psychologist specialized in this type of problem, because sexuality is a sensitive subject and, in many cases, it is somewhat delicate to start a therapeutic program of these characteristics.

In this sense, one of the most prestigious psychology centres, which has been offering psychotherapy services for more than 35 years, is the Mensalus Institute in Barcelona.

Mensalus Institute: psychological assistance in sexuality and couple problems

Mensalus Institute is a psychology center formed by a multidisciplinary team highly specialized in sex and couples therapy, which offers its services both in person and online . Its professionals apply techniques and strategies aimed at treating limitations and dysfunctions in sexual performance so that you can achieve full and satisfactory sexuality.

Sex therapy is a positive resource for treating sexual disorders that often lead to great personal suffering, stressful situations, low self-confidence and self-esteem, and in many cases, relationship problems. Mensalus can help you overcome this difficult situation and can provide you with tools to regain emotional balance and mental well-being.

If you wish to obtain more information, just click here.