What is sex therapy with a psychologist really like?

Sex therapy can help overcome various sexual problems, ranging from sexual dysfunction such as impotence and anorgasmia (difficult / unable to orgasm), low libido, to sex addiction.

Currently, many people still think negatively when they hear the word sex therapy. It is not uncommon for those who associate it with obscene activities or prostitution advertising. In fact, what happened during the therapy was not what you imagined. However, what happened during this therapy?

Sex therapy is the same as consulting a psychologist in general

The course of sex therapy is not much different from consulting a psychologist for psychological problems in general. During psychological counseling, the therapist or counselor will usually ask some light questions to get to know you better. Starting from what is happening in your life, what makes you go to therapy, what is interfering with your life, and what goals you want to achieve.

The therapist can also ask about your sex life history in detail, perhaps including how often you have sex and what you feel is a problem with your bed. The reason is, most sexual problems or disorders generally stem from psychological problems, such as stress, depression and anxiety. People who experience sex problems due to certain medical conditions, accidents, or surgery can also consult a sex therapist.

Basically, sex therapy is the same as any other type of therapy that requires you to open up through a confidant session so that the therapist can detect the root of the problem to help you manage your emotions and views about the root of the problem and then he will help you find a solution. Whether it's by changing yourself, keeping yourself away from the source of the problem, or learning new techniques to control emotions.

What needs to be understood, this therapy cannot cure or treat physical limitations and problems that cause sexual dysfunction. In many cases, sex therapy can only help sexual problems that stem from mental or emotional problems.

The therapist will probably give you "homework".

One sex therapy session usually lasts one hour each week, and is generally done for 5-20 sessions depending on the agreement. Every therapist, counselor, or psychologist must have a different way of dealing with client problems.

During these sessions, the therapist will give you "homework" to do at home. Some of the most common tasks assigned by therapists include:

Read books related to reproductive organs and their functions, to sexuality
Learn to relax and relieve stress and distractions during sexual intercourse
Practice communication skills with your partner in as positive a way as you want
Non-sexual touching technique exercises, which are exercises designed to help relieve stress during sex with a partner. This exercise is usually done in stages, starting with touching or caressing the partner's body parts, except in the genital areas. The goal is to help both partners understand how to recognize and convey their sexual preferences instead of trying to reach orgasm.

You are allowed to bring a partner

In most cases, sexual problems stem from what is happening around you, not from certain diseases or medical conditions. Whether it's daily stress to conflict or communication problems with a partner that ultimately lowers arousal. Therefore, the therapist may advise you to bring your partner with you for the next counseling session.

Talk to the therapist honestly about what happened between you and your partner. For example, sex therapy may be useful to help treat erectile dysfunction caused by stress due to work, financial problems, relationship conflicts, and poor communication. The therapist will certainly be happy to listen to complaints and help provide solutions to both of your problems.

But you can also solve your personal problems first with counseling before bringing your partner.

You will not be asked to take off your clothes

One thing is for sure, no counselor tells patients to undress in a therapist's office. Moreover, asked to show genitals or do any sexual activity / position.

Yvonne K. Fulbright, PhD, a sex educator and professor of sexuality at American University, was quoted from the Everyday Health website, saying that this should not be the case. If you are asked to do so, immediately leave the area and seek legal assistance.