Sex therapy

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Sex therapy is a

painful sex (vaginismus and dyspareunia); as well as problems imposed by atypical sexual interests (paraphilias), gender dysphoria (and being transgender), highly overactive libido or hypersexuality, a lack of sexual confidence, and recovering from sexual abuse (such as rape or sexual assault); and also includes sexual issues related to aging, illness, or disability.[1]

Practice

Modern sex therapy often integrates

pharmacological, relational, and contextual aspects of sexual problems.[3]

Sex therapy requires rigorous evaluation that includes a medical and psychological examination. The reason is that sexual dysfunction may have a somatic base or a psychogenic basis. A clear example is erectile dysfunction (sometimes still called "impotence"), whose causes may include circulatory problems and performance anxiety. Sex therapy is frequently short term, with duration depending on the causes for therapy.[4]

Sex therapy can be provided by licensed psychologists or physicians, who have undergone training and become certified.[4] These trainings and certifications usually begin with a master's degree, and internship, and a license. This can take up to two years, and longer if a doctoral degree is desired.

Certified sex therapists do not have sexual contact with their clients.

sex surrogates. Whereas sex therapists discuss and instruct clients in sex-based exercises to be performed at home between sessions, sexual surrogates participate in the exercises with their clients as part of helping them to practice and develop improved skills. Therapists and surrogates sometimes collaborate on cases.[citation needed
]

Symptoms

Sex therapy sessions are focused on the individual's symptoms rather than on underlying

LGBTQ-identified people.[4]

A therapist's misunderstanding of these conflicts can lead to resistance or serve as a barrier to improving sexual dysfunctions that are directly or indirectly related to sex.[5] The interest in sex therapy among couples has increased along with the number of sexuality educators, counselors, and therapists.[5] Today, sexual problems are no longer regarded as symptoms of hidden deviant, pathological, or psychological defects in maturity or development.[3] Sex therapy has also influenced the emergence of sexual medicine and exploring integrative approaches to sex therapy, in addition to reducing or eliminating sexual problems and increasing sexual satisfaction for individuals of all stages of life. Health therapists, educators, and counselors are conducting research and administering surveys to fully understand normative sexual function – what most people do and experience as they grow older and live longer.[3]

Aging and sexuality

See also: Sexuality in older age

Both physical and emotional transformation throughout various stages of life can affect the body and sexuality. The subsequent decline in

circulatory functioning may lead to sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal pain.[6] These physical changes often affect the intensity of youthful sex and may give way to more subdued responses during middle and later life.[6] Issues with low libido and sexual dysfunction are usually considered to be a byproduct of old age. The emotional byproducts of maturity, however — increased confidence, better communication skills, and lessened inhibitions — can help create a richer, more nuanced, and ultimately satisfying sexual experience.[6] During AARP's last surveys in 1999, 2004, and 2009 statistics show well-being among older adults has increased; however, overall sexual satisfaction has decreased.[7] Nevertheless, older adults believed that an active sexual life offers great pleasure and contributes materially to overall emotional and physical health.[7]

Older adults

A woman touches a man's face.
Sex therapy, at any age, often involves sensate-focused touching.

Over the years, little attention has been paid to older adults and sexuality. As the population of older adults and life expectancy continue to grow, there is information about sex therapy but it is often not easily accepted. Cultural and sexual roles are always changing throughout the life-course. As people age, they are often viewed as

mental health disorders may have an effect on sexual behavior, producing disinhibition or relationship difficulties with subsequent effects on couple's sexual relationships.[8]

Sex therapy with older adults looks at factors which influence sexuality in older adults, including sexual desire, sexual activity, the value of sexuality, and health.

psychodynamic therapy.[10]

Sex therapy for older adults is similar to sex therapy with other populations. It includes the use of water-based

personal lubricants (for decreased vaginal lubrication), hormone therapy, and medications.[11] Sex therapists working with older adults should know about sexuality and aging.[10] They should also be aware of how stereotypes affect their clients.[8] This is especially true for LGBT-identified clients.[11]

Older adults may also need more education about their sexuality and sexual functioning.

sexually transmitted infections (STDs/STIs), such as HIV/AIDS.[13]

History

Sex therapy has existed in different cultures throughout time, including ancient India, China, Greece, and Rome.

tantric yoga, among others.[16] Much of sex therapy and sexual dysfunction in Western cultures was limited to scientific discussion, especially throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century.[16]

Sexologists such as

Henry Havelock Ellis and Alfred Kinsey began conducting research in the area of human sexuality during the first half of the 20th century.[14][16] This work was groundbreaking and controversial in the scientific arena.[16]

In the 1950s, sex therapy was concerned with "controlling sexual expression" and repressing what was then-considered deviant behaviors, such as homosexuality or having sex too often.

psychodynamic therapy as well.[14] The combination of hypnotic procedures with humanistic psychodrama (Hans-Werner Gessmann 1976) is an option.[17] The work of Jack Annon in 1976 also saw the creation of the PLISSIT model that sought to create a structured system of levels for the therapist to follow.[18]

The mid-1980s saw the

antidepressants for their delayed ejaculation side-effects.[16] Hormone therapy was introduced to assist both male and female sexual dysfunction.[16] Dilators were used to treat women with vaginismus and surgical procedures to increase the size of the vaginal opening and treat vulvar pain were also introduced.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ Binik, Y. M., & Hall, K. S. K. (2014). Principles and practice of sex therapy (5th ed.). NY: Guildford,
  2. ^ Bancroft, J. (2009). Human Sexuality and Its Problems (3rd ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier.
  3. ^
    ISBN 978-1-60623-827-1
    . Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d e Mayo Clinic. "Sex Therapy Definition". Mayo Clinic. Archived from the original on 2 February 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  5. ^
    ISBN 978-1-4613-3002-8
    .
  6. ^ a b c Harvard Health Publications. "Sexuality in Midlife and Beyond". Harvard Health. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  7. ^ a b Garrett, Mario. "Sex, Romance, and Relationships of Older Adults". Psychology Today. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e Hillman, Jennifer. "Sexual Issues and Aging Within the Context of Work With Older Adult Patients" (PDF). Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 May 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  9. S2CID 3161449. Archived from the original
    on 6 August 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  10. ^
    S2CID 219695201
    .
  11. ^
    ISBN 978-0-7817-7175-7
    . Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  12. ^ a b c Brick, Peggy. "Older, Wiser, Sexually Smarter". The Center for Family Life Education, Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern New Jersey, Inc. Archived from the original on 18 March 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  13. S2CID 2202973
    .
  14. ^
    doi:10.1002/aps.1315
    .
  15. ^ Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of essential oils: the complete guide to the use of aromatic oils in aromatherapy, herbalism, health, and well being. Conari Press, 2013
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Goodwach, Raie. "Sex Therapy: Historical Evolution, Current Practice. Part 1" (PDF). Fundamentals of Theory and Practice Revisited. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  17. ^ J. L. Moreno, James M. Enneis: Introduction into Hypnodrama. In: Hypnodrama. Beacon House Publishers, Psychodrama Monographs No. 27, 1950, p. 6 ff.
  18. ISBN 978-0-443-10024-6
    . Retrieved December 16, 2013.

Bibliography

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