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What Is Sexual Therapy for Couples?

Judith Smith Sullivan
Judith Smith Sullivan

Sexual therapy for couples is a short term form of therapy that usually takes place for 50 minutes on a weekly basis. The sessions are led by a therapist who is typically licensed by the state and certified by a professional organization. The number of sessions can range from five to 20. The American Association of Sexual Educators, Conselors, and Therapists does not condone or allow their members to engage in any type of sexual intimacy with their clients. Sexual therapy for couples is practiced in a theoretical sense, with couples implementing suggestions and advice in the privacy of their own homes.

As in couples therapy, two people meet with a therapist and discuss their concerns, focusing particularly on their sexual relationship. Since sex is a complex physiological and emotional process, the effects of the mind and body can be manifest in a couple's sex life. Problems with either partner's emotional or physical state can affect the sexual relationship of a couple.

Couples may seek sexual therapy to work out sexual problems in their relationship.
Couples may seek sexual therapy to work out sexual problems in their relationship.

Therapists specializing in sexual therapy for couples typically have a great deal of knowledge about sex, reproductive organs, and the emotional dynamic of a sexual relationship. They are also typically trained as traditional psychologists or psychiatrists but have additional credentials as sexual therapists. Only licensed psychiatrists can prescribe medication, so most sexual therapists do not treat sexual problems with medication. If a client shows symptoms of a physical sexual problem, the sex therapist refers that client to a medical doctor.

Sexual therapy for couples might be helpful in restoring intimacy.
Sexual therapy for couples might be helpful in restoring intimacy.

Sexual therapy for couples is designed to help couples overcome difficulties which are adversely affecting their sexual relationship. Common issues are lack of desire, difficulty achieving sexual climax, sexual intimacy after the birth of a child, and previous abuse or betrayal. There are many other issues which can be resolved through sexual therapy for couples.

Couples may develop medical conditions that make it difficult for them to enjoy a healthy sex life.
Couples may develop medical conditions that make it difficult for them to enjoy a healthy sex life.

There are different approaches to sex therapy. Typically, the therapist addresses the emotional reasons for a couple's problems in their sex life. In some cases, simply opening the lines of communication between two people in a safe environment helps resolve many issues. Expressing expectations and feelings without receiving condemnation from the other person can restore lost trust and relieve anxiety.

Sexual therapy can deal with emotions or the mechanics of sex, or both.
Sexual therapy can deal with emotions or the mechanics of sex, or both.

Some sex therapists do not believe all sexual problems have emotional roots, so they deal directly with the mechanics of sex. They give advice and suggestions for specific sexual acts. Typically, the couples are required to practice these suggestions at home as "homework" before returning to their next session.

Therapists sometimes use erotic images, videos, or other media in the treatment of their clients. Not all therapists believe that this is helpful, and some believe is unethical and morally wrong. Although not always the case, it is common for sexual therapists who profess to be Christian therapists to refrain from using erotic media as part of treatment.

Discussion Comments

anon312084

Sex is important for all adult men and women, according to common the animal and mankind nature. However, the difference is that mankind is bound to follow some customs of society, either in the shape of law or illegal practices.

For example, the law allows persons 18 years and over to get married without any restriction, but social customs drive us to manage marriage with parents and if they reject your proposal, you are not allowed because it will become disobedience of parents that is forbidden in Islamic law. So, you can only obey them or request their permission.

Especially rural social practices react harshly if they claim, or courtly marriage, and would even kill them.

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    • Couples may seek sexual therapy to work out sexual problems in their relationship.
      By: Creativa
      Couples may seek sexual therapy to work out sexual problems in their relationship.
    • Sexual therapy for couples might be helpful in restoring intimacy.
      By: Artem Furman
      Sexual therapy for couples might be helpful in restoring intimacy.
    • Couples may develop medical conditions that make it difficult for them to enjoy a healthy sex life.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Couples may develop medical conditions that make it difficult for them to enjoy a healthy sex life.
    • Sexual therapy can deal with emotions or the mechanics of sex, or both.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Sexual therapy can deal with emotions or the mechanics of sex, or both.
    • Sexual therapy can help couples become romantic again.
      By: inarik
      Sexual therapy can help couples become romantic again.
    • Some therapists do not believe that all sexual problems have emotional roots.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Some therapists do not believe that all sexual problems have emotional roots.
    • In sexual therapy for couples, two people can talk to a therapist about their concerns about their sexual relationship.
      By: Syda Productions
      In sexual therapy for couples, two people can talk to a therapist about their concerns about their sexual relationship.