Can Sex Therapy Boost My Libido?

If you’ve been experiencing a dip in your libido, you’re not alone. Many individuals and couples go through phases where sexual desire wanes, and this can be frustrating and concerning. One effective avenue to explore is sex therapy. But how exactly can sex therapy help boost your libido? Let’s delve into the ways it can support you in rekindling your sexual desire.

Understanding Libido

Before exploring sex therapy, it’s essential to understand what libido is. Libido refers to your sexual desire or interest in sexual activity, influenced by various factors including physical health, emotional state, relationship dynamics, and life circumstances. Changes in libido can be normal, but when it becomes distressing, seeking help can be beneficial.

The Role of Sex Therapy

Sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on addressing sexual issues. A qualified sex therapist can help individuals or couples navigate a range of concerns, from performance anxiety to communication barriers about sexual preferences. Here’s how sex therapy can specifically boost libido:

1. Addressing Underlying Issues

Often, low libido is a symptom of deeper issues—stress, anxiety, depression, or unresolved conflicts in a relationship. A sex therapist can help identify and address these underlying factors, providing tools to manage stress and improve emotional well-being, which can naturally enhance sexual desire.

2. Improving Communication

Many couples struggle with discussing their sexual needs and desires. A sex therapist can facilitate open and honest communication between partners, allowing them to express their feelings and desires without judgment. This improved dialogue can lead to greater intimacy and understanding, ultimately boosting libido.

3. Enhancing Emotional Connection

Emotional intimacy plays a significant role in sexual desire. Through therapy, partners can explore their emotional connection, work through past grievances, and strengthen their bond. When partners feel closer emotionally, their sexual desire often follows.

4. Exploring Sexual Preferences

Sometimes, low libido stems from dissatisfaction with sexual experiences. A sex therapist can help couples explore their sexual preferences and fantasies in a safe environment, encouraging experimentation and playfulness. This exploration can reignite passion and curiosity, leading to increased libido.

5. Addressing Physical Factors

Sex therapists often collaborate with medical professionals to address any physical factors affecting libido, such as hormonal imbalances, medication side effects, or health conditions. Understanding and managing these physical aspects can be crucial in restoring sexual desire.

6. Practicing Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Sex therapy often incorporates mindfulness practices to help individuals and couples become more attuned to their bodies and feelings. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and body awareness can reduce anxiety and increase present-moment enjoyment, enhancing sexual desire.

7. Setting Realistic Expectations

A sex therapist can help individuals and couples set realistic expectations about libido and sexual experiences. Understanding that fluctuations in desire are normal can alleviate pressure and create a more relaxed approach to intimacy, fostering a more enjoyable experience.

When to Consider Sex Therapy

If you’ve noticed a persistent decline in your libido that impacts your relationships or personal well-being, it may be time to consider sex therapy. It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and many have found relief and improved connection after working with a sex therapist.

TLDR

Sex therapy can be a valuable tool in boosting libido and enhancing overall sexual health. By addressing underlying issues, improving communication, and fostering emotional connection, therapy can create a safe space for exploration and healing. If you’re struggling with low libido, consider reaching out to a qualified sex therapist to embark on a journey toward revitalizing your sexual desire and enhancing your intimate relationships. Remember, you deserve a fulfilling and joyful sexual life!

What to Expect from Sex Therapy and How to know if it's working

Sex therapy is a valuable resource for individuals and couples looking to improve their sexual well-being, address concerns, and enhance their overall quality of life. However, questions often arise about its effectiveness and how to determine if sex therapy is making a positive impact. In this blog post, we'll explore the key aspects of sex therapy, including its effectiveness, common techniques, the therapy process, and when you should consider seeking a sex therapist. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of how to recognize that sex therapy is working for you.

Does Sex Therapy Work?

Before delving into the ways to know if sex therapy is working, it's important to address the fundamental question, does sex therapy work? The short answer is yes, sex therapy can be highly effective in addressing a wide range of sexual concerns. Whether you're struggling with sexual dysfunction, communication issues, or simply seeking to improve your sexual experiences, sex therapy can offer valuable support.

When Should I See a Sex Therapist?

You may benefit from seeing a sex therapist if you are experiencing or have experienced any of the following:

• Sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or anorgasmia)

• Difficulty with intimacy and connection with your partner

• Relationship conflicts related to sexual issues

• Lack of sexual desire or sexual satisfaction

• A history of trauma or sexual abuse 

• Out-of-control sexual behavior

What to Expect During Sex Therapy

The sex therapy process can vary, but it typically involves several stages including assessment, goal setting, intervention, homework and self-practice, progress review, and closure and maintenance.

Assessment

The therapist conducts an initial assessment to understand your concerns, goals, and background. This helps tailor the therapy to your specific needs. They’ll be interested in how long you have been experiencing that which you are concerned about and the ways in which it is impacting your daily functioning. Also, there is often an exploration of sexual scripts (e.g., what we believe about sex and where we learned it).

Goal Setting 

You and the therapist work together to set specific goals for therapy, which provides a clear direction for your sessions. Many therapists have different approaches to the goal setting process. Goals can range from addressing the sexual concerns explicitly to exploring and processing the impact of life events that may be informing the concern.

Intervention

Therapy sessions may include various techniques and exercises to address your concerns and work towards your goals. For example, communication exercises encourage open dialogue about desires and concerns. Education and psychoeducation offer accurate information about sexual functioning. Sensate focus exercises promote sensual exploration without an agenda. Cognitive-behavioral therapy targets negative thought patterns and behaviors, while mindfulness and relaxation techniques alleviate performance anxiety and enhance overall sexual experiences. These interventions are adapted to individual or couple needs, aiming to improve sexual satisfaction and promote healthy relationships.

Homework and Self-Practice

You and your partner may receive assignments to complete between sessions, fostering personal growth and progress. These activities are designed to help you actively work toward your goals. This is where much of the growth and progress occurs, when you use what you’re learning through therapy to bring about change in your life. It’s important to acknowledge that people tend to vary on their pace of therapy as well.

Progress Review

Periodically, you and your therapist will review your progress, adjust goals, and fine-tune the therapeutic approach as needed. These are often referred to as progress check-ins. It provides opportunities for the therapist and client to lean into the therapeutic relationship by discussing progress, offering feedback, and highlighting strengths. In some cases, clients can shift into closure or maintenance while others collaborate with their therapist to create new therapeutic goals, if desired.

Closure and Maintenance

Once your goals are met, therapy can conclude with strategies to maintain your progress and address any potential future concerns. This can look like adjusting the frequency of therapy sessions. These “maintenance” sessions are meant to help clients transition out of therapy while continuing to engage with the changes they created during the course of therapy.

Basic Sex Therapy Techniques

Sex therapists employ a variety of techniques to address their clients' needs.

• Education. Sex therapists often provide education about sexual health, anatomy, and the nature of sexual issues. Understanding the fundamentals can help demystify the challenges you face.

• Communication Skills. Therapists teach couples effective communication skills to express their desires, concerns, and boundaries in a non-confrontational manner.

• Behavioral Techniques. Behavioral techniques may involve exercises, assignments, or sensate focus exercises to help you and your partner become more attuned to each other's bodies and desires.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Exercises. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a valuable approach for addressing psychological factors contributing to sexual concerns. It helps reframe negative thought patterns and beliefs.

• Sensory Awareness. Exploring sensory awareness can help individuals and couples become more in tune with their bodies and sensations, leading to enhanced sexual experiences.

How to Know if Sex Therapy is Helping

Your Communication Improves

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a healthy sexual relationship. One of the first signs that sex therapy is working is enhanced communication between you and your partner. You'll find it easier to discuss your desires, concerns, and boundaries, leading to a more fulfilling sexual connection.

Your Comfort and Confidence Increases

Sex therapy often involves building self-confidence and self-acceptance. As you progress through therapy, you'll likely notice an increase in your comfort level, which can lead to a more satisfying sex life.

Your Sexual Dysfunction is Resolved

If you sought therapy for issues like erectile dysfunction, sexual pain, or low libido, progress is evident when you see tangible improvements in these areas. The ability to sustain an erection, reduce pain, or experience an increase in sexual desire are all positive indicators.

You Experience Greater Sexual Satisfaction

Ultimately, the goal of sex therapy is to enhance your sexual satisfaction. Positive results are visible when you and your partner report higher levels of fulfillment and enjoyment in your sexual experiences.

Takeaway

Sex therapy is a valuable service for addressing sexual concerns and improving your overall quality of life. Recognizing that sex therapy is working involves improvements in communication, comfort, and sexual satisfaction. If you're experiencing sexual issues or are simply looking to enhance your sexual well-being, don’t hesitate to seek the guidance of a qualified sex therapist. It can be the first step toward a more fulfilling and satisfying sex life.

Written by Seth Taylor, ALMFT

Sex Therapy vs. Couples Therapy: What’s the difference?

Maintaining a healthy and satisfying relationship is an ongoing process that can involve seeking guidance from professionals. Two common therapeutic modalities that people turn to for relationship issues are sex therapy and traditional couple's therapy. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key distinctions between these two approaches, address common questions people have about them, and explore whether sex therapy can help with specific sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or sexual pain. We'll also shed light on what couples can expect when they begin either of these therapies.

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on issues related to sexual dysfunction, intimacy, and sexual well-being. Sex therapists are trained to address a wide range of sexual concerns, including but not limited to erectile dysfunction, desire discrepancy, sexual pain, and performance anxiety. When practiced effectively, sex therapy can help individuals and couples understand and overcome sexual challenges to achieve a more fulfilling and satisfying sex life.

What Happens in Sex Therapy?

In sex therapy, clients can expect a safe and non-judgmental space where they can openly discuss their sexual concerns and desires. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, including communication exercises, psychoeducation, and behavioral homework assignments to help clients work through their issues. The primary goal is to enhance sexual communication, improve intimacy, and resolve sexual problems within the relationship.

What is Traditional Couples Therapy?

Traditional couples therapy, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, addresses a broader range of relationship issues. While sex may be a part of the discussion, the focus extends beyond sexual concerns to include communication problems, conflicts, trust issues, and overall relationship dynamics. Couples therapy is also an empirically validated treatment for these types of relationship issues.

Differences Between Sex Therapy and Couples Therapy

Specialization

The most significant difference is the specialization. Sex therapy is typically focused on sexual concerns, while traditional couples therapy covers a broader spectrum of relationship issues.

Depth of Exploration

Sex therapy delves deeply into sexual matters, addressing sexual dysfunction and intimacy problems with a high degree of specificity. In contrast, couples therapy explores a wide array of relationship dynamics, including non-sexual aspects of the partnership.

Approach

Sex therapy often includes a practical and skills-based approach, including behavioral exercises and psychoeducation. Couples therapy, on the other hand, focuses more on communication techniques and conflict resolution.

Therapist Expertise

Sex therapists receive specialized training in human sexuality and treating sexual issues, while couples therapists typically have more general training in relationships and psychology.

Treatment Duration

Sex therapy is often more short-term and solution-focused, aiming to address specific sexual concerns. Traditional couple's therapy may be more long-term, focusing on overall relationship improvement.

Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Needs

The choice between sex therapy and couples therapy depends on the specific issues you are facing within your relationship. If sexual problems are a significant concern, sex therapy might be the most appropriate choice. However, if your relationship issues encompass broader aspects of communication and connection, couples therapy may be a better fit. Remember that both forms of therapy can be conducted as a couple, so it's essential to communicate openly with your therapist about your goals and expectations.

Takeaway

Sex therapy and couples therapy serve distinct purposes within the realm of relationship counseling. Understanding their differences and knowing when to seek each type of therapy can significantly benefit couples striving to strengthen their bond and enhance their overall well being. Whether it's addressing low desire or erectile dysfunction, improving communication, or reigniting passion, the support of a skilled therapist can be a valuable asset on your journey to a more fulfilling relationship.

Written by Seth Taylor, ALMFT