"Is Sex Therapy right for me?"
Women and their partners seek specialized sexual therapy for many reasons as the origins of sexual problems are complex. Regardless of what motivates you to gather information or to schedule an appointment, you are to be commended. It takes courage to acknowledge that a problem may exist in an area that is traditionally very private and sensitive, and to decide to make some positive changes. Today many astute women proactively seek the advice of a specialized therapist in order to expand their own intimate sexual choices and improve the quality of their loving relationship.
Whether you choose to come in alone or accompanied by your partner, working with an AASECT-certified therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of sexual, lifestyle, medical and stage-of-life challenges.
Sexual therapy is right for women who are interested in getting the most out of their life — by encouraging them to take responsibility for their health and well-being, by creating greater self awareness and expanding opportunities for partner intimacy.
What can I expect in a therapy session?
Every therapy session is unique and geared toward your specific goals. During therapy sessions, it is standard to talk openly and honestly with the counselor about your sexual issues and behaviors, as well as, the other major concerns in your life. You will never be asked to remove your clothing or to do anything in a therapy session that may make you feel uncomfortable. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, each lasting at least 60 minutes, or longer. Sometimes individuals who are going through a particularly tough time may temporarily benefit from an additional session per week.
There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions. Frequently, reading, record keeping regarding specific behaviors, and sexual "homework" exercises that tend to shorten the length of treatment will be assigned. It is important for us to talk about what has been learned, practiced, and integrated into your sexual life. For therapy to be most effective, you must be a motivated, active participant, both during and between the sessions.
How long does Sex Therapy take?
No therapist can predict or guarantee with certainty how long it will take for you to achieve your goal(s) through sex therapy. My preferred approach is highly targeted and short-term, focusing on a specific issue(s). Most individuals reach their goals with 6-12 sessions. However, it may be necessary to extend therapy in order to deal with more complex medical problems, dysfunctional couple dynamics, or individual variations. By the end of your first, full evaluation session (90+minutes), you will receive a verbal estimate of the time and an outline of the steps typically involved in problem resolution or improvement.
Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Increased interest in engaging in sexual activity
- Learned ability to experience and achieve successful and more potent orgasms
- Increased confidence in expressing your own sexual needs by words and touch
- Decreased need to "fake orgasms"
- Enhanced body image and sexual confidence; decreased fear of intimate rejection
- Increased sense of "openess" to new sexual experiences
- Improved couples' intimate communication
- Attained insight into negative personal patterns and behavior
- Improved way to manage dissppointment and frustration
- Discovering new ways to solve old problems
- Improved listening and communication skills
- Enhancing the overall quality of life
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist client cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.