The Importance of Couple Sex Therapy

All couples have difficulties with sex and intimacy at some point in their relationship. Sometimes these difficulties become the focus of a couple’s dissatisfaction. Although some sexual problems can be addressed with medication, surgery or practicing certain techniques, often couples discover that medication and techniques alone cannot address the complexities of desire and affection.
 
The primary goal of couple sex therapy is to encourage both emotional and physical intimacy. This is done by using the sexual aspect of the relationship as a starting point from which to achieve a balance between separateness and relatedness. Partners are encouraged to identify and communicate their sexual needs and desires in ways that maintain personal integrity and respect for the partner. It is in the crucible of “mature dependency” that a good sexual relationship is born.​
Although some sexual problems can be addressed with medication, surgery or practicing certain techniques, often couples discover that medication and techniques alone cannot address the complexities of desire and affection.

The Desire to be
​ Desired


​     More than the ability to perform, most people want to experience desire and being desired. A good sexual experience typically involves a fluid interaction between the body’s ability to transmit and respond to physical stimulation, on the one hand and how we feel with and about our partner on the other hand.
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     It is the subjective, emotional process each of us experiences that brings meaning to our sexual experiences. Most of us want that process to be characterized by passion…at least some of the time. Human sexual desire can appear very straightforward but it often very complex…even fragile. The complexity that makes us capable of profoundly meaningful sex also makes low sexual desire a very common complaint.
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What Happens in Couple Sex Therapy?


​     Couple sex therapy offers a structured environment within which partners can develop a mutual understanding of their relational and sexual history. In addition, they can explore what motivates them toward or away from emotional and/or physical intimacy. Each partner will also be offered the opportunity to develop an understanding of his/her contribution to the sexual difficulties being addressed.

Sexual Problems Addressed May Include:
  • Male Erectile Disorder
  • Rapid Ejaculation
  • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
  • Low or No Sexual Desire
  • Female/Male Difficulty Achieving Orgasm
  • Sexual Aversion