WHAT IS SEXUAL THERAPY?

Sexual therapy is a form of counseling aimed at helping individuals and couples resolve sexual difficulties such as performance anxiety or relationship problems. Sexual difficulties can have various causes. These causes can be physical (illness, disability / chronic illness, accident, surgery, or medications), psychological (depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions), emotional (unhappiness in the relationship, unresolved grief), situational (specific situations or environments). Seeing a doctor is a good first step in situations where the cause is thought to be of physical origin. Sometimes there are ways that doctors can help people with problems (for example, trying different medications), but they may also suggest psychosexual therapy if it doesn't help. Partners can meet with a sexual therapist alone, but if the problem is affecting the other partner, it is effective for them to participate in the therapy process.

WHICH PROBLEMS ARE WORKED ON IN SEXUAL THERAPY?

Sexual therapy can help people who have any problems or difficulties in their sexual relationships. In men, these problems can be in the form of a lack of sexual desire, difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, premature ejaculation, or other ejaculation problems. In women, problems such as lack of sexual desire, inability to have orgasm can be observed during sexual intercourse. Generally, talking to a stranger about sex life may feel uncomfortable, but sexual therapists do not judge anyone about these problems. Being honest and talking about problems experienced in this secret environment can help the client discover the cause of the problem and get help to overcome or manage symptoms.

HOW IS THE SEXUAL THERAPY DONE?

People may decide to start sexual therapy by first identifying their specific sexual concerns. Sexual problems can be complex, and therapists will want to get a clear idea of ​​all factors. In this case, the therapist may often ask the client to take an in-depth assessment of their history and present their concerns regarding sexual intercourse. Once the therapist understands the situation, they will discuss ways the client can resolve their concerns and improve communication and intimacy. If people that have a relationship applying for sexual therapy, it would be better to include their partners in sexual therapy. Homework can also be given to the client and their partner during the therapy process. These tasks may consist of practices such as communication exercises with the partner, focusing on emotions, slowing down, and sexual intercourse (attention techniques), reading or watching educational videos about sexual techniques, changing the way of communication with the partner during sexual intercourse. Concerns about sexual intercourse and intimacy can often be linked to underlying issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression, but in other cases may arise from conditions such as impaired sexual function, chronic illness, side effects of medications, surgeries or aging.

TO WHOM SEXUAL THERAPY CAN HELP?

Sexual therapy can help solve a variety of sexual problems, from concerns or feelings about sexual function to the client's relationship with their partner. Anyone who has any problems regarding the issues mentioned below can apply for sexual therapy.

• Concerns about sexual desire or arousal
• Concerns about sexual interests or sexual orientation
• Compulsive sexual behavior
• Erectile dysfunction
• Very rapid ejaculation (premature ejaculation)
• Trouble reaching orgasm (anorgasmia)
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Disability or chronic problems 
• Concerns about past sexual trauma

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SEXUAL THERAPY?

Sexual therapy is a specific type of counseling that helps individuals and couples address problems and concerns about their sex lives. The purpose of the therapy session is to provide an empathetic perspective on the individual's problems by creating a client-centered environment that emphasizes unconditional positive respect, acceptance, and personal guidance to help the individual overcome concerns about gender and close relationships.

HOW LONG DOES SEXUAL THERAPY TAKE?

Sexual therapy usually takes a short time. Some issues can be quickly addressed in a few visits. However, in some cases a series of counseling sessions may be required. Session times can vary between 45 and 60 minutes. The duration and frequency of the sessions may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the problem, the amount of time that the client has had the problem, and how much the problem affects daily life.

IS IT NECESSARY TO USE MEDICINES IN SEXUAL THERAPY?

Depending on the client's concerns and physical health, seeing only one sexual therapist may be sufficient. Your sexual therapist can be part of a team that includes your doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or physical therapist. Medication may be helpful for some sexual concerns. A thorough medical evaluation can help the client determine the nature of their problem and all treatment options that may be appropriate for their situation.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SEXUAL THERAPISTS?

Sexual therapists must be compassionate, open-minded, impartial, non-judgmental and knowledgeable, as well as the ability to establish reassuring relationships with their clients. In order to build reassuring relationships, a sexual therapist must be able to listen to problems that the client thinks may be serious and embarrassing, and be able to approach clients with empathy and compassion. The sexual therapist should also know the ethical rules of their professional group and be able to apply them properly. At the same time, they must have good communication skills in order to convey the therapy process to the client in a way that they can understand.

IS ONLINE THERAPY USEFUL IN SEXUAL THERAPY?

Online therapy interview is a method that can be used to treat all kinds of problems, so it is also useful in sexual therapy. Clients who apply for sexual therapy with traditional face-to-face therapy methods may be shyer when explaining their problems during therapy sessions. In online therapy, the confidentiality of the clients is ensured, so they can express themselves more comfortably and display a less shy attitude. This is a factor that increases the efficiency of therapy.