Sexual behaviors or impulses involving intense, recurring fantasies or urges are called paraphilias. They may involve objects, activities or situations that do not usually cause sexual arousal. Some individuals need their paraphilia to perform sexually, even though it may also cause distress. Paraphilias can lead...
Wondering what to expect from sex therapy? Here’s the typical course: The first session is a lot like any other psychotherapy intake, except the focus is on your sexuality. The therapist will ask about your sexual health, relationship history and any sexual trauma you may...
Most couples hit roadblocks in their relationship now and then. When barriers come up in the bedroom, sex therapy can be a quick fix. Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy focused on sexual wellbeing and health. You do not have sex in the therapist’s...
Sexual arousal disorders are mental, emotional and/or physical barriers to normal sexual response. Depression, poor body image, stress, anxiety and relationship challenges can all get in the way of arousal. Women in particular suffer from sexual arousal disorder. Some do not experience mental sexual excitement,...
There are all kinds of reasons a single person might want to talk with a sex therapist on their own: You may have questions, starting with something as basic as “how do women have orgasms?” A more complicated, yet frequent question is, “How can I figure out...
Do you worry about how you’re doing during sexual encounters? You might have sexual performance anxiety. Here’s a primer on what it is, why it might be happening, and what to do about it. Sex isn’t just physical. Your emotions play a role as well....
More than 50 years ago, Masters and Johnson began research on sexuality and sexual dysfunction that laid the foundation for modern sex therapy. Some of their techniques are still being used today. But today’s researchers have found new ways to view sexuality and innovative ways...
Is low libido a medical problem solved with drugs, or something that must be addressed with therapy? Scientists don’t agree, and some say it is both. New research published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy found a variance in motivations to have sex...
A common question I get in sex therapy is “Why can’t I have an orgasm?” The answer can be complicated, and there are often more than one contributing factors. Because a lack of education is often involved, let’s start with a definition: The orgasm is...
When libidos don’t match up, it might seem to make practical sense for the higher-sex-drive person to look for sex outside the marriage. The fact that prostitution is considered “the oldest profession” attests to how often this solution is chosen. Unfortunately, it rarely works, unless...