What makes sex therapy at Maze unique?
Sex therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a licensed therapist works with an individual or couple on improving sexual functioning and satisfaction. Good sex therapy targets not only the behavioral symptoms, but the emotions and feelings that may be creating a block to better sexual functioning. Sex therapy often includes some education in addition to discussion about toys and novelties that can enhance sexual pleasure.
Learn more about how sex therapy works, who can benefit from it and how to find the best sex therapist for you. Download our Sex Therapy E-Book.
How is Maze sex therapy different than stand-alone sex therapy?
Often sexual problems are the result of both physical obstacles and emotional issues. Thus, while sex therapy can be helpful in addressing sexual dysfunction, a sex therapist is unable to medically rule out different factors, perform an exam, or prescribe medications. Unfortunately, sometimes this reality can translate into months spent in talk therapy trying to get to the bottom of an issue that, in fact, needs to be addressed medically and can be solved within a relatively short amount of time.
At Maze, sex therapy is a unique, cutting edge collaborative model that integrates the medical, emotional, and behavioral components of treating sexual dysfunction — all under one roof. We get the whole picture of what’s going on — not just your symptoms, but all the other factors that may be contributing, and we work with you to develop a treatment plan that not only brings you relief, but pleasure and excitement in your sex life. Our therapists see you as a person, not a diagnosis, and offer guidance and support in a safe and gentle environment.
Additional Resources:
Sex Therapy for Out of Town Patients
What are some reasons people need sex therapy?
There are various reasons why someone may turn to sex therapy. Here are some examples of issues:
- Shame or awkwardness around sex
- Feelings of sexual incompetence
- Negative associations around sex
- Difficulty communicating about sex with partner
- Low or no sexual desire, lack of interest
- Lack of arousal, or feeling like it fizzles too quickly
- Difficulty having an orgasm
- Pain during intercourse
- Sex after childbirth, peri-menopause and post-menopause sex issues, sex after cancer/illness
What are the limitations of sex therapy?
In recent years, research into the area of female sexuality has become more focused. We are beginning to understand the complicated physiology of blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and how surgeries, childbirth, illnesses, medications, hormonal changes and aging may affect a woman’s sexual experience.
Often sexual problems are the result of both physical obstacles and emotional issues. Thus, while sex therapy can be helpful in addressing sexual dysfunction, a sex therapist is unable to medically rule out different factors, perform an exam, or prescribe medication. Unfortunately, in some cases, months can be wasted in sex therapy trying to “get to the bottom” of an issue that actually is medical and has evidence-based treatment.
How to choose a sex therapist.
A really good sex therapist will be both an excellent couples’ counselor as well as someone with experience dealing with sexual issues. Choosing a therapist should be carefully considered, so we’ve provided a list of questions in our E-Book you may want to consider when talking to a potential therapist.