Treatment options to overcome sexual and relationship problems

Treatment options to overcome sexual and relationship problems

Our sexual desires, interests, behaviors, attitudes, and problems are not separate from the rest of our lives. If you currently have a sexual problem, e.g. For example, if you feel impotent (unable to become aroused or gain control of your sexual response), you may also feel impotent, inadequate, or helpless in other areas of your life. If your sexual problem is that you have difficulty achieving orgasm or continuing the sexual act until your partner is also satisfied, you may have a general fear of letting go, trusting others, and losing control.

Perhaps you have a sexual problem that is part of a pervasive inability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Or perhaps the joy of touch and touching was suppressed in you in your earliest years due to the attitudes and behavior of others. And for some people, religious and spiritual beliefs have interfered with sexual enjoyment, even within the sacred space of marriage.

This article provides a summary of the treatments available to help you overcome sexual problems.

Medical treatments may include:

– Psychotropic medications to inhibit emotional problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts and behavior, mood swings)

– Medications to increase sexual desire and sexual arousal (hormone therapy, increasing erection, increasing arousal)

– Surgery to improve physical attractiveness, change sexual characteristics, or eliminate pain symptoms

Physical treatments may include:

– Biofeedback

– Physiotherapy (e.g. pelvic floor massage)

– EMDR

– Massage and body therapy therapies – (e.g. massage, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, acupuncture, pelvic floor treatment)

Sex therapy treatments may include:

– Sexual history

– Anatomical training

– Sensation focus, squeeze technique, stop/start, Kegel exercises

– Videos, vibrators, dilators, sex toys, aphrodisiacs

– Tantra sexual practices, substitute partners

– Somatic experience

Couples and marriage therapy treatments may include:

– Listening comprehension, empathetic reflection and insight training

– Exploring the depths of desires, emotions, reactions and experiences

– Negotiation skills, willingness to compromise and communication skills

– Exploring alternative perspectives and lifestyles

– Extended family and family of origin dynamics

– Cultural, ethnic, religious and spiritual concerns

– Male/female roles and roles in and outside of the relationship

– Learn to resolve both internal and interpersonal conflicts

– Manage, reduce or relieve symptoms of emotional distress

– Behavioral changes to improve couple functioning

Individual psychotherapy can include:

– A specific psychotherapeutic style or eclectic approach that incorporates various theories, methods and techniques

– Orientation towards the past as a source of problems in the present

– Little interaction between analyst and patient until the analyst offers interpretations of what the patient is experiencing

– A “holding environment” that allows the client to feel safe enough to explore important life issues in depth

– Long-term treatment, sometimes several times a week

Body psychotherapy can include:

– Somatic experience

– Body metaphors and body image

- Touch

– Empathy and security

– Body, mind and soul

– Mental health skills

Group psychotherapy and workshops can be:

– Reduced isolation and greater insight through sharing with other people who have similar concerns

– Emotional containment, emotional expression, empathy and support

– Developing and adhering to guidelines and rules of conduct

Telephone and online advice can be:

– Insight, understanding and support

– A feeling of security and anonymity

– Easier communication because verbal cues are not distracting

Alternative practitioner psychotherapy

The best place to find alternative practitioners psychotherapy is in our free alternative practitioner directory. To view all alternative psychotherapy practitioners, please click here.