Sex therapy: what it is, how it works and when to seek it

The organization Prazerela recently revealed that only 36% of Brazilian women claim to have orgasm during sexual intercourse. This and other issues of sexuality can be addressed through sex therapy. Next, learn more about how it works and when it’s interesting to look for it.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy consists of a set of practices applied by a sexologist, seeking to improve aspects of sexual life. In therapy, both psychological and physical issues can be worked out.

Milena Ramos Brandão, gynecologist and sexologist (CRM-BA 15.790 / CRM-PE 28.534), explains that several techniques can be used in the treatment: “general psychotherapy resources are used, such as the therapeutic interview, for example, and specific resources, such as vaginal dilation in vaginismus.

What is sex therapy for?

Overall, it helps to improve the relationship with sex. Milena explains: “The goals are to treat sexual disorders (sexual complaints) presented by people, or at least, if it is not possible to completely reverse it, minimize the impact of such disorders on their sexual practice”. Thus, sex therapy helps to achieve a more satisfying sex life.

In this way, sex therapy has the general objective “to make couples sexually adequate to each other, within what each one considers pleasurable and satisfying in sex”, points out the gynecologist and sexologist.

When to seek sex therapy

Milena says that therapy can be sought whenever there are issues of sexual dissatisfaction, whether personal or with the partnership. The following are some issues that can be addressed in this way:

• Vaginismus;
• Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse);
• Low libido;
• Anorgasmia (absence of orgasm);
• Difficulty reaching orgasm;
• Trauma related to sex;
• Erectile dysfunction (impotence);
• Ejaculatory disorders (both premature and delayed ejaculation).

So, if you fit into any of these issues or have other problems related to sex, it may be interesting to seek this kind of help. After all, sexual activity needs to be pleasurable to be of quality.

How it works: myths, truths and doubts

Sex-related matters are surrounded by myths and taboos. It may be that, even if you need help, you have resistance to seek because of it. So check out the main myths, truths and doubts about sex therapy.

“How it works?”

It consists of a weekly meeting that can last between 30 and 60 minutes – the time is agreed between therapist and patient. Milena explains: “the main element of the session is the therapeutic interview, but other resources are also used, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive work, vaginal or penile exercises, depending on each case”.

“Is sex therapy a type of psychotherapy?”

TRUTH: “it is a psychotherapy that leads the individual to solve sexual difficulties, through a mental work of re-signification of beliefs and values ​​that limit them sexually, seeking to create and solidify new thoughts and routines to build a satisfactory sexual reality for themselves. and its partnership”, explains Milena.

“Is sex therapy the same as couples therapy?”

MYTH: Milena explains that couples therapy applies to dealing with difficulties in the marital relationship as a whole. Therefore, couples therapy does not apply to difficulties with sex itself. Sex therapy can even be done with a couple, but it is used to address issues related to sex.

“Do you need to have a partner for sex therapy?”

MYTH: It can also be done by single people. “As long as she perceives the difficulty and seeks help, following all the proposed guidelines”, explains the gynecologist and sexologist.

“Do you need to have an active sex life to do sex therapy?”

MYTH: You don’t need to have a partner to seek help, but help is usually sought when a person seeks to be sexually active, even through the practice of masturbation.

“Can any sexual matters be dealt with?”

TRUTH: Milena claims that all sexual matters can be handled with therapy without any problems. However, there may be other issues to work on, such as a non-sexual problem between the couple. In this case, Milena indicates the possibility of seeking help with couples therapy.

Sex therapy may be a solution for you. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek this help, after all, sex needs to be pleasurable. Also check out our guide on how to reach orgasm.