Sex Therapy
Why would someone benefit from sex therapy?
There are many reasons for a person to seek sex therapy. People experiencing concerns about arousal, performance, or satisfaction are likely to seek sex therapy. Among these problems are decreased or increased desires for sexual intimacy, or in the case of a relationship, mismatched or discrepant desire or interest in sexual intimacy. People of all genders and orientations can experience concerns about arousal; there are many causes and options for solving these problems. At any age, performance or lovemaking skills can be of concern, as well as concerns about orgasm and satisfaction or lack thereof. Additionally, concerns about sexual trauma in one’s background, medical conditions that affect one’s sexuality, sexual pain disorders, concerns about gender identity or sexual orientation, and issues around sexual compulsivity or addiction are frequent concerns that people discuss with Irene.
What is the sex therapy process like?
The sex therapy process is very similar to that experienced with other mental health practitioners. Irene will meet with the person as an individual or with a couple where an extensive history of the concerns will be taken. Irene will note both the psychological and the physical components and will establish one or more diagnoses. After this, a treatment plan will be proposed, with the individual’s or couple’s involvement in its development. In some instances, the Irene may work closely with the person’s physician, nurse, or other therapist or counselor to establish causes and remedies for the problems. Depending on the diagnosis, Irene will educate the person or relationship about the issue and discuss possible options for change. This educational process may occur through suggested reading material, through watching educational audio-visual materials, through discussion with the therapist, through attending workshops, or all of these therapeutic processes. Sometimes having more information will allow the problem to resolve. Sometimes more specific or intensive therapy will be needed.
Does sex therapy involve any touch with the therapist?
In no instances and under no circumstances will Irene observe a therapy client having sex nor engage in any kind of sexual activity with a therapy patient/client, whether in the office or in any location. To do so is a breach of ethics, and in some states and provinces is a crime.