What is sex therapy?

Countless relationships are struggling with one or another form of sexual dysfunction. When nothing physical has been diagnosed, the doctor might advise that you should consult a sex therapist, especially if emotional issues are involved. Unfortunately, there is an erroneous idea that sex therapy is strange, kinky, and bordering on the abnormal. In fact, there is nothing quirky about sex therapy, and it is like any other form of counselling.

The difference is that sex therapy is conducted by someone who is specifically trained in psychological methods of treatment to help solve sex and relationship problems. A sex therapist can help you work through old, unresolved emotional issues that may be adding to problems of low libido, a lack of sexual desire, or other sexual issues that are making your life difficult. If you are dealing with problems as a couple, it is recommended that you go together. But if you are working on your own personal issues, it may be beneficial to meet with the therapist alone a few times, before asking your partner to join in.

How does the counselling actually work?

The consultation takes place in the counsellor's office. Each person who visits a sex counsellor is unique, and counsellors are trained to have an awareness of sexuality that has nothing to do with their personal opinions or personal experiences. They are therefore able to give you unbiased, focused treatment relating to your own sexual concerns.

Some of the methods therapists may employ when counselling:

• Help you identify and deal with unresolved emotional issues which may be having a negative effect on your sex life.
• Suggest the use of non-sexual touching techniques which are exercises designed to get partners more attuned to each other.
• The exercises usually begin with stroking and touching on any part of the body, except the sex areas like the breasts or genitals.
• The goal is to experience the feeling of touching rather than a sexual encounter.
• These physical touching exercises, also known as "sensate focus," do not take place in the therapist's office.
• A therapist can also help to promote better communication between partners so that they can talk more openly to each other about wants and needs.

Note that you should never be required to do anything sexual in the confines of the therapist's office. And you should never ever be asked to remove any items of clothing.

Sex therapy isn't always for everyone

Sex therapy is similar to psychological counselling, which means that it will not fix anything that may have a physical or medical reason which has led to sexual difficulties.

However, these are intimate matters, and there are still folk who find it very difficult to talk to a professional about personal sexual things. Sexual therapy has helped to restore and rebuild relationships of many loving couples who might otherwise have given up and lost each other.

We can help

If you need to add a bit of spice to your love life, we can help. Herbal Remedies International has taken some potent, natural herbal ingredients and developed formulas to enhance the sexual experience of men and women, and combat issues of low libido.

Our products are safe to take and do not need a doctor's script. Visit us at www.herbalremedies.co.za to view our range of products, and the number of issues we cover.

We are here to help you!