Sarah Erickson Relationship Counsellor and Psychosexual Therapist BASRT/COSRT Accred. Couple Counsellor DIP
What is Sex Therapy?
Very often people struggle with a sexual difficulty in silence feeling embarrassed and ashamed , unable to discuss their issues with anyone. Psychosexual Therapy helps both individuals and couples to overcome this.
I offer an initial assessment to talk through the problem and to decide the way forward. At this stage the aim is to give voice to what is happening and for me to give information about the therapeutic options. You could be offered a programme of therapy of Sensate Focus exercises which is based on behavioural change, practised in the privacy of your own home. It is designed to remove pressure on sexual performance and concentrates much more in the early stages on rebuilding intimacy. Sometimes I may suggest you visit your GP to examine other organic possibilities before engaging in Therapy.
What Sex Therapy is not
It is not a quick fix. Some problems take longer to solve than others, and much depends on your willingness to engage with the therapy. It is not ‘hands on’ . You do the exercises at home alone or with your partner and then feed back to me during your appointment.
Programme of Therapy
It is a method of changing behaviour based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT] practised generally , but not exclusively, with your partner and has a 93% success rate. Whilst there are no guarantees the process produces positive change in most cases.
I also work with those with gender issues and those who have suffered sexual abuse and trauma. Therapy provides the opportunity to share deep seated concerns, anxieties and secrets and helps to put the difficulties into perspective giving the individual a greater sense of acceptance and understanding. This process impacts positively on self esteem.
Sexual Disorder Definitions
Male Erectile Disorder [DSM IV]
Persistent or recurrent inability to retain or maintain until completion an adequate erection.
Premature Ejaculation [DSM IV]
Persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal sexual stimulation before, on, or shortly after penetration and before a person wishes it. The Clinician will take into account the contextual situation ie age, new relationship, and recent frequency of sexual activity.
Male Orgasmic Disorder [DSM IV]
Persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of orgasm following normal sexual stimulation. The Clinician will take into account age, adequate focus and intensity and duration of sexual activity.
Vaginismus [DSM IV]
Recurrent or persistent involuntary spasm of the musculature of the outer third of the vagina that interferes with sexual intercourse.
Dyspareunia [DSM IV]
Recurrent or persistent genital pain associated with sexual intercourse in either male or female.
Female Orgasmic Disorder [DSM IV]
Persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of orgasm following a normal excitement phase. Women exhibit a wide variation in the type or intensity of stimulation that triggers orgasm. The diagnosis of FOD should be based on the Clinicians judgement that the woman’s orgasmic capacity is less than would be reasonable for her age, sexual experience, and the adequacy of the sexual stimulation she received.
Female Sexual Arousal Disorder [DSM IV]
Persistent or recurrent inability to attain, or maintain until completion of sexual activity an adequate lubrication-swelling response to sexual excitement.
Sexual Aversion Disorder [DSM IV]
Persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to, and avoidance of all [or almost all] genital sexual contact with a sexual partner.