Navigating Sexual Concerns in Your Relationship: A Guide for Couples

Sexual concerns can be a sensitive and challenging topic for couples to address. Many couples may feel uncomfortable discussing their concerns or may not be aware of the resources available to them.

As a couple, it is crucial to recognize the importance of seeking help from a qualified sexologist who specializes in sex therapy when facing sexual concerns. Sexologists with expertise in sex therapy have specialized training and knowledge in addressing sexual issues within the context of a relationship. They can provide targeted support and evidence-based interventions to improve your sexual experiences and overall well-being.

Understanding the Difference:

Relationship Counseling: Relationship counselors primarily focus on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and enhancing emotional connection within a relationship. They help couples navigate challenges such as trust issues, infidelity, or differences in values and goals. Relationship counseling is valuable for addressing relationship dynamics, but it may not provide the specialized support needed to address complex sexual concerns.

Sex Therapy: Professionals specializing in sex therapy have specific training and expertise in addressing sexual concerns. They are knowledgeable about sexual health, sexual functioning, and intimacy issues. Sex therapists can help clients navigate challenges such as low desire, sexual pain, erectile dysfunction, or difficulties with orgasm. They provide evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs and work collaboratively with clients to improve their sexual experiences and overall well-being.

I have specific training in both as I’ve had extensive training in human sexuality (Doctorate in Human Sexuality, Certificate in Sex Therapy), training in coaching (ICF ACC status), relationship coaching and counseling (Masters in Counseling, Relationship Coaching from Relationship Coach Institute).

Why Seek Help from a Sexologist Specializing in Sex Therapy?

Specialized Knowledge: Sexologists specializing in sex therapy have specific training in sexual health, sexual functioning, and intimacy issues. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address complex sexual concerns that may arise within a relationship.
Tailored Interventions: Sexologists specializing in sex therapy provide personalized interventions based on your unique needs and challenges. They work collaboratively with you as a couple to develop effective strategies and techniques to improve your sexual relationship.
Safe and Non-Judgmental Space: Sexologists specializing in sex therapy create a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can openly discuss your sexual desires, concerns, and challenges. They understand the sensitive nature of these discussions and provide support without judgment.
Comprehensive Approach: Sexologists specializing in sex therapy take a holistic approach to addressing sexual concerns within the context of your relationship. They consider factors such as communication, emotional connection, and relationship dynamics alongside sexual health and intimacy issues.
Referral Network: If additional support is needed beyond their expertise, sexologists specializing in sex therapy have established referral networks with other professionals who specialize in related areas, such as relationship counseling or medical interventions.

Steps to Seeking Help:

Acknowledge the Importance: Recognize that addressing sexual concerns is crucial for the overall health and satisfaction of your relationship. Understand that seeking help from a sexologist specializing in sex therapy is not a sign of weakness but rather a proactive step towards improving your sexual experiences.
Research and Choose a Qualified Professional: Take the time to research and choose a sexologist specializing in sex therapy who has the necessary qualifications and experience in working with couples on sexual concerns. Look for professionals who are members of governing bodies or counseling associations related to sexology and sex therapy.
Assess Experience and Credentials: Inquire about the sexologist’s experience in working specifically with couples on sexual concerns. Ask about their training, certifications, and any additional qualifications they may have in this area. Choose a sexologist who has the expertise and track record addressing clients similar to your sexual concern.
Be Prepared for Intake: When you begin working with a sexologist specializing in sex therapy, be prepared for an intake process that explores both your relationship dynamics and sexual issues. This intake will help identify underlying factors contributing to your concerns and guide the development of an effective treatment plan.
Maintain Open Communication: Throughout the therapeutic process, maintain open communication with your sexologist specializing in sex therapy. Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, as this will help guide the treatment and ensure that your needs are being addressed.
Patience and Understanding: Addressing sexual concerns in a relationship takes time and patience. Understand that progress may not happen overnight, and it is important to be patient with yourselves and with the therapeutic process. Trust in your sexologist’s expertise and guidance, and be open to trying new strategies and techniques.
Practice Homework Assignments: Your sexologist specializing in sex therapy may assign homework assignments or exercises for you to practice outside of therapy sessions. These assignments are designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in therapy and make progress in your sexual relationship. It is important to actively engage in these assignments and communicate any challenges or successes you experience.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-in sessions with your sexologist specializing in sex therapy to assess your progress and address any new concerns or challenges that may arise. These check-ins will help ensure that you are on track with your treatment plan and allow for adjustments if needed.
Maintain Openness and Honesty: Throughout the therapeutic process, it is crucial to maintain openness and honesty with your partner and with your sexologist specializing in sex therapy. Share your thoughts, feelings, desires, and concerns openly to foster a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and to facilitate effective treatment.
Celebrate Progress: As you make progress in addressing sexual concerns within your relationship, take the time to celebrate your achievements together. Recognize the effort and commitment you have both put into improving your sexual experiences and celebrate the positive changes you have made as a couple.

Remember, seeking help from a sexologist specializing in sex therapy is a proactive step towards addressing sexual concerns within your relationship. By working together with a qualified professional, you can navigate these challenges, improve your sexual experiences, and strengthen the overall health of your relationship.

If you are experiencing sexual concerns within your relationship, I invite you to consider seeking help from a qualified sexologist specializing in sex therapy like myself. As a sexologist with expertise in both relationship counseling and sex therapy, I am dedicated to providing personalized support and evidence-based interventions to help couples improve their sexual experiences and overall well-being.

Schedule a consultation or learn more about my services, please visit my website at www.ErosCoaching.com or contact me at info@eroscoaching.com. Don’t hesitate to take this important step towards enhancing your sexual health and relationship satisfaction.

References:

American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). (n.d.). Find a Professional. Retrieved from https://www.aasect.org/referral-directory
American Psychological Association (APA). (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

About Dr. Martha Tara Lee

Dr. Martha Tara Lee has been a passionate advocate for positive sexuality since 2007. With a Doctorate in Human Sexuality and a Masters in Counseling, she launched Eros Coaching in 2009 to help individuals and couples lead self-actualised and pleasurable lives. Her expertise includes working with couples who have unconsummated marriage, individuals with sexual inhibitions and discrepancies in sexual desire, men with erection and ejaculation concerns, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and kink communities. Dr. Lee welcomes all sexual orientations and is available for online and face-to-face consultations. Martha speaks English and Mandarin.

She is the only certified sexuality educator by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in the region (as of 2011) and is also an AASECT certified sexuality educator supervisor (as of 2018). She strives to provide fun, educational, and sex-positive events and is often cited in the media including Huffington Post, Newsweek, South China Morning Post, and more. She is the appointed Resident Sexologist for Singapore Cancer Society, Of Noah.sg, OfZoey.sg, and Virtus Fertility Centre. She is the host of radio show Eros Evolution for OMTimes Radio. In recognition of her work, she was named one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40’ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She is the author of Love, Sex and Everything In-Between (2013), Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between (2015), From Princess to Queen: Heartbreaks, Heartgasms and Everything In-Between (2017), and {Un}Inhihibited (2019).