Sex and Intimacy

Sex and Intimacy issues —within counselling and psychotherapeutic settings— involve a wide range of concerns, which can include:

• Sexual dissatisfaction.

• Sexual disorders.

• Tensions / discomfort surrounding sex.

• Difficulties / concerns surrounding sexual fantasies.

• Issues surrounding ejaculation.

• Issues surrounding erections.

• Issues surrounding orgasms.

• Issues surrounding sexual interest/desire.

• Issues surrounding non-medical pain.

• Other specific sexual difficulties.

• Other unspecificed sexual difficulties.

Working with difficulties in sex and intimacy can come with many different approaches, such as:

• Reducing anxiety surrounding sex and intimacy.

• Providing psychoeducation about various components surrounding sex and intimacy.

• Exploring the person’s understanding and beliefs about sex and intimacy.

• Promoting lifestyle changes that can enhance sex and intimacy.

• Promoting acceptance surrounding the reality and normalcy surrounding difficulties with sex and intimacy.

If someone is experiencing difficulty around sex and intimacy, it is important to recognize that it is a common issue and is often a normal component in the development of a person’s love life. Such issues can invite the therapist and client to explore the nature of these issues, which may include exploration of how they started, how they are affecting the individual, as well as exploring how to move forward.