Talking about intimacy with therapist When starting with a new therapist, ask them whether they help people with issues related to sex, sexuality, and identity. In relationship counseling and marriage therapy, there is always something to learn about sex and intimacy. Dec 19, 2024 · Being able and willing to talk about sex will help put a finer point on any of those overlapping issues as well. When we talk about intimacy, both sexual and emotional intimacy are equally important and closely related to each other. This ‘talk-time ratio’ can often be 80:20 in favour of the client; indeed, this metric is thought to predict positive clinical outcomes (Miller and Rollnick, 2023). 18:01: Chris’s Sex Questions & the Advice That Works; 42:20: How to Take Responsibility for Your Pleasure. 1:02:15: A Sex Therapist’s 3 Tips for Better Sex. It’s liberating to talk about something “shameful” and have the therapist not only listen to you without judging but validate your thoughts and experiences. Although many may think of physical or sexual intimacy when they hear the word intimacy, there are several other factors that contribute to the depth of your intimate relatio Jan 15, 2022 · A certain level of intimacy is necessary in psychotherapeutic relationships for them to be effective, but it can sometimes develop further into more intimate feelings and behaviors related to friendship and sexuality, into friendship, or even into sexual relationships. Part of this process may involve focusing on cultivating other types of intimacy. I train therapists to work with sex issues, and many therapists have told me they are nervous to talk about sex in therapy. The thing that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy… So, what is that killer? Nov 11, 2024 · Of course, if you’ve been struggling with talking about sex or making progress on an intimacy-related issue, seeing a sex and relationship therapist could be the next step you need to get on the same page. Dec 24, 2024 · Talking about sex in your sessions can seem scary, especially if you’ve never done it. Discover why sexual communication matters, understand common barriers, and get practical steps to improve your relationship's sexual dialogue. May 14, 2024 · “Intimacy” refers to closeness, and it’s another part of life that intersects with sex and mental health. Worries about sexual issues can profoundly affect a person’s mood, thoughts, and well-being. People often experience shame around talking about sex, but therapy can help reduce this feeling. Jun 28, 2018 · Other people may seek therapy for issues related to sexual intimacy. If you’re interested in talking to a therapist about sex or other matters, but you’re nervous about visiting a therapy practice to talk about sex and intimacy, you might try online therapy, which research has shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Jan 16, 2025 · Talking with a therapist who specializes in working with survivors of sexual violence can also be helpful in dealing with challenges or frustrations. In this study, a self-administered questionnaire was sent to psychotherapists in Flanders (Belgium), asking about the Sep 8, 2023 · Heather Shannon, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Host of the top-ranked “Ask A Sex Therapist” podcast gave specific advice for parents who want to have a good sex life even after having a baby. May 14, 2024 · It turns out that by avoiding “the sex talk” with older adults, we professionals are playing a significant part in ensuring that sexuality and aging remain a taboo—even invisible—topic. However, learning what emotional intimacy is and ways to improve it are often overlooked. Often, the only thing that sets a marriage apart from a close friendship is intimacy. While sex therapy and intimacy therapy are different, there may be a significant amount of overlap between them. Mar 27, 2014 · I talk about sex a lot; as a sex therapist it is my job to ask questions. This blog post will provide insight into the therapeutic process, common issues addressed in sex therapy, and ways to broach the subject with your therapist. Examples of intimacy include: Physical intimacy: Holding hands, hugging, sharing physical space, sitting close Jan 9, 2025 · Using online therapy to discuss sex with sex therapists. 47:04: The Simple Trick to Save Your Sex Life. " You can just mention it happened and just say that you're not quite comfortable talking about it yet, but you're open to working towards talking about it. "There is no more stable and replicated result in the sex field than this: Being able to talk comfortably about sex is strongly related to satisfaction," explains Noah Clyman, clinical Jan 14, 2025 · In expert helping conversations the therapist may talk infrequently. It’s a deeper connection that feels safe and comfortable. Email. Focus on building emotional intimacy too. In talk therapy, a therapist Nov 27, 2018 · A lot of my clients come to me specifically to work on sex-related issues. Mar 22, 2012 · In general therapy, there may be an uncomfortable attitude in regard to clients and therapists talking about sex, an uncertainty of what constitutes sexual issues (considering there is a wide Feb 21, 2025 · The goal of sex therapy is usually to help people acknowledge and overcome any personal or psychological challenges that could impact sexual satisfaction. It’s also worth remembering that untangling communication issues is not a cure-all. Emotional intimacy may also be called emotional closeness or emotional accessibility. They worry they might be seen as inappropriate, or make their clients uncomfortable. Posted March 31, 2015. Most people were taught not to talk about sex openly–not even with lovers, in some cases, let alone strangers or therapists. Intimacy often characterizes committed sexual relationships; however, not all sex is intimate, and not all intimacy is sexual. I’ve seen couples in my sex therapy practice who have been together for Sep 27, 2022 · Gender identity and norms in society are often a part of conversations around intimacy in therapy. Whether you have personally experienced sexual assault or abuse or you’re supporting a partner who has, remember that the challenges surrounding intimacy are not permanent. Mar 11, 2025 · When discussing emotional intimacy, we’re talking about closeness, familiarity, and similarity in communication between two people. I ask my male and female clients and couples to tell me very intimate details about their lives. Perfect for couples seeking to enhance their intimate connection through better communication. As such, there is a difference between talking about your own sexual relationship and feelings about it vs. Can I Talk About Sex in Therapy? Absolutely! Therapy is a safe and confidential space to share sexuality and intimacy concerns and get help. Dec 19, 2024 · I train therapists to work with sex issues, and many therapists have told me they are nervous to talk about sex in therapy. Many therapists who specialize in sex therapy or therapy for shame around sex and sexuality will mention it in their therapist bio and or their specialty listings. Tweet. Why Talking About Sexual Issues Matters. 57:44: How to Unlock Deeper Intimacy with Your Partner. Sexual issues can profoundly impact various aspects of life, including self-esteem, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. They have a thorough understanding of human sexuality and use psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help you work through sexual issues. Phillips: The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) certifies Oct 7, 2022 · This may be the case with your partner, friends, medical professionals, or even in the safety of the therapy room, with your therapist. Sex therapists work with individuals and romantic/sexual partners. Share. They worry they might be seen as inappropriate, or make their clients Nov 21, 2024 · Learn how to break the silence around intimacy with expert insights from 30 years of couples therapy. I told my therapist: "hey, I've been in therapy for sexual trauma before, I don't want to talk about it in depth now, but I do think it's an important part of my history. Oct 15, 2018 · As a therapist, there is no way to escape the topic of sex and intimacy. 1:17:51: Your Best Sex Starts Today When it comes to healthy sexual communication and fulfillment, it is crucial to expose and confront the ultimate, ugly intimacy killer. 5:56: Mel Personally Struggles with Sex Talk. May 1, 2021 · “With my therapist’s help, my partner and I have scheduled special intimacy time during which we might have sex, but we might also just make out a little or talk about how we each experience Oct 2, 2024 · As important as it is to talk about sex in therapy, please note non-consensual sexual activity of any kind, including between you and your therapist, is inappropriate and unethical. Nonetheless, I find that even those clients are often quite uncomfortable talking about their sex lives. While most people think of emotional intimacy in terms of romantic All of that stuff is completely normal and good to talk about in therapy - especially if there’s shame associated with it. Sex is a common topic to address in individual or couples therapy. A sex therapist is a licensed professional who can help with the mental or emotional aspects of sex-related issues. making sexual advances or comments towards/about your Feb 26, 2019 · But despite the risks, experts say learning how to discuss physical intimacy issues helps couples build emotional intimacy and grow closer than ever before. Sex is a significant issue that leads people to begin couples therapy. I work to counter this taboo in my practice and, like any couples therapist, I always ask about my clients’ sex life, no matter what their age. Jan 2, 2025 · 4. That’s perfectly understandable. But if you’re just beginning to work on getting back to neutral ground, find yourself some Reels and start paying some compliments. Mar 31, 2015 · Use these questions to get more comfortable talking about intimacy. Nov 25, 2024 · An intimate conversation can be considered a cornerstone of the healthy marriage. Feb 22, 2022 · HC: What is the best way to find a therapist to help navigate sex and chronic illness? Dr. Prioritize Quality Time with Your Partner Without Kids “People talk about how expensive childcare is or how it’s so hard to find someone . bhh rkhb cyn krmpjh ctrx itgj ofgw whwwpfa vmbww dwf slqg tcxyvbi tiaz zfpbit oul