Sexuality And Sex Therapy
Edward A. Dreyfus, Ph.D.

SEX THERAPY

Sex therapy provides information and counseling on all aspects of human sexuality, including enhancing sexual pleasure, improving sexual technique, and learning about contraception and venereal diseases. Sex therapy is used in the treatment of all of the dysfunctions discussed earlier. In many cases treatment is relatively short, requiring specific techniques, homework, and practice. In some cases, the underlying issues are more complicated requiring an exploration into historical and psychological factors, both conscious and unconscious, that are contributing to the dysfunction. However, there is a very high probability of success even in those cases if people are motivated, cooperative, and willing to learn. Unfortunately, most people would rather live with a sexual dysfunction and a less than satisfying sexual life than seek help. The embarrassment they feel in discussing their sex life with a professional is too great. And there are others who have adjusted to their sex life and despite the fact that their spouse might be unhappy they refuse to seek help. When these people hear that their spouse is unhappy about their sex life they experience it as a criticism, become defensive, and often become either hurt or angry, rather than open themselves up to exploration with a sex therapist.

Stress often produces temporary sexual dysfunction which can become permanent. Unfortunately, people often consider sexuality such a private matter that they are reluctant to discuss it with others. Even those who have had sexual difficulties as a consequence of disease or surgery, have difficulty seeking sex therapy to facilitate adjustment to the dysfunction. Many men prefer to needlessly avoid sex altogether rather than seek professional help. Their pride gets in the way of sexual satisfaction.

One of the most significant contributing factors in sexual dysfunction is your attitude toward the dysfunction. If you view it as a diminishing your self worth and reflecting negatively on your overall value as a human being, sex therapy will take a little longer since we first have to overcome these initial feelings. Another contributing factor is your motivation and that of your spouse or partner. Your partner’s cooperation, participation, and support can accelerate the process and in many cases is essential for effective treatment. Remember, when one member of the dance team is impaired, the team is impaired. Sex therapy, like sex itself, is a cooperative venture.

Suggested reading: Fred Belliveau & Lin Richter, Understanding Human Sexual Inadequacy, Bantom Books; William Hartman & Marilyn Fithian, Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction, Jason Aronson Publishers ; Shere Hite, The Hite Report, MacMillan Publishers; Helen Singer Kaplan, The New Sex Therapy, Times Books.

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For forty years Dr. Dreyfus has been practicing as a clinical psychologist and life coach in Santa Monica, California where he specializes in individual psychotherapy, relationship counseling, and sex therapy. He has recently published two books,
Someone Right for You: 21st Century Strategies for Finding Your Special Someone
and
Keeping Your Sanity (In an Insane World)
released by Xlibris and can be found at
www.SomeoneRightForYou.com
and
www.KeepingYourSanity.com.

For further information or consultation regarding psychological issues, or life coaching, you may contact Dr. Dreyfus by letter, phone, email, or fax.

You can e-mail him or call (310) 208-5700.