Exploring How a Sex Therapist Can Help Improve Intimacy and Connection
Various factors can influence a relationship negatively, such as stress, lack of communication, and undiagnosed psychological ailments. Therapists can help improve your intimacy levels by directly treating the root cause of your concerns. We use a variety of interventions and modalities to strengthen bonds and trust between partners. Here are a few ways that a sex therapist works to improve intimacy and connection.
Improve Communication Skills
Learning how to communicate efficiently helps couples by establishing a productive way to discuss complex topics. Some communication exercises include active listening skills, conflict resolution, and identifying patterns that may lead to misunderstandings. These tools help create a nonjudgmental environment to strengthen your relationship physically and emotionally. They also provide a productive way to express your needs calmly.
Address Underlying Issues
A sex therapist helps individuals with underlying factors such as trauma, anxiety, and insecurities in a safe environment. These factors can impact sexual self-esteem and desire. Conditions like post-partum disorder can also influence intimacy levels. Treating the root cause of intimacy issues provides individuals and couples with the tools to process and heal from past traumas. These techniques also establish healthy ways for couples to communicate their needs.
Every relationship is different, which is why our sex and couples therapists create custom treatment plans based on specific relationship dynamics and personal goals. Our therapists use varying approaches to improve sexual satisfaction, including talk therapy, mind and body interventions, and experiential exercises. Our therapists have experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and are also kink-friendly.
Boost Sexual Confidence
There are multiple ways to build confidence sexually and personally with therapy. One method is recognizing and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, which is the basis of cognitive behavioral techniques. Reframing how couples think about sex and intimacy can help to reduce nervousness and promote healthy exploration. Body image work focuses on addressing specific concerns during intimacy to help you and your partner feel more positive about yourselves.
Other confidence-related issues could include erectile dysfunction, difficulty reaching orgasm, or mobility limitations. Performance anxiety also restricts your ability to enjoy the experience of connecting with your partner. Our couples therapists understand how to work with and treat these conditions to enhance pleasure and satisfaction. Some tools we teach to overcome these challenges are relaxation techniques and coping mechanisms.
Implement Mindfulness Techniques
Practicing mindfulness allows you to be in the present moment with your partner, which can enhance sensation and reduce anxiety. Sensation-based exercises involve non-sexual touch and quality time together. These tools help increase self-awareness to better communicate the types of affection you need to increase desire and arousal. Holding hands, giving massages, and bathing together are all effective ways to implement quality bonding experiences.
Contact a Sex Therapist Today at Better Being
Better Being Psychology Group offers a range of sex therapy services that aim to address a range of issues, from low sexual desire to pelvic pain and sexual self-esteem. We help couples navigate challenges as a team to strengthen their connection with one another. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.