Online Sex Therapy: Pros and Cons
The types of intimacy issues that can be potentially solved by online sex therapy are when partners have a different level of desire than the other, if the couple has issues with intimacy or just wants to expand their sexual enjoyment. Issues that may arise in relation to sexual dysfunction and what impact it has on the relationship and sexual engagement of partners. This includes but is not limited to erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, if you are experiencing any pain when you have sex, when you have challenges of infertility, struggles in achieving orgasm, sexual shame, sexual identity, religious or cultural impacts on your sex life, sexual trauma, consent intimacy after infidelity, issues after out of control sexual behavior, intimacy after having children, difficulty connecting with yourself sexually or knowing yourself sexually, low sexual desire and various other topics. It can also be for couple that are having difficulty connecting and are feeling more like roommates than a couple and desire to have more intimacy with one another, or for those that want to learn more about what each partner desires, needs or wants in the relationship with each other, exploring erotic fantasies, exploring the relationship agreements, whether they want an open relationship, a polyamorous relationship, would like to explore kink or bdsm. Some couples just want to have better sex and that’s a great reason to come to sex therapy! There are other topics as well, but these are a few that often show up in our office.
Benefits
When thinking about the benefits and drawbacks of conducting sex therapy online versus in person is honestly just a preference. Since sex therapy is still talk therapy, the work is still valuable either way and to be honest most couples feel more comfortable talking about intimacy issues in their own homes. Some of the benefits that come to mind are convenience, not having to deal with traffic, nor time spent commuting, parking issues. Other benefits include the convenience of doing it in your own home or office and not necessarily having to disrupt the rest of your schedule as well as anonymity, accessibility for those that may have difficulty getting transport to and from an office location, confidentiality and not being limited to a therapist in your local area.
Drawbacks
The drawbacks to online therapy include: a lack of human contact which for some can be a factor of importance (but if you’re doing this with a partner we hope you can touch them), some online therapy sites only limit their services to text exchange, rather than the ability to see a live person, and let’s be honest it might feel more like discussing your sexual struggles with a bot rather than a human. Not all therapists have the adequate software or knowledge to utilize telehealth services, so if you find a therapist you really want to work with they may not offer the option of online sex therapy. If you live in a small rural area, you may not have access to someone with the training for sex therapy within your city limits and thus you are limited geographically to the availability of the therapists that live within your area.
What Is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is talk therapy, but some exercises may be encouraged to try out in-between the sessions and discussed in the sessions. These exercises are encouraged and can give you some direction on where to start. Making sure that both you and your partner are ready to engage in therapy together is an important part of the process and will determine your success in how you feel you are progressing toward your goals. Allowing someone to guide you in intimacy puts you in a vulnerable space. So being comfortable with the therapist and with your environment is pivotal to your success. Most clients find that being in their own home increases their ability to be vulnerable and open, as opposed to being in an office setting. Discussing what factors would allow you both to feel open, as well as emotionally and physically present can be the biggest factors in how you feel about the therapy, the relationship, and the work you are doing.
Sex therapy, when done effectively and in a comprehensive way can positively impact the psychological, emotional, and sexual health of a person or a couple in therapy, even after a brief time. The effectiveness of sex therapy, like all therapy, depends on the willingness of the person or couple to accept the concepts presented to them and to make a conscious effort toward implementing them in their relationships.
Relationships Redefined specializes in helping couples and individuals find fulfillment, connection, trust and healthy communication in their relationships and offers online counseling focused in couples therapy & marriage counseling, individual therapy, premarital counseling and intimacy and sex therapy in San Diego and all of California. Book a free 15-minute online consultation with us here! Make Intimacy Your Reality!