Sex therapy for couples
Couples who struggle in their sexual relationship can profit from consulting with a Sex Therapist or Sexuality Counselor. Your therapist will listen carefully to each of you as you describe the difficulties you’re experiencing. We’ll meet with you as a couple in the first session, which provides a sense of the two of you together. Then we’ll ask to meet with each of you individually for one session in order to better understand each of you as individuals. The balance of the work will be with the two of you together in session.
Couples may face a number of challenges that impact the quality of their relationship. You may consider making an appointment to consult with Sandi Anders, MDiv or David Yarian, PhD about your concerns.
- Mismatched sexual desire
- Infidelity: affairs and betrayals
- Lack of emotional or erotic connection
- After-effects of sexual, physical, or emotional trauma
- Addiction issues
- Unconsummated marriage
- Marital conflict
- No sex marriage
Communication can be challenging, as if each partner comes from a different planet. Different family backgrounds, life experiences, and temperaments create challenges in coming to shared solutions. Your therapist is a skillful communicator, and alert to the difficulties that may lurk in ordinary language. We will help you slow down your communication, focus it so you deal with one thing at a time, and move to resolution of conflict rather than tension-filled “stuckness” and resentment.
We will help you learn to be more effective communicators about sex. Most of us had little experience or guidance about how to negotiate a satisfactory sexual exchange. But it is possible! You have well-developed adult problem-solving skills that you use every day in your relationship as you figure out parenting, finances, schedules, even what to eat or watch on TV. These skills can be translated into effective communication about how to make your sexual relationship more satisfying.
Sexual symptoms, whether low desire, erectile dysfunction, premature or delayed ejaculation, painful intercourse, sexual trauma, out of control sexual behavior, etc. will be thoroughly discussed. Your questions will be answered to help you understand how to make progress with your difficulties.
Brief, daily at-home exercises that are enjoyable and interesting aid in your progress towards better communication, relief of sexual symptoms, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, and deepening your intimate relationship.
Sex therapy for individuals
Individuals may seek sex therapy for a number of reasons. Whether single or in a relationship, you may desire individual work for sexual difficulties such as:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
- Difficulty with orgasm or arousal
- Painful intercourse
- Sexual shame
- Previous sexual traumas
- Pelvic pain
Your therapist will work to understand the problems you are facing, and will talk openly with you about your difficulties. It is often helpful to thoroughly discuss the emotions that are part of your experience. In many situations, persons have struggled with a problem alone for some time before seeking help.
We will suggest methods to address your problem, including at-home practices that can facilitate your successful outcome. We will share relevant information and educational resources as indicated.
If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation, you can reach Dr. Yarian at 615.298.4559 or Sandi Anders, MDiv at 615.243.5693. We’re usually able to meet with you within one to two weeks.
