Sex Therapy

Sexuality is a central aspect of being human. It encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, pleasure, eroticism, and intimacy, and is a major contributor to an individual’s quality of life and sense of wellbeing.  A lack of interest in sexual activity that creates personal distress and strains relationship satisfaction is the most common reason women seek sex therapy.

Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction is estimated at 43% based on data from the National Health and Social Life Survey that evaluated a cohort of U.S. adults. Moreover, data collected from the National Health and Social Life Survey demonstrated greater sexual problems reported by women (43%) versus men (31%). Female sexual problems were highest for sexual desire/interest/arousal (64%) followed by problems with orgasm, and sexual pain. 

Women’s sexual desires naturally fluctuate over the years. Highs and lows commonly coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship or with major life changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or illness. Some medications used for psychiatric disorders also can cause low sex drive in women.  If your lack of interest in sex continues or returns and causes personal distress, you may have a condition called sexual interest/arousal disorder.  But you don’t have to meet this medical definition to seek help. If you’re bothered by a low sex drive or decreased sex drive, there are lifestyle changes and sexual techniques that may put you in the mood more often. Some medications may offer promise as well.

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy is an evidence-based treatment for low sexual interest and arousal in females.  The goal of the treatment is to help women reconnect and engage with their sexuality by:

1. Learning and practicing a variety of mindfulness exercises that aim to cultivate present moment awareness, acceptance of whatever is present, self-compassion, and reducing distress.
2. Learning accurate and up to date information on women’s sexuality and sexual response.
3. Discussing the ways in which sexual interest and motivation are influenced, amongst other things, by thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
4. Reflecting on the role of your intimate relationship on your current sexual concerns.
5. Capitalizing on the therapeutic benefit of group exchange, modeling, and support.

The sessions may provide ongoing increasing benefit as skills learned in group continue to be used after the group ends.  To that end, our work over the course of eight 2-hour weekly sessions is aimed at building a library of skills using mindfulness.  Long-term improvements will rest upon the sustained practice of these skills long after the eight weeks have passed.

*This protocol has been evaluated on a diverse group of women including heterosexual and lesbian women, sexual abuse survivors, Caucasian, African American and Hispanic women.

If you are interested in learning more about sex therapy to address these challenges please call our office to discuss options.  Health insurance and private pay options can be discussed.