There are different kinds of intimacy in every relationship—physical, mental, and even spiritual intimacy. Since it’s between lovers, intimacy issues may be a bit difficult to talk about for others for fear of being judged. It’s even harder to talk about sexual intimacy issues openly, but thankfully, there’s sexual intimacy counseling where couples can openly talk about their issues in a safe space. Today’s article talks about sexual intimacy issues and how to resolve them with the help of a sexual intimacy counselor, while also enumerating its benefits.
Understanding the dynamics and delicacy of intimacy.
Some people can be openly intimate with anyone, while others are much more reserved, preferring to do the deed while others prefer to do so after getting engaged in a profound setting, and many more prefer to do it after they’ve already said their “I do’s.” Whatever the case may be, intimacy issues can manifest in different forms, and there are a lot of sexual concerns commonly experienced by many couples. Some of them include the inability to connect emotionally, a decline in sexual urges, pain during intercourse, and the most notorious of all: difficulty in reaching orgasm.
As for the latter, many wouldn’t even dare breathe about such a topic for fear of being seen as someone incapable of satisfying their partner, but this is the exact reason why there’s a stigma surrounding this topic. Lucky for us, there are a couple of experts and therapists who are trained to facilitate sessions for couples undergoing sexual intimacy counseling so the couple can openly talk about their bed issues. After all, it’s a sexual intimacy counselor’s job to provide a haven for couples like these while also educating them so they can develop strategies for improvement.
Useful tips and techniques to enhance intimacy.
To address sexual intimacy issues, counseling sessions usually implement a variety of therapeutic techniques, which include but are not limited to the following:
Communication skills training. The most crucial step in solving issues is being able to communicate one’s desires and needs more openly. Through this training, both parties can cast aside their shame and talk freely, which results in a better relationship.
Body image therapy. The majority of us suffer from body dysmorphia, which has been much worse these past decades thanks to social media. Still, there are times that we often project these negative thoughts we have over our bodies to our partner, but through sexual intimacy counseling, the couple can develop body-positive approaches and reduce their self-esteem.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy. One of the hardest things to fight off is our inner saboteur, the little voice in our heads who has a lot of negative patterns and beliefs that seep into intimacy issues. This behavioral therapy helps combat those issues and cultivate a better headspace and relationship.
Emotionally-focused therapy. We also have this type of therapy wherein it centers around strengthening your emotional bonds, which also improves your communication in your relationship.
Sensate-focused exercises. Also included in these sessions are sensate focus exercises; these are nonsexual ones that can help rebuild intimacy with your partner, which will, in turn, lessen your anxiety when doing the deed.
Through sexual intimacy counseling, a couple can boost their sexual connection and intimacy through communication, which, in turn, fosters an even deeper relationship.
