Let’s Talk About Sex
SEXUAL HEALTH COUNSELING WITH METHOD PHYSICAL THERAPY
We are living in an age that celebrates self-discovery, desire, wonder, and acceptance.
It seems like some of us have it all figured out – riding the wave of self-love and expression, while some of us sit still – in hesitation and even frustration – wishing there was a map for us to follow so we, too, can get there. Some of us don’t even believe there is a wave out there for us to ride. Whether we are being held back by our bodies, our partners, our culture, our religion, our past, our genitalia, or our minds — some of us need, and deserve, a little space, time, and guidance to figure out how to relate to our inner selves — allowing us to reach our full sexual potential.
Pelvic Health Physical Therapists have been walking this path with people for a long time.
Complaints such as pain with arousal/intercourse/orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and performance anxiety have been part of our treatment paradigm for decades. We have mastered the art of identifying pelvic floor dysfunction and how it relates to specific sexual dysfunctions. We have been treating people by means of manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, exercise, and other various “tools of the trade” for many years. These methods have been successful in getting many folks onto their journey of healing and into recovery. But for others — there is a deeper layer of undoing, re-writing, defining/re-defining, and exploring needed in order to find themselves on that path and begin moving forward.
For this reason, sex therapists and educators are a fantastic resource in our communities and interdisciplinary care team.
Unfortunately — they’re not always easy to find or access.
People aren’t ready to sign up for a deep dive or are reluctant to start from the beginning with someone new. Sometimes people don’t feel their situation justifies therapy.
People are scared they will be judged.
People just don’t know who/what/where to begin to sort through their questions or concerns.
Sometimes it’s just too much — just not enough. Theis is where Pelvic Health Sexuality Counseling comes in.
Pelvic Health Sexuality Counseling offers licensed medical providers who have experience working with genital/pelvic/sexual health an advanced and inclusive clinical skill set to further aid their patients in the realm of sexual health and healing. We meet you (and your partner, if and when appropriate) where you are today — with your specific concerns, desires or complaints — and provide you with the tools and resources to move through barriers.
What is the difference between Sexual Counseling and Sex Therapy?
Contrary to the amazing work Sex Therapists are doing, it is not our main objective to uncover the “whys and whens” of your experiences, traumas, or desires leading up to this moment — although we expect them to come up and welcome them fully. We are here to provide a primary (or ancillary) framework and dialogue to help you move forward. Our goal is to help you discover where you want to go, to explore your erotic self, to uncover the barriers that are getting in your way, and to help you embark on the path moving toward to your personal sexual destiny.
Sexual health counseling and sex therapy have related but distinct approaches to addressing sexual concerns and improving overall sexual well-being, and there are a few key differences between the two. Sexual health counseling typically encompasses a broader range of topics related to sexual health. It may involve education, guidance on pelvic health and sexual anatomy, communication, sexual safety, and addressing sexual concerns. It will usually include aspects of physical health, lifestyle, and communication skills, and often considers a person's overall wellbeing and health, not just specific sexual issues. Sex therapy is a more specialized form of therapy by mental health practitioners that addresses complex psychological and emotional aspects of sexuality, often involving strategies to overcome specific sexual problems or disorders, in the context of psychotherapy. Sex therapy is usually provided by licensed therapists with specific training in sex therapy.
In general, sexual health counseling provides a broader, more educational approach to promoting overall sexual health and wellbeing. Sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy focused on addressing specific sexual concerns, often with a deeper exploration of psychological and emotional factors. The choice between the two depends on the individual's needs and the nature of their sexual concerns.
Who would benefit from Sexual Counseling?
Sexual health counseling with a pelvic health therapist can benefit individuals who experience a wide range of pelvic health issues or concerns that impact their sexual wellbeing, which in turn impacts their quality of life or relationship. You might be just the person who can benefit if you are or can relate to one of the below —
Individuals with Pelvic Pain —Those who experience chronic pelvic pain or discomfort during sexual activity may benefit from counseling to address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain.
Postpartum Individuals — Women who have recently given birth may experience changes in pelvic health, changes in relationship to themselves and/or their partner, changes in their routine or their body that impacts their bodily autonomy, sexuality, energy, or feelings of desire.
Individuals with Pelvic Floor Disorders — People with conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, or fecal incontinence may require support and guidance to manage these conditions and maintain a satisfying sex life.
Patients with Pelvic Surgeries — Individuals who have undergone pelvic surgeries, such as hysterectomies or procedures to treat conditions like endometriosis, may benefit from counseling to address post-surgery recovery and any sexual concerns that arise.
Survivors of Sexual Trauma — People who have experienced sexual trauma may develop physical or emotional issues that affect their sexual health. Counseling can provide a safe space to address these concerns in the context of pelvic and/or sexual health.
Menopausal or Perimenopausal Individuals — Women going through menopause or perimenopause may experience changes in vaginal health, libido, and sexual comfort. Counseling can help them navigate these changes.
Couples with Sexual Concerns — Couples who are experiencing sexual difficulties related to pelvic health issues may benefit from counseling to improve communication, intimacy, and the overall quality of their sexual relationship.
Individuals with Disabilities — People with physical disabilities that affect pelvic health or mobility may require counseling to explore adaptive strategies and techniques to enhance sexual satisfaction.
Chronic Illness Patients — Individuals with chronic medical conditions like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or inflammatory bowel disease may experience pelvic health challenges that impact their sexual well-being.
Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals — Those who have undergone gender-affirming surgeries or hormone therapy may seek counseling to address changes in their sexual function, intimacy, and identity.
It's important to note that sexual health counseling with a pelvic health therapist is highly individualized and tailored to each person's unique needs. The therapist will conduct assessments and work collaboratively with the client to set goals and develop strategies to address specific concerns and improve their overall sexual health and wellbeing.
Is sexual counseling for me?
Answer the following screening questions to find out
Do you ever have questions about your sexual identity and sexuality?
Are you ever uncomfortable with/avoidant of intimacy?
Does sex and/or being intimate with others feel unsafe or scary to you?
Do you feel like your sex life is lacking, but that's normal and fine...this is life?
Do you find being vulnerable and/or expressing your sexual desires challenging?
Are you unsatisfied with your sex life (and/or your own climax)?
Do you feel like you'd like to explore being more sexual or erotic, but are afraid/don't know where to begin?
Do you want to talk/explore/learn more about what sex is, has been, and could be for you?
Would you like to learn more about Pelvic Health Sexuality Counseling and what it offers?
Do you feel like you have a hard time talking about sex or intimacy with your partner, and would you like to learn how to better communicate?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above, we would love to give you more information on what our clinic has to offer.
If you think Pelvic Health Sexuality Counseling may benefit you, please reach out to inquire or schedule to see if we are a good fit!
Written by — Katie Dewar, PT, DPT.
