The goal of today’s article is to explore how the Single Session Therapy (SST) method can be useful for issues related to sexuality.
When it comes to sexual issues, it is important to provide a safe and confidential environment where individuals can explore and address their concerns, anxieties, or difficulties without judgment.
Why do people seek help from psychologists for sexual difficulties?
Seeking psychological help for sexual issues still creates fear and embarrassment. Therefore, people often reach out to a psychologist only when the discomfort significantly interferes with their ability to develop a satisfying personal and relational life.
Some of the reasons that lead individuals to seek help are linked, on one hand, to the development of symptoms due to fear and anxiety surrounding sexual activity (either individual or couple-related) and, on the other hand, to setbacks in the couple’s relationship goals. In these circumstances, partners find themselves stuck in the difficult and complicated decision of how to proceed with their future together, given the challenge of overcoming the obstacle on their own (e.g., doubts about cohabitation and/or marriage, difficulty conceiving, decision to separate).
What are the causes of sexual issues?
Sexual difficulties can be complex and influenced by a combination of physical, psychological, and relational factors. In most cases, their origin is psychological; however, in some instances, it may be necessary to exclude any organic causes through a medical consultation before pursuing a psychological path.
What are the issues related to sexuality?
Sexual issues can vary and affect individuals of all ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities. They may be linked to dysfunction in the sexual response cycle (desire, arousal, plateau, orgasm, resolution) or pain during intercourse. Some examples include:
Erectile dysfunction or the inability to obtain or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual intercourse. This can be caused by physical factors such as circulatory or hormonal problems, or by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, or relational factors.
Lack of sexual desire (reduced libido). This can result from a variety of factors, including stress, depression, relationship problems, hormonal changes, or side effects from medication.
Anorgasmia. This occurs when a person is unable to reach orgasm despite sufficient sexual excitement.
Pain during intercourse (vaginismus and/or dyspareunia). This discomfort occurs when sexual intercourse causes genital or pelvic pain. It can be caused by physical issues such as infections, skin disorders, or gynecological problems, but also by psychological factors such as performance anxiety or a history of sexual trauma.
Sexual arousal problems. These can include difficulty reaching sexual excitement or maintaining arousal during sexual activity.
Delayed/absent ejaculation. This issue is characterized by significant delay or complete absence of ejaculation during sexual activity, despite sufficient sexual excitement.
Premature ejaculation. This disorder is characterized by persistent or recurrent ejaculation that occurs before or shortly after the onset of sexual activity, following minimal sexual stimulation, and before the person desires it (APA, 2014).
What objectives can a person or couple with sexual issues achieve through SST?
Here are some ways Single Session Therapy (SST) can be helpful for addressing sexual issues:
Exploring underlying causes: A therapist can help identify the underlying causes of sexual problems, which may be related to organic causes, limiting beliefs, trauma, stress, or difficult relationships.
Debunking myths and misconceptions: Often, sexual problems are accompanied by myths or misconceptions about sexuality. A therapist can help examine and debunk these beliefs, replacing them with healthier, more accurate thoughts.
Improving communication: Communication is key for a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship. A therapist can teach communication strategies that allow individuals or couples to express desires, needs, and concerns regarding sexuality in an open and respectful manner.
Developing body and sexual awareness: Many people may have body image issues or feel uncomfortable with their sexuality. Therapy can help develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, facilitating a more positive relationship with one’s body and sexuality.
Learning stress and anxiety management techniques: Stress and anxiety can negatively impact sexuality. A therapist can teach stress and anxiety management techniques to help reduce emotional blocks that may hinder sexual intimacy.
Blocking solutions that fuel the problem: Some individuals avoid sexual issues for years, causing suffering to themselves and their loved ones, employing ineffective solutions that are not suited to their problem (e.g., taking medication, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors related to sexuality to check its functioning).
Conclusion
Single Session Therapy (SST) can be a valuable resource for addressing issues related to sexuality in an effective and supportive way. The opportunity to receive expert and specialized input allows individuals or couples to unlock situations that may have been stagnant for years, even after just one session.
Angelica Giannetti
Psychologist, Psychotherapist
Team of the Italian Center for Single Session Therapy
Bibliography
American Psychiatric Association (2014). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, DSM-5. Raffaello Cortina.
Cannistrà F. & Piccirilli F. (2018). Single Session Therapy: Principles and Practices. Giunti Editore.
Nardone G., Rampin M. (2015). *When Sex Becomes a Problem: Strategic Therapy for Sexual Issues. Ponte delle Grazie.
Simonelli C., Rossetto M., Veglia F. (2018). Clinical Sexology: Intervention Models, Diagnosis, and Integrated Therapies. Franco Angeli.