As with much of psychology, clinicians used Freud's theories to explain sexual behaviour, Sexual disorders were seen as pathological in nature and there was little distinction between difficulties in function and sexual perversions.
Sexual disorders
Sexual disorder, then, involves difficulties with desire, arousal and orgasm, and in women also include sexual pain disorders. Another important factor in assessing sexual disorders is the determination of whether such a disorder is purely physical or whether there are psychological factors. There may also be a combination of the two. Such as
- Male Erectile Disorder
- Premature Ejaculation
- Male Orgasmic Disorder (Retarded Ejaculation)
- Female Orgasmic Disorder Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
- Dyspareunia
- Vaginismus
- Sexual Desire Disorders
Therapies for Sexual Disorders:
Any therapeutic intervention for sexual disorders begins with an assessment of what underlies the condition. In the case of a psychological cause, therapy is indicated.
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Behavior Therapy: The premise of behavior therapy is that sexual problems are the result of prior learning and that they are maintained by ongoing reinforcements and
punishments. A key technique is systematic desensitization in which the client is led through exercises to reduce anxiety.
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy is a therapeutic process that attempts to change feelings and actions
by modifying or altering faulty thought patterns or destructive selfverbalizations Cognitive restructuring is particularly appropriate in situations in which negative attitudes towards sexuality contribute to sexual dysfunction.
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Couples Therapy:The goal of couple's therapy is to address interpersonal issues in the relationship Common interpersonal conflicts include relationship conflicts, extra-marital affairs;
current physical, vorbial or sexual abuse, sexual libido, desire or practices different from partner, poor sexual communication in couples therapy partners focus on resolving relationship issues,
resolving conflicts and enhancing the relationship. Communication is also a key aspect of couples counseling. Communication training helps couples learn how to talk to one another, demonstrate
empathy, resolve differences with respect for each other's feelings, express anger in a positive way, and demonstrate affection Couples are also helped to learn to reserve time for activities together.