Understanding Sex Therapy

Whether you are struggling through various sexual dysfunctions, discouraged by a lack of intimacy in your marriage, or unable to break through patterns of shame, bitterness, or sabotage that have developed over time, Sex Therapy may be able to help you to pursue the deeply intimate and wonderfully passionate marriage you have always dreamed of.

Sexual Dysfunction Is Common

I want you to first understand that sexual dysfunction is very common among men (31%) and women (43%). ^[1] It is easy to feel alone in the midst of your struggles, especially when it doesn’t feel safe to talk to your partner or anyone else about them. It can begin to feel hopeless and as if you must live without the beautiful sexual intimacy you desire. But you don’t have to give up hope. You can form a plan to heal and recapture what has been lost (or never was) in your marriage.

Many Including Those in the Church Ask:

Is seeing a sex therapist okay?
Will it really help?
What would God think about us seeing a Sex Therapist?
Sex is sacred, so is it okay to talk about it?

God created sex before the fall and delighted to gift it to mankind.^[2,3] Even after the fall, sex is portrayed as a beautiful part of marriage. The imagery used in Song of Solomon is that of a garden, where husband and wife delight in each other with innocence and passion.

If some of what I’ve said has stirred hope in you, that you and your spouse could work towards this kind of loving intimacy, then Sex Therapy may be the next step for you.

In hopes of alleviating any stress you may have in coming to see a therapist, I want to explain the basic outline of the first three sessions of Sex Therapy. These will certainly be tailored to each couple individually, but it may help in understanding the therapy process.

First Session:

During the first session, I like to hear from you as a couple, goals you have for therapy, the nature of your struggles, a bit about your marital history, and of course answering any questions you have for me.

Second Session:

For the second session, I like to help the couple understand God’s design for sexuality, explaining any myths or misconceptions about anatomy and sexuality, and to help you begin communicating in safe and effective ways.

Third Session:

By the third session, therapy will become more specific to the couple, exploring the possibilities for moving forward with your goals. This might include medical consultation, individual therapy, quality of life changes, sexual education, relationship building, or a combination of these things.

Keep in mind, the primary role of sex therapy is to offer a safe place for sacred, tender, and sometimes painful things to be discussed. Beyond that, it is the therapist’s job to offer insight, education, and coaching related to various issues in your relationship. Never give up on your desire for beautiful intimacy; God designed you for it, and it is available for you and your spouse!

Azita Goshtasebi, Samira Behboudi Gandevani, and Abbas Rahimi Foroushani (2011). Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunctions: A Systemic Approach, Sexual Dysfunctions – Special Issues, Dr. Azita Goshtasebi (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-307-859-5, InTech, Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/sexual-dysfunctions-specialissues/prevalence-of-sexual-dysfunctions-a-systemic-approach
Genesis 1:28
Genesis 2:23-25

Written by Kyle Sussenbach, MA LAMFT

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Kyle Sussenbach graduated from Richmont Graduate University with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist through the state of Georgia. While studying at Richmont, Kyle was trained to work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, addictions, anger, suicidality, and relational distress. He also pursued further training related to sexual issues including shame, dysfunction, addiction, paraphilia, and trauma.

Kyle is certified in PREPARE/ENRICH and is a level 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapist. His primary focus is working with couples through relational and sexual difficulties. He is passionate about marriage and its purpose in sanctifying the couple and illustrating the relationship of Christ and the Church.

He also has further interest working with males of all ages. He believes strongly in the power of mentorship, having many treasured mentors throughout his life. Kyle has seen first hand the transformational power of consistent relationships and believes that it takes this kind of depth and intimacy to effect lasting change. As an outflow of this, he works as a small group leader for 10th and 11th grade guys at his local church. With males, his areas of competence include depression, anxiety, sexual addiction, sexual identity issues, pornography abuse, life coaching, and spiritual issues.

kyle@restorationcounselingatl.com ext. 117

Roswell Location