Sex Therapy vs. Couples Therapy: What’s the difference?

Maintaining a healthy and satisfying relationship is an ongoing process that can involve seeking guidance from professionals. Two common therapeutic modalities that people turn to for relationship issues are sex therapy and traditional couple's therapy. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key distinctions between these two approaches, address common questions people have about them, and explore whether sex therapy can help with specific sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or sexual pain. We'll also shed light on what couples can expect when they begin either of these therapies.

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on issues related to sexual dysfunction, intimacy, and sexual well-being. Sex therapists are trained to address a wide range of sexual concerns, including but not limited to erectile dysfunction, desire discrepancy, sexual pain, and performance anxiety. When practiced effectively, sex therapy can help individuals and couples understand and overcome sexual challenges to achieve a more fulfilling and satisfying sex life.

What Happens in Sex Therapy?

In sex therapy, clients can expect a safe and non-judgmental space where they can openly discuss their sexual concerns and desires. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, including communication exercises, psychoeducation, and behavioral homework assignments to help clients work through their issues. The primary goal is to enhance sexual communication, improve intimacy, and resolve sexual problems within the relationship.

What is Traditional Couples Therapy?

Traditional couples therapy, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, addresses a broader range of relationship issues. While sex may be a part of the discussion, the focus extends beyond sexual concerns to include communication problems, conflicts, trust issues, and overall relationship dynamics. Couples therapy is also an empirically validated treatment for these types of relationship issues.

Differences Between Sex Therapy and Couples Therapy

Specialization

The most significant difference is the specialization. Sex therapy is typically focused on sexual concerns, while traditional couples therapy covers a broader spectrum of relationship issues.

Depth of Exploration

Sex therapy delves deeply into sexual matters, addressing sexual dysfunction and intimacy problems with a high degree of specificity. In contrast, couples therapy explores a wide array of relationship dynamics, including non-sexual aspects of the partnership.

Approach

Sex therapy often includes a practical and skills-based approach, including behavioral exercises and psychoeducation. Couples therapy, on the other hand, focuses more on communication techniques and conflict resolution.

Therapist Expertise

Sex therapists receive specialized training in human sexuality and treating sexual issues, while couples therapists typically have more general training in relationships and psychology.

Treatment Duration

Sex therapy is often more short-term and solution-focused, aiming to address specific sexual concerns. Traditional couple's therapy may be more long-term, focusing on overall relationship improvement.

Choosing the Right Therapy for Your Needs

The choice between sex therapy and couples therapy depends on the specific issues you are facing within your relationship. If sexual problems are a significant concern, sex therapy might be the most appropriate choice. However, if your relationship issues encompass broader aspects of communication and connection, couples therapy may be a better fit. Remember that both forms of therapy can be conducted as a couple, so it's essential to communicate openly with your therapist about your goals and expectations.

Takeaway

Sex therapy and couples therapy serve distinct purposes within the realm of relationship counseling. Understanding their differences and knowing when to seek each type of therapy can significantly benefit couples striving to strengthen their bond and enhance their overall well being. Whether it's addressing low desire or erectile dysfunction, improving communication, or reigniting passion, the support of a skilled therapist can be a valuable asset on your journey to a more fulfilling relationship.

Written by Seth Taylor, ALMFT

The Healing Power of Pets: How Cats and Dogs Can Improve Mental Health

Written by Seth Taylor, ALMFT

Our pets have an extraordinary ability to brighten our lives, offering unconditional love and support. But did you know that the mental health benefits of having a pet extend far beyond companionship? Cats and dogs, two of the most popular choices for animal companionship, can have a profound impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. In this blog, we will explore the numerous ways in which pets contribute to our well-being and help manage mental health symptoms, and we'll also consider the differences between cats and dogs in this regard.

What are the known mental health benefits of pet ownership?

Owning a pet has several known mental health benefits. Cats and dogs may support mental health in different ways, but both have been known to be beneficial for mental health. Key benefits of pet ownership include:

Stress Reduction

One of the most significant mental health benefits of pet ownership is stress reduction. Interacting with pets, whether it's cuddling with a cat or playing fetch with a dog, can lead to a decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone. A reduction in stress may also help individuals better manage their anxiety and depression symptoms. The presence of a pet offers a calming influence, making it easier to cope with life's ups and downs.

Companionship

Cats and dogs provide companionship, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Loneliness is a common factor in depression and anxiety, and pets offer a constant and non-judgmental presence that can fill this emotional void. Many people with mental health symptoms find solace in the companionship of a furry friend who is always there to lend an ear or a paw.

Physical Activity and Routine

Dogs, in particular, require regular exercise, which can encourage their owners to engage in physical activity. Exercise has a direct impact on mental health, releasing endorphins that improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, pets often thrive on routine, which can provide structure and stability in the lives of individuals whose mental health symptoms are impacting their daily functioning.

Cats or Dogs, Which is Better for Your Mental Health?

The choice between a cat and a dog as a pet depends on an individual's personality, lifestyle, and specific mental health needs. Both can offer emotional support and companionship, but they differ in certain aspects that may make one more suitable than the other for particular challenges.

Benefits of Cats

Cats are known for their independence and low-maintenance nature. They are great for people who need a more hands-off pet. If you have anxiety and find comfort in a calm, low-energy environment, a cat might be a better choice. The gentle purring and affectionate nature of many cats can provide emotional support and stress relief. Cats are also a good option for individuals with a busy lifestyle, as they require less attention and exercise than dogs.

Benefits of Dogs

Dogs are loyal, affectionate, and highly social animals. They can be a perfect fit for individuals who struggle with depression, as the routine and responsibility of caring for a dog can provide a sense of purpose and motivation. The exercise and outdoor activities that dogs require can also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as physical activity promotes the release of mood-improving endorphins. Additionally, a dog’s companionship can be especially beneficial for those who need emotional support and someone to share their life with.

Takeaway

Whether you choose a cat or a dog, pet ownership can have a remarkable impact on your mental health. The unconditional love, companionship, and routine that pets provide can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce stress, and combat loneliness. Consider your lifestyle, personal preferences, and specific mental health needs when choosing the right pet for you. 

Remember that pets are not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, but they can be valuable additions to your support system. If you're considering adopting a pet for its mental health benefits, consult with a licensed psychotherapist or mental health counselor to determine the best choice for your specific circumstances. In the end, the bond between a human and their furry friend can be a powerful force for healing and happiness.

How to cope after a miscarriage: A guide for partners

Having a miscarriage can be devastating in a way that is often lonely. In the wake of a miscarriage, it is common to feel disconnected from your partner and even from yourself. The emotional healing process is unique for each individual and couple. Everyone experiences grief differently, but whatever feelings you are grappling with, they are valid. It takes time to heal from such a loss, but there are ways you can care for yourself and your relationship that can make it a little more manageable. In this article, we will discuss how to heal after a miscarriage, ways to cope with associated relationship stressors, and how to reconnect with your partner.

Managing Grief 

It is normal to experience a rollercoaster of emotions following a miscarriage. You might experience sadness, numbness, anger, guilt, and shock. It can be uncomfortable to sit with these feelings, but the only way to get through it is to experience it. On top of that, physical changes and volatile hormones complicate the experience of the formerly pregnant person even further. However, all partners in the relationship, regardless of whether or not they were pregnant, will likely experience some form of grief. There is no universal experience of grief, and therefore no universal way to cope. Here are some tips as you figure out how to best process your grief.

Resist the urge to isolate

Sometimes depression makes people want to isolate themselves from their community. While it is certainly easier said than done to resist depression-fueled urges, it is important to make your best effor to stay connected to loved ones. If it is too hard to initiate social contact, consider asking friends and family to check on you regularly and to be more mindful of making consistent plans with you.   

Accept support 

If at all possible, do not rush back into your typical life, especially if you are still physically healing. Productive rest and healing is more possible when you allow yourself to be cared for. While it makes sense that this may be uncomfortable or make you feel guilty, the people who love you want to be helpful. There is not much they can say or do to lighten your emotional load, but accepting their help with practical tasks will allow you more time and energy to process your emotions.  

Seek professional help

Grief and depression are powerful forces, and even if you do everything “right” to cope, it might still feel insurmountable. In these instances, you need to seek professional help, in the form of a moderated support group and/or a therapist. 

How to reconnect with a partner after miscarriage

Since grieving is different for each person, it can lead to potential relationship stressors. For example, one partner might want to process externally by talking about their feelings, while the other finds talking about it more distressing than productive. It is common to feel disconnected from your partner in the aftermath, but there are ways you can try to reconnect. Try not to make any permanent decisions about the relationship dynamic during this time, as grief and depression can distort your true feelings. Here are some ways to reconnect: 

Communicate your feelings

Though it can be uncomfortable to talk about such challenging emotions, it is important to be transparent with each other about what you are experiencing and what you need to facilitate your healing process. Even if you feel unable to express the full extent of your emotions, any communication you can manage is better than none at all. A lack of communication creates emotional distance in a relationship; this is not a you versus your partner(s) circumstance, it is you and your partner against the grief. Try to keep this in mind and practice empathy towards your partner’s experience even if it differs from your own.      

Seek counseling

Couples therapy offers a safe space to express and process your emotions. Strong emotions might cloud your ability to express yourself productively and a therapist can help you find mutual understanding more easily. 

Schedule quality time

During a stressful time, it is more important than ever to be intentional about spending time together to maintain your connection. This does not need to be anything fancy or elaborate but ideally it should be a shared positive experience. Accumulating positive experiences is a powerful tool for creating a buffer against your negative emotions.

Getting Pregnant Again

The good news is that 85% of people who experience pregnancy loss go on to have healthy pregnancies if they choose to try again. If you want to try to conceive again, try to hold off until everyone in the relationship is at a point in their healing journey where they feel ready to do so. Medically speaking, it is best to wait until you have physically and emotionally recovered to embark on a new pregnancy. Physically, some people may be ready to get pregnant as soon as two weeks following a miscarriage, but that will heavily depend on your body and how it is healing, as well as any procedures that may have accompanied the miscarriage. Consult your doctor for the most accurate, personalized advice for when you should try to get pregnant again. 

What if I feel anxious about trying again?

It is natural and expected to feel anxious or scared when you are trying to get pregnant and when you do get pregnant after a miscarriage. This might make enjoying your pregnancy difficult. Consider talking to your partner and/or other trusted loved ones so you do not have to carry the weight of the anxiety alone. You can also speak to your doctor about how to maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy which may serve to alleviate some anxiety as well. 

Takeaway

In the wake of a miscarriage, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Grief is a natural response to pregnancy loss, and it can manifest in myriad ways. It is crucial to acknowledge and experience these feelings, though they can be uncomfortable to sit with. Healing after a miscarriage takes time and patience. If you are unsure of the best way to process your emotions, seek professional support and extra care from your support network.