Book Review: Come Together
Emily Nagoski, PhD, is the author of Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science that will Transform Your Sex Life. If you haven’t already read it, I highly recommend it. Her first book was aimed at women, but as a sex therapist I found the information so helpful for men who are partnered with women, so I often encourage my male clients to read it. Well, now there’s a book specifically for couples. Come Together: the Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections
What Sex Therapy Can Teach Us
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend my first conference with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), which “provides training, community and visibility to promote the understanding of human sexuality and healthy sexual behavior.” While I am not an AASECT-certified sex therapist, I attended this conference to better my understanding of and ability to effectively work the concerns related to sexuality that are central to the human experience and that I see clients wrestling with every day in my office. On reflecting on the experience, I have three takeaways to share
Breaking Barriers: Exploring the Role of MDMA and Ketamine in Relationship and Sexual Wellness
As a psychotherapist specializing in sex therapy, couples counseling, and the therapeutic use of psychedelic medicines, I'm fascinated by the increasing evidence showing how certain substances can significantly assist in overcoming many psychological barriers that cause distress in our relationships and sexual lives. I want to share a brief overview of one such substance - MDMA, and its potential to facilitate a breakthrough in therapeutic settings.
Ask Alice: LDS Garments and Eroticism
Today’s question:
My question is in regards to LDS garments, and the effect they have on purity culture and our sex lives in marriage. My husband and I have been working really hard to improve our sensual relationship. In realizing after 13 years of marriage that we have fallen victim to a lifetime of culture (from the world and our church), and it is time for us to individually really connect with the innate sensual sides of ourselves. One suggestion from an article was to just simply mentally check in with our sensual beings in simple ways throughout the day. I loved that suggestion but instantly realized my garments have become a block to me. When I have them on I simply don't allow myself to feel sensual, or sexy. How can I get over this block?
Exploring Comprehensive Solutions for Male Sexual Problems Beyond Medication
While medications like Viagra® have been crucial in addressing male sexual issues, it is essential to recognize that non-biological factors also contribute to male sexual concerns. Some of the reasons include a partner's disinterest in sex, their discomfort with medication-assisted erections, the patient's misunderstanding of proper use, and the medication not working as expected.
Healing Sexual Trauma with Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Sexual trauma is an unfortunate reality for many individuals, often leading to a myriad of mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulties with intimacy. Traditional therapeutic approaches can sometimes be limited in effectiveness, but recent research into psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
What Do I Do If I Just Don't Like Sex?
“I think I’m broken.”
“I hate the thought of being touched anymore. I could live the rest of my life without having sex again. Does this mean I am asexual?”
“Sex is the last thing I want to do. All my partner and I do is fight about it.”
These are just a few of the statements I have heard over the years, working with women as a Certified Sex Therapist and relationship counselor.