There human sexuality It is a fundamental part of our life, a complex universe of emotions, relationships and physical well -being. Sometimes, however, this world can present challenges, doubts or difficulties that can influence our serenity. This is where the sexologythe discipline that deals with understanding and taking care of sexual health. In this article we will explore together what it is, what a sexologist does and as a path of psychotherapy focused on sexuality, such as integrated mansional therapy, can help help the person find a sense of balance.
What is sexology
More than an isolated science, the sexology It is a field of study that integrates different disciplines. Thinking about human sexuality as a single aspect would be reductive; It is more correct to imagine it as a complex intertwining of different sizes. For this, modern sexology studies intimacy and sexual life considering the union of multiple factors:
- biological and physiological aspects: linked to the functioning of the body;
- psychological aspects: who include emotions, thoughts, past experiences and general mental well -being;
- socio-cultural aspects: relating to the beliefs, values and rules of the society in which we live.
Thanks to this holistic approach, the professional specialized in sexology has a complete preparation, which allows him to evaluate sexual difficulties from multiple points of view and to collaborate with other specialists when necessary.
Who is the sexologist and what does he do
The clinical sexologist He is a doctor or psychologist who, after graduation, has completed a specialist training in sexology. This professional figure intervenes when difficulties in the sexual sphere do not depend exclusively on organic causes. In fact, many of the so -called sexual dysfunctions They may not have a direct physical origin, but to be connected to psychological factors, such as anxiety or stress, or complex dynamics.
What characterizes the work of sexologist It is precisely his ability to act in an integrated way on mind and body. Unlike other specialists, propose specific treatments who take into account how our emotions and our thoughts can influence the physical response, accompanying the person on the path towards a more serene and satisfactory intimacy.
How a consultancy of sexology takes place
The first meeting with a sexologist is a moment of listening and collection of information, in an atmosphere of reception and non -judgment. To fully understand the situation, the professional may suggest medical investigations to exclude any organic causes. This step is essential to guarantee targeted and effective intervention. For example, in the face of a difficulty of erection, insights could be recommended as a andrological or cardiological visit, so as to have a complete picture before evaluating the start of a psychological path together.
Integrated mansional therapy: a practical approach
Once the organic causes are excluded, one of the most used and effective approaches in the sexology It is the Integrated mansional therapy (Tmi). It is a form of short and strategic therapy that focuses on the practical resolution of the problem through specific exercises, known as “tasks” or “homework”. These exercises are customized according to the difficulty presented and can be carried out both individually and in pairs.
The goal is to act directly on the mechanisms that keep the difficulty. We think, for example, of the erectile dysfunction associated withanxiety performance. Often those who live this experience enters a mechanism of spectatoringthat is, he begins to “observe himself from the outside”, judging his performance. This continuous flow of self -critical thoughts can make it difficult to let go and focus on the pleasant sensations of the moment.
The Exercises of sexological therapy prescribed in the TMi help to interrupt these vicious circles. Through gradual tasks, the person or couple is accompanied to shift attention from performance to pleasure, rediscovering intimacy in a new and more peaceful way. If there is a partner, the sexologist can actively involve him on the path, assigning tasks to be carried out together between one session and another.
An example of exercise: sensory focus
One of the Exercises of sexological therapy The “sensory focus” is more known. This task invites the couple to create a moment of intimacy in which, in turn, the partners caress and massage the body to each other, with the indication of refraining from a complete sexual relationship. The goal? Reduce the pressure linked to performance.
Without the anxiety of “having to work” or to achieve a precise result, a safe space is created for focus exclusively on pleasant sensationson the warmth of the contact and on the rediscovery of one’s body and that of the other. This exercise can encourage a reduction in anxiety and at the same time becoming a precious opportunity to rediscover emotions and sensations that the routine or difficulties had put in the background.
Of course, to carry out a similar task it is important that there is a climate of trust. Sometimes, precisely through these exercises, hidden relational dynamics or communication difficulties can emerge, which thus become precious material on which to work on therapy to reconstruct a greater complicity.
Sexology and individual psychotherapy
It is important to underline that a path of sexology It is not only reserved for couples. Many people undertake individual therapy to face their difficulties. In the absence of a partner, the work focuses on the inner world of the person and on the possible causes of discomfort. For example, the path can focus on different areas:
- the management of anxiety, especially that linked to performance or intimacy;
- The relationship that the person has with the idea of intimacy and vulnerability;
- the analysis of the emotional history and past relationships, to understand any recurring patterns;
- the exploration of the relationship with one’s body and image.
In these cases, the path can be configured as one psychotherapya journey of discovery and personal growth to live one’s sexuality in a freer and more aware way.
When to contact a sexologist
Deciding to consult a sexologist is an important step towards self -care. According to the guidelines proposed by the ICD-11, so that a difficulty can be considered a sexual dysfunction, must persist for at least six months and cause clinically significant discomfort (Reed et al., 2016). It is not necessary to wait for a problem to become unsustainable; You can contact this professional for a wide range of reasons, every time you feel the need to clarify or face a discomfort. People usually seek support for specific difficulties, such as:
- premature ejaculation
- delayed ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Dispareunia, that is, pain during sexual intercourse;
- Vaginism, or the involuntary contraction of the muscles surrounding the vagina, which makes penetration painful or impossible;
- sexual dependencies such as hypersexuality, excessive use of pornography or compulsive masturbation
- Paraphilic disorders or paraphilses.
In general, the sexologist is the right professional to turn to to reflect on the mechanisms related to his sexuality, to better understand his emotional life or to identify the most suitable care and personal growth path. Even tools such as the Bergen’s sexual dependence test can be a first step to become aware of any difficulties.
