Topic 5
Do you feel that a client with a sexual dysfunction disorder would respond to therapy differently than a person with a paraphilic disorder? What are unique issues related to treating each disorder? 275 words 1 reference
What are some psychosocial causes of sexual dysfunction? How might sex therapy be used to treat some of these causes? 275 words 1 reference
Human Sexuality: Topic 5
Do you feel that a client with a sexual dysfunction disorder would respond to therapy differently than a person with a paraphilic disorder? What are unique issues related to treating each disorder?
Paraphilic disorders and sexual dysfunction are very different hence clients are likely to respond to therapy differently. Paraphilic disorders include sexual disorders where people experience intense, recurrent, and sexually arousing urges or fantasies which are disabling or distressing and may involve children, inanimate objects, or humiliating other people (McManus et al., 2013). On the other hand, sexual dysfunction disorders involve recurrent and persistent issues with sexual response, orgasm, and desire that may strain sexual relationships with other people. People with sexual dysfunction disorders experience less stigma within the society in comparison to those with paraphilic disorders. Therefore, during treatment, the sexual dysfunctions are treated within the human sexual response cycle while sexual dysfunction disorders are treated like mental health issues (Avasthi et al., 2017).
Unique issues associated with treating paraphilic disorders include fear of embarrassment or stigma that may prevent clients from opening up to the counselor. Additionally, clients may have legitimate concerns about disclosing sexual behaviors or fantasies involving other people since counselors are mandated reporters. This prevents them from sharing the real extent and breadth of their sexual behavior which limits the accuracy of diagnosis and prevents counselors from developing effective interventions. Counselors may be forced to opt for psychophysiologic assessment strategies that may help them to identify the presence of paraphilic interest (McManus et al., 2013).
Unique issues associated with treatment of sexual dysfunction disorders may include the need to involve partners especially when working with a client who is married and experiences relationship issues contribute to dysfunction. Treatment strategies such as couple therapy may be necessary. Moreover, cultural differences may impact how clients with sexual dysfunction view sexuality and health hence counselors should provide culturally sensitive interventions (Avasthi et al., 2017).
References
Avasthi, A., Grover, S., & Sathyanarayana Rao, T. S. (2017). Clinical practice guidelines for management of sexual dysfunction. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 59(5), 91. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.196977
McManus, M. A., Hargreaves, P., Rainbow, L., & Alison, L. J. (2013). Paraphilias: Definition, diagnosis and treatment. F1000Prime Reports, 5. https://doi.org/10.12703/p5-36
What are some psychosocial causes of sexual dysfunction? How might sex therapy be used to treat some of these causes?
The main symptoms of sexual dysfunction among men include inability to maintain or achieve erection, delayed ejaculation, or inability to control the timing of ejaculation. In women, the signs of sexual dysfunction include inability to achieve orgasm, inadequate vaginal lubrication, and arousal issues. Some psychosocial causes of sexual dysfunction include work-related anxiety and stress, relationship or marital problems, body image issues, and relationship or marital problems. Negative sexual experiences such as molestation and rape can also lead to sexual dysfunction. In some cases, clients experience issues such as concerns regarding their sexual performance and guilt feelings about sexual desire that may lead to dysfunction (Vaishnav et al., 2020).
Sex therapy uses several approaches to treat clients with sexual dysfunctions. Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to improve communication among couples and get rid negative thought patterns that lead to other issues such as negative body image. CBT can help clients identify core beliefs about themselves, the people around them, and how the world works. These beliefs can be harmful and may lead to psychosocial issues such as anxiety and stress. Counselors can use CBT to change these beliefs. CBT can also help clients develop better confidence in their own abilities which may improve their sexual desire (Vaishnav et al., 2020). Sex therapy can also be used to treat clients with sex trauma such as molestation and rape. Part of the recovery process is to help clients understand that sex was not the problem and that the issue was the person who committed the act. Sex therapy can help rewire the brains of clients who experienced sexual trauma to enjoy sex in a manner that feels normal again (Newins & Wilson, 2021).
References
Newins, A. R., & Wilson, L. C. (2021). Psychotherapy with sexual assault survivors. A Clinician’s Guide to Disclosures of Sexual Assault, 43–52. https://doi.org/10.1093/med-psych/9780197523643.003.0005
Vaishnav, M., Saha, G., Mukherji, A., & Vaishnav, P. (2020). Principles of marital therapies and behavior therapy of sexual dysfunction. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(8), 213. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_19_20