Sex therapy
Sex therapy is a therapeutic strategy for the improvement of sexual function and treatment of sexual dysfunction. This includes dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, lack of sexual interest or arousal, and painful sex (vaginismus and dyspareunia); as well as problems imposed by atypical sexual interests (paraphilias), gender dysphoria (and being transgender), highly overactive libido or hypersexuality, a lack of sexual confidence, and recovering from sexual abuse (such as rape or sexual assault); and also includes sexual issues related to aging, illness, or disability.[1]
History[edit]
Sex therapy has existed in different cultures throughout time, including ancient India, China, Greece, and Rome.[14] It has taken the form of manuals, spells, anaphrodisiacs[15] or aphrodisiacs, and tantric yoga, among others.[16] Much of sex therapy and sexual dysfunction in Western cultures was limited to scientific discussion, especially throughout the 19th century and into the early 20th century.[16]
Sexologists such as Henry Havelock Ellis and Alfred Kinsey began conducting research in the area of human sexuality during the first half of the 20th century.[14][16] This work was groundbreaking and controversial in the scientific arena.[16]
In the 1950s, sex therapy was concerned with "controlling sexual expression" and repressing what was then-considered deviant behaviors, such as homosexuality or having sex too often.[16] Masters and Johnson are credited with revolutionizing sex therapy in the mid-century and included couple therapy and behavioral interventions that focused on being present in the moment such as sensate focus exercises.[14][16] Dr. Helen Singer Kaplan modified some of Masters and Johnson's ideas to better suit her outpatient practice, including introducing medication.[14][16] Both integrated cognitive behavioral therapy into their practice and Kaplan used psychodynamic therapy as well.[14] The combination of hypnotic procedures with humanistic psychodrama (Hans-Werner Gessmann 1976) is an option.[17] The work of Jack Annon in 1976 also saw the creation of the PLISSIT model that sought to create a structured system of levels for the therapist to follow.[18]
The mid-1980s saw the medicalization of sex therapy, with a primary focus on male sexual dysfunction.[16] The 1990s brought penile injections and medications such as Viagra as well as the marketing of antidepressants for their delayed ejaculation side-effects.[16] Hormone therapy was introduced to assist both male and female sexual dysfunction.[16] Dilators were used to treat women with vaginismus and surgical procedures to increase the size of the vaginal opening and treat vulvar pain were also introduced.[16]
Bibliography