Overcoming Sexual Problems
Sexual problems may be the result of many things, including a physiological condition, unpleasant associations to past experiences, beliefs, emotional reactions to sex itself, ignorance or a lack of experience, relationship difficulties, and/or a self-conscious concern about being able to perform adequately.
No matter what the source, it is possible that an appropriate medical intervention can resolve the condition effectively. When such interventions are insufficient, however, clinical hypnosis is an appropriate option.
Clients must learn to relax and trust the unconscious to make it happen automatically. Paradoxically, the more we try to control something that is supposed to be automatic, the more we disrupt it. Other clients need to learn how to turn off the anxiety or worry that blocks or prevents the spontaneous occurrence of sexual responses. This may sound easy, but it is not.
"Sexuality and self-esteem are highly interrelated in our culture, a sexual failure can be extremely damaging to self-esteem, especially if that self-esteem is already fragile. Furthermore, low self-esteem itself can produce anxiety and self-consciousness that then leads to poor sexual performance and a further reduction in self-esteem. Thus, failure sexually is something to avoid at all costs."
Typical Conditions
| ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION | PREMATURE EJACULATION |
| INCREASED LIBIDO | RAPE RECOVERY |
| HEALING THE SURVIVOR OF | SEXUAL CONFUSION |
| CHILD ABUSE | SEXUAL FULFILLMENT |
| IMPOTENCE | VAGINISMUS |
| INTIMATE SEX | SEXUAL ADDICTION |
When a sexual problem occurs only within a specific relationship, it is obvious that the problem lies within that relationship, not within that person's sexual responsiveness. Feelings of rejection, betrayal, or resentment can block a sexual response even if the person genuinely wants to have sex with the other person and is consciously aware of or denying the underlying feelings.
Previous negative experiences or a strict moral upbringing, may conflict directly with sexual responsiveness. Undoing the inhibitory influences of these factors is therefore essential.
Although sexual responsiveness is a natural and normal part of human functioning, simply relaxing and allowing it to happen is not enough. Learning the attitudes and behaviours involved in giving and receiving pleasure is necessary to the resolution of sexual disorders in general.