Sex Therapy for Loss of Desire and Avoidance

Is your relationship plagued with feeling undesired, suffering from sexual rejection or just feeling like you and your partner have become roommates? Desire discrepancies, sexual rejection or lack of intimacy can leave partners hurt, confused, angry and depressed. Talking about sexual issues and the myths that surround sexual expectations make these feelings difficult to discuss. The lack of communication often exacerbates the problem. It was a long held belief that if a couple sought therapy and their communication and relationship improved so would their intimacy. Many research studies and clinical anecdotes disproved that belief. Therefore, a combination of couples therapy and sexual therapy is often the best choice of treatment.

As a couple’s therapist with a subspecialty in sex therapy, I work with clients who want to improve their intimacy by using a holistic approach. All aspects of their relationship—health, families, work and stressors are explored. Every couple defines and needs an intimate life that is unique and changes throughout the life cycle.

Together with the couple I work to understand their goals, take a history and communicate with any medical personnel should it be necessary to help the couple achieve their goals. Treatment skills involving cognitive behavioral and relational tools are incorporated in our work. I also work with couples that have been impacted in their intimate lives due to illness.

If you would like to learn more about Sex Therapy, please contact me at 201‑445‑0550.

Suggested Readings:

Rekindling Desire, 2nd Edition
By Barry McCarthy, Ph.D. and Emily McCarthy – December 2013, Rutledge, NY

Discovering Your Couple Sexual Style: Sharing Desire, Pleasure and Satisfaction
By Barry McCarthy, Ph.D. and Emily McCarthy – January 2009, Rutledge, NY