Identification of Underlying Factors

Therapy offers a space in which individuals can explore and identify the various emotional and relational factors that contributing to dyspareunia. Therapists can help clients build the confidence and motivation to reach out to medical professionals to assess for physical and medical underlying causes. 

Emotional Support

The experience of chronic pain with sexual activity/dyspareunia, is associated with various difficult emotions including anxiety/fear, stress, frustration, hopelessness. 

Therapy provides a safe and judgment-free space for individuals and couples to express and process these emotions. Therapy can also provide strategies for managing difficult emotions as they arise, fostering emotional well-being.

Communication Skills

An important component of sexual health and sexual satisfaction is communication. Open and honest communication about pain during sex/dyspareunia is essential for understanding, support, and collaborative problem-solving. An element of therapy involves learning communication skills and how to effectively communicate about the pain being experienced. 

Communication can be enhanced in individual and couples therapy formats.

Changing Your Thinking

Therapy can help  individuals reframe their perceptions and develop healthier attitudes toward sexuality. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a well researched and proven to be effective therapy approach to changing one’s thinking.

Exploration of Intimacy and Pleasure

Sex Therapy often involves exploring positive aspects of intimacy and pleasure. This can help shift the focus from pain to positive sensations, fostering a renewed sense of enjoyment in sexual experiences.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques can be integrated into therapy to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and muscle tension, all of which may contribute to or exacerbate pain during sex/dyspareunia.

Treatment Complement

Psychotherapy can work in conjunction with medical treatments, such as medications or devices, to enhance their effectiveness. When causes are physical or medical, sex therapy will not treat the problem, however, research consistently shows that people experience improved outcomes with a combination of medical and psychological treatment. 

Desensitization Exercises

Therapists may employ behavioral interventions, such as systematic desensitization or sensate focus exercises, to gradually reintroduce and improve comfort with sexual activities.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma, particularly sexual or relational traumas, can contribute to, or cause, dyspareunia. Processing traumatic experiences and learning to navigate triggers can lessen the severity or completely eliminate the experience of pain during sex.

New Moon Psychotherapy is a trauma focused clinic. The sex therapists on our team have a solid understanding of trauma – how it can manifest physically and how to treat it. 

Sex therapy may involve various forms of therapy to help you process your past traumatic experiences. These therapeutic approaches may include Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

Boosting Confidence

Therapy can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence, which is often impacted by dyspareunia.

Therapy for dyspareunia involves a collaborative and comprehensive approach to address the physical, emotional, and relational aspects of the condition. 

Here’s what individuals can generally expect during therapy for dyspareunia:

Initial Assessment

The first one to three sessions will involve a comprehensive assessment. The therapist will ask you to share your medical history, sexual history, and any emotional or psychological factors that may be contributing to dyspareunia. You will also be asked about the pain that you are experiencing, when it happens, does anything make it better or worse, where it hurts, and how it hurts. It may feel uncomfortable to talk about these things – our sex therapists will go at your pace so that you feel comfortable.

This assessment is important because it allows the therapist to understand your unique situation which will enable them to tailor a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. 

Goal Setting

You and your therapist will work collaboratively to set treatment goals. These goals will be tailored to your needs and may include improving your understanding of dyspareunia, relaxation exercises, communication skills training, addressing relationship issues, and/or teaching different ways to engage sexually and not trigger pain.

Psychoeducation

We truly believe that knowledge is power! 

The sex therapist may provide information to help you understand your body, pain, and treatment options. 

Most commonly, the information shared includes:

• potential causes of dyspareunia,
• impact of dyspareunia,
• available treatment options,
• education about anatomy and the physiology of sexual responses,
• exploring healthy sexual functioning,
• navigating sexual activity while avoiding pain triggers,
• dispelling myths and misinformation that may contribute to anxiety and tension in relationships.

Identifying Contributing Factors

During sex therapy, the therapist works collaboratively with individuals and/or couples to identify physical, medical, psychological, and relational factors that may be contributing to pain during sexual activity. 

This process typically entails a referral to a medical doctor (ie. family doctor, gynecologist, urologist, etc.) and a physical practitioner (ie. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist). 

Exercises and Homework

You may be assigned exercises to practice at home in between sessions. The purpose of these exercises is to master the strategies and techniques that you are learning in therapy. This will make it more likely that you will use what you’ve learned in real life situations and get the most out of therapy. 

Progress Monitoring

Throughout the therapy process, your therapist will monitor your progress towards your treatment goals. They will make adjustments to the treatment plan to ensure that you’re on the right track and that the treatment plan is suitable to you.

Support and Encouragement

One of the most important aspects of sex therapy is providing you with emotional support and encouragement. The sex therapists at New Moon Psychotherapy aim to provide you with a non judgmental, empathic, and understanding environment in which you can openly discuss your concerns and experiences. It is normal to feel uncomfortable talking about sex and sex related difficulties. This gets easier with time. 

Duration and Frequency

The number of sessions and their frequency can vary depending on your individual needs and progress. Some people may benefit from a relatively short-term therapy approach, while others may require longer-term support. The therapist will be able to provide you with more information after the initial assessment. 

Confidentiality

Your privacy is a top priority in sex therapy. Rest assured that all sessions are conducted in strict confidence. The sex therapist will help you understand limits to confidentiality at your first appointment. 

Overall, sex therapy for pain during sexual activity/dyspareunia intends to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and support that will help you overcome your condition and improve your sexual health and satisfaction. 

Sex therapy is a collaborative, empowering and transformative process. With the guidance of a trained sex therapist, you can work towards achieving a more satisfying and fulfilling sex life, free from pain and discomfort.

A Treatment Team Approach

The effective treatment of dyspareunia often involves a multidisciplinary approach (psychotherapy, gynecology, urology, pharmacology, pelvic floor physiotherapy, etc). Treatment efficacy improves with collaboration among treating professionals. At New Moon Psychotherapy, our team regularly collaborates with other treating professionals. 

* Individuals experiencing pain with sexual activity should always consult with a medical professional. Often, underlaying medical conditions or physical factors are associated with dyspareunia. Psychotherapy should be only used as a complement to medical and physical intervention or when underlaying physical causes have been ruled out. 

Holistic Approach

Therapy for dyspareunia/pain during sexual activity, often takes a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and relational aspects. This approach allows for tailored interventions that address the unique needs of each individual.

It’s important to note that therapy for dyspareunia is personalized, and the specific approach may vary based on individual needs and circumstances. 

Open communication with the therapist, active participation in the process, and a commitment to the treatment plan are crucial for positive outcomes. 

Individuals are encouraged to seek support from healthcare professionals, including psychotherapists and gynecologists, to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for their specific situation.