The article features advice columns addressing complex sexual and relationship issues, including navigating intimacy, communication, and personal challenges such as depression and sexual response, emphasizing the importance of honest dialogue, exploring pleasure beyond traditional norms, and seeking professional help when needed.
Ruth Westheimer, known as Dr. Ruth, the pioneering sex therapist famous for her candid advice on radio and television, has died at 96. A Holocaust survivor, she became a beloved figure in sexual education, known for her frank discussions and cheerful demeanor. Her work helped many improve their intimate lives and relationships.
Sex and relationship psychotherapist Miranda Christophers shares six signs that indicate someone may be struggling in the bedroom, including lack of confidence, being easily distracted, embarrassment to talk about sex, sticking to a routine, lack of mutual interest, and feeling shame about sexual performance. She advises on ways to address these issues, such as boosting self-esteem, practicing mindfulness, improving communication with partners, embracing change, and focusing on personal sensations rather than performance pressure.
Seeking a sex therapist can help address sexual dissatisfaction, anxiety, or dysfunction, and finding the right therapist involves seeking referrals from trusted sources, checking for AASECT certification, and ensuring a comfortable and relatable personality match. Sex therapy typically involves talk therapy, homework exercises, and discussions about intimacy and pleasure, with tangible improvements expected within three to six months. Solo therapy is common, and while insurance coverage is rare, sliding scale fees and group therapy options may be available for those seeking more affordable options.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that sexual function, especially desire, decreased significantly for both men and women after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with women experiencing a greater impact. Stress and increased domestic responsibilities during the pandemic are cited as major factors. Sex therapists recommend addressing emotional connection, improving the quality of sex, and addressing sexual pain as ways to reignite desire. Responsive arousal, optimal timing of foreplay, and seeking professional help are also highlighted as important strategies for improving sexual function and intimacy post-pandemic.
Sex therapist Olivia Bentley claims to save marriages by engaging in physical relationships with her clients. Bentley, a veteran sex worker with 15 years of experience, offers her services to couples who are struggling with intimacy. She supports her clients emotionally and provides tips for maintaining a healthy sex life. While lacking official counseling qualifications, Bentley has a master's degree in education and gained experience at a legal brothel. She believes that women who refuse sex after marriage are unfair to their husbands and advises her clients to prioritize physical fitness to enhance their libido. Bentley commends her clients for recognizing the importance of sexuality in maintaining a healthy marriage.