How do I manage sexual desires when I am single?
Managing sexual desires when single can be a personal and individual journey. Here are some tips to help: - Understand and accept your...
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SEXUALITY FOR INDIVIDUALS
Sexual Issues that People Deal with Alone
Individual therapy can address a wide range of sexual concerns that you may have about yourself. These concerns are often related to personal experiences, emotions, beliefs, and physical aspects of their sexual lives. Here are some common sexual problems that individuals might bring up in individual therapy, which are not specifically about the relationship:
1. Low Sexual Desire or Interest: Some individuals might experience a decrease in their level of sexual desire or interest. This could be due to factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions (which requires seeing a physician or medical provider), or psychological issues.
2. Performance Anxiety: Performance anxiety can affect both men and women. Individuals may worry about their sexual performance, leading to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection (in men) or experiencing vaginal dryness (in women). Sexual confidence requires managing stress and self-esteem.
3. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Premature Ejaculation (PE): Men might seek therapy to address issues related to erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection) or premature ejaculation (releasing semen sooner than desired).
4. Painful Sex (Dyspareunia) or Vaginismus: Some women might experience pain during sexual intercourse due to conditions like dyspareunia (painful intercourse) or vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms of the vaginal muscles that make penetration difficult or impossible). If it is not related to a medical cause that a physician or physical therapist can treat, there could be some past trauma or fears, which can be resolved with systematic desensitization or sensate focus.
5. Past Trauma: Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma or abuse may seek therapy to process and heal from these experiences, which can impact their sexual functioning and well-being.
6. Body Image Concerns: Many individuals struggle with body image issues that can impact their self-esteem and sexual confidence. These concerns may lead to avoidance of sexual activities or discomfort during intimate moments.
7. Lack of Sexual Satisfaction: Individuals might find that they are not experiencing sexual pleasure or satisfaction during sexual activities. This could be due to various factors, including psychological, emotional, or physical reasons.
8. Sexual Orientation or Identity Exploration: Some individuals might be questioning or exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity. Therapy can provide a safe space to discuss and navigate these personal journeys.
9. Pornography or Sexual Behavior Concerns: Some individuals might be struggling with problematic pornography use or engaging in sexual behaviors that they find distressing or difficult to control.
10. Cultural or Religious Beliefs: Cultural or religious beliefs and upbringing can impact an individual's perception of sexuality. Some individuals may feel conflicted between their personal values and their sexual desires.
11. Masturbation Concerns: Issues related to masturbation, such as feeling guilty, ashamed, or compulsive, can be addressed in therapy.
12. Sexual Fantasies and Desires: Individuals might have concerns about their sexual fantasies, desires, or kinks. They may feel unsure or conflicted about these aspects of their sexuality.
It's important to note that you are unique, and your concerns may be influenced by a combination of psychological, emotional, physical, and social factors. Therapists who specialize in sexual health and well-being can help you explore and address these concerns in a supportive and nonjudgmental manner.
How can therapy help with sexual issues?
Looking for guidance on how to navigate your sexuality as an individual? Therapy can be beneficial for addressing a wide range of sexual issues. A therapist specializing in sex therapy can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore concerns related to desire, arousal, performance, sexual orientation, gender identity, and relationship dynamics.
Therapy can help individuals and couples improve communication, enhance sexual satisfaction, overcome difficulties such as erectile dysfunction or low libido, navigate sexual trauma or past experiences, explore sexual identity and preferences, and address concerns related to intimacy and connection.
Rediscover your confidence, embrace your sexuality, and feel empowered with sex-positive therapy. Get expert sex therapy for men, women, and couples near you. Ignite your passion now.
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What is psychotherapy?Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a collaborative process between a trained therapist and an individual seeking support. It aims to explore thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences to promote personal growth, emotional well-being, and address specific concerns. Psychotherapy encompasses various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy, tailored to meet the individual's needs.
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How long does psychotherapy last? How many sessions will I need?The duration of psychotherapy varies depending on several factors, including the individual's goals, the complexity of their concerns, and their progress throughout the therapeutic process. Some individuals may benefit from short-term therapy, consisting of a few sessions or weeks, to address specific issues or provide immediate support. Long-term therapy may span several months or years, focusing on deeper exploration and ongoing personal development. The therapist and individual collaborate to determine the appropriate duration of therapy based on their unique circumstances. Sessions are typically scheduled to occur one time per week at the same time and day if possible. Your therapist may suggest a different amount of therapy depending on the nature and severity of your concerns. Your consistent attendance greatly contributes to a successful outcome. Due to the varying nature and severity of problems and the individuality of each client, we are unable to predict the length of your therapy or to guarantee a specific outcome or result. The length of your treatment depends on the specifics of your treatment plan and the progress you achieve. Most clients see their therapist once a week for 3 to 4 months. After that, they meet less often for several months. Therapy then usually comes to an end.
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How do I find the right therapist for me?Finding the right therapist involves considering several factors. It's important to seek a licensed and qualified therapist with expertise in the specific concerns you want to address. You can ask for recommendations from trusted sources, such as healthcare professionals or friends who have had positive experiences with therapy. Online directories and therapist matching platforms can also help you find therapists in your area. Additionally, it's crucial to feel comfortable and have a good rapport with your therapist, so scheduling an initial consultation or phone call to assess the fit is recommended.
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Do you accept insurance?For mental health issues, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and affiliates (CareFirst, Anthem, BCBS Federal Employee Program, etc.) and Cigna or Evernorth. HOWEVER, please note that to qualify for insurance benefits, therapy must be related to a mental health diagnosis, like anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc., that has medical necessity. Most insurance plans do not cover relationship or sexual issues. Yes, it is sad considering that these are often the primary drivers for mental health issues. Please do not ask us to bill your insurance for relationship or sexual issues without first contacting your insurance company to check to see if your plan covers it. (We don't want to keep asking them.) Also, we cannot make up a diagnosis either, as this is insurance fraud and can cost us our license and result in serious penalties. Plus, insurance companies occasionally audit psychotherapy notes to ensure that treatment is related to the reported diagnosis. You can always choose to skip insurance and pay for therapy out of pocket. This will maximize your privacy and widen your pool of therapists. Thank you for your understanding.
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How much does therapy cost?The cost depends on the type of service provided, who your provider is, and how long it lasts for. Please contact us for up-to-date rates. We also offer a 10% discount for online teletherapy sessions due. Sessions that exceed these times by more than 10 minutes will be billed accordingly in 15-minute increments. Additional charges also apply for sessions after office hours or on weekends. More information can be found in our informed consent document available upon request. All rates are in US dollars. Good Faith Estimate You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059.
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Is psychotherapy confidential?Confidentiality is a fundamental principle in psychotherapy. Therapists are legally and ethically bound to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the information shared during therapy sessions. However, there are a few exceptions to confidentiality, such as when there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, child or elder abuse, or when a court order requires the disclosure of information. Your therapist should explain their confidentiality policy and any exceptions during the initial sessions.
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Do you offer virtual therapy and coaching sessions?Yes! In addition to in-person appointments, HigherChange also provides online video conferencing sessions for both therapy and coaching. We use an encrypted video conferencing platform that we have a HIPAA-compliant relationship with. However, you will need a smartphone with a built-in camera or a computer with a webcam and microphone. (If booking a virtual therapy appointment, be sure to select "Telehealth for Maryland/California/Singapore" and specify where you live as the Location.)
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Is therapy really beneficial?The benefits of therapy have been demonstrated through research. People who are depressed may find their mood lifting. Others may no longer feel afraid, angry, or anxious. In therapy, people have a chance to talk things out fully until their feelings are relieved or the problems are solved. Your relationships and coping skills may improve greatly. You may get more satisfaction out of social and family relationships. Your personal goals and values may become clearer. You may grow in different areas of your life.
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What if I can't make it to a scheduled appointment?Apart from unpredictable emergencies like snow days or illness, we require a 48-hour notice for cancellation and rescheduling. Otherwise, you may be charged the full session fee at 100%, and this charge may not be covered by insurance. To reschedule an appointment, select Appointments > Existing clients in the menu bar and follow the instructions there. Alternatively, you can call or email us using the contact information at the bottom of the screen.
About Dr. Luttrell
Dr. Luttrell can help you reconnect and realign with your truth authentic self by restoring emotional intimacy with yourself, partner, family, business, or spiritual relationships. He believes that understanding emotions are important to overcome obstacles of shame, fear, or shame-based cycles of addiction. His focus areas tend to be on romantic relationships, sexuality, the impact of hurtful habits, and spirituality.
"Dr. Luttrell is very professional. He strives to obtain the most helpful resources for clients and keep up to date on relevant approaches to aid clients in their therapy journey. He is friendly and approachable and highly empathic."
- Vanessa Q. (former colleague)
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