Sunday, September 14, 2008

Hypnosis and Sex Therapy

Hypnosis can be a powerful tool in helping clients with
a variety of sexual problems. First of all there is the issue
of relaxation that has its place in treating erectile dysfunction
(ED) especially when there is performance anxiety involved.
Relaxation enhances blood flow and this is very useful
with ED.

Subjects who are able to alter sensation can apply their
training in self-hypnosis to ejaculatory control problems.
Sexual pain disorders involving muscle contraction and spasm
may respond to hypnotic relaxation along with other sex
therapy techniques.

Masters and Johnson's "Sensate Focus" techniques can
be enhanced with hypnosis since hypnosis involves a
relaxed state of focused attention. Sensate focus
requires focusing on sensation and pleasure during
lovemaking and couple exercises. Combining the
two techniques may assist couples in moving
more quickly through their learning experience.

In addition, the use of mental practice and visualization
as part of sex therapy "reconditioning" can be applied
to arousal and desire disorders as clients explore what
feels pleasurable to them. Hypnosis can help the clients
immerse more deeply in what they are experiencing.

Hypnosis also has its place in encouraging sexual self-esteem
as clients learn to appreciate their sexual selves and identity.

Hypnotizability matters. Some clients are more
talented than others with hypnosis. So, measuring this
ability is part of any initial assessment and treatment plan.