Sexual difficulties can erode a couple’s relationship and create a personal suffering. And yet, may individuals do not seek professional help because they are uncomfortable sharing information about their intimate life. Adding to feelings of discomfort and shame is the uncertainty about what to expect when seeking treatment from a trained sexuality therapist. To provide greater clarity, this article provides information about the evaluation process.
In assessing sexual problems, a sexuality therapist, most often, considers relational, biological, medical, familial, psychological, cultural, and life style factors. Taking all of these variable into account is necessary because sexuality is complex and affected by many variables. Below are some of the questions, broken down into categories, that a sexuality therapist might explore to better understand sexual symptoms. In gathering this information, the therapist respects the comfort level of the individual and insures confidentiality.
Presenting Problem
How would you describe the sexual problem?
Does the sexual problem co-exist with other sexual problems or concerns?
What does this problem mean to you?
History of the Problem
When did the problem start?
Did the problem come on suddenly or gradually
If the onset was sudden, did it coincide with a traumatic event, changes in lifestyle, or major transition?
If the onset was gradual, has there been an ongoing medical condition?
Have the demands of work or children resulted in sex becoming less of a priority?
Individual History (Individual history is generally conducted separately to encourage openness and comfort)
How did you learn about sex?
Did your knowledge about sex come from family members, peers, or other sources?
What are your family’s attitudes about sex?
Do you have a history of physical or sexual abuse?
What are your perceptions of your body?
What do you consider a healthy sexual life?
To what extent do religious teachings about sex influence your sexual attitudes and behaviors?
To what extent do popular beliefs about sex influence how you define a healthy sex life?
Have you experienced similar sexual problems in previous relationships?
Do you have a past or present medical illness?
Are you taking prescribed medication?
Have you discussed your present symptoms with your physician?
Are you experiencing undue amounts of stress?
Are you using recreational drugs or alcohol excessively?
What is your current emotional and mental state?
Couple Relationship
Are you and your partner presently experiencing general difficulties in your relationship?
How are the sexual difficulties impacting your relationship?
Do you see the sexual difficulties as residing in you, your partner, or within the couple relationship?
How similar are your expectations about a healthy sexual life to those of your partner?
Do you and your partner discuss the sexual difficulties?
How do you and your partner deal with the sexual difficulties?
The information necessary to assess a sexual problem is gathered over multiple sessions. Once the evaluation is complete, the therapist provides feedback and recommendations. If the individual or couple agree with the plan of treatment and wishes to rely on the therapist to help them sort through their difficulties, treatment begins.