Sexual problems can hinder one’s ability to engage in sexual activity or experience sexual pleasure.
Only about 30% of individuals with mental health issues who need help for sexual concerns receive adequate support. It's common for healthcare providers to assume that people will seek help on their own, but this often doesn’t happen.
At Goedebuur, we believe that paying attention to sexuality is crucial. People need touch, pleasure, comfort, connection, and enjoyment. How individuals experience and express their sexuality can reveal a lot about their relationships with others and themselves, their ability to form bonds, regulate emotions, and manage vulnerability and autonomy. Ignoring or mishandling sexual concerns can perpetuate or exacerbate mental health issues, or at the very least, diminish quality of life.
Sexual problems often coexist with conditions such as depressive disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse. Additionally, prolonged stress and traumatic events, including sexual violence, can lead to difficulties in sexual functioning and intimacy with one's partner.
One can speak of so-called sexual dysfunction in any of the following cases:
- Decreased sexual desire: a persistent or recurrent absence of erotic thoughts, fantasies and desire for sexual activity.
- Erectile dysfunction: problems getting or maintaining an erection during sexual activity, as well as a decrease in erection firmness.
- Premature ejaculation: the premature occurrence of ejaculation within a minute of penetration, before the person desires it.
- Inhibited ejaculation or anorgasmia: delay in ejaculation, irregular ejaculation or failure to ejaculate in almost all sexual situations.
- Pain/penetration disorder involves persistent problems with inserting something into the vagina, including pain in the area of the vulva or lower abdomen and fear of this pain. As well as tension or tightening of the pelvic floor muscles during attempts to penetrate the vagina.
- Orgasmic dysfunction includes significant delay, frequent absence or decreased intensity of orgasms.
When treating sexual problems, it is important to note that the goal is not always to improve sexual function. Sometimes this is not physically possible. Instead, treatment goals may focus on increasing acceptance, satisfaction, well-being or improving the sexual relationship. Together with the practitioner, we will determine which psychological and/or psychotherapeutic treatment is the best fit based on our own expertise and your experiences.
At Goedebuur, we believe in a holistic approach, that addresses both body and mind, considering nutrition and social factors as well. Our treatments are tailored to meet your specific needs, with treatment goals formulated to suit your individual circumstances.
Consult with a psychologist and sign up today. Each treatment is personalized to ensure the best outcome for you.