There is a myriad of challenges that can negatively impact your sex life. If you are finding difficulty in this area, it is important to address it, as your sex life can significantly affect your health. Cleveland Clinic lists just a small portion of the physical issues that can lead to sexual dysfunction, including "diabetes, heart and vascular (blood vessel) disease, . hormonal imbalances, chronic diseases, . and alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder." When you initially notice problems, Healthline recommends you first meet with a medical doctor to clear your physical health. However, if you are healthy in this respect and are still experiencing sexual problems, you may want to check in with your mental health.
AdvertisementWhile many people face physical limitations, research published by the medical journal Women's Health reveals that female sexual dysfunction is predominately attributed to mental health issues. They specify that these issues often include depression, anxiety, and a history of sexual trauma. If you are in this boat, it's totally normal, and you can take steps to resolve these difficulties. One route to healing could be a therapeutic practice known as "sexual hypnotherapy."
Easily confused with "erotic hypnosis," sexual hypnotherapy is very different. Per Healthline, erotic hypnosis is a tool to enhance sexual pleasure while engaging in sexual intercourse. Meanwhile, sexual hypnotherapy is done in a professional setting with a clinical hypnotherapist and does not involve any kind of sexual activity. The president and founder of NYC Hypnosis Center, Eli Bliliuos, tells Healthline that "during a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotist is helping you reprogram the subconscious mind."
AdvertisementHypnotherapy sessions can differ depending on the specific issue at hand and the hypnotherapist's approach to treating it. However, you might encounter various codified methods if you choose to try sexual hypnotherapy. According to Hypnotherapy Directory, some of these techniques include visualizations, affirmations, and relaxation practices. Another common practice they mention is known as "neuro-linguistic programming." With this, the hypnotherapist analyzes your linguistic patterns and works to rewire those causing mental blocks.
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The Pleasant Relationship gives insight into what you can expect from a typical sexual hypnotherapy session. They write that it often will first begin with a breathing exercise to relax you. Following this, your hypnotherapist will help you to reach a hypnotic state. Hypnotherapy Directory describes hypnosis as the "process of inducing a trance to help promote communication between your conscious and subconscious mind." So once you have moved into hypnosis, your hypnotherapist can help you consciously rework the subconscious beliefs causing you trouble in your sex life.
AdvertisementPop culture likes to paint a dramatic picture of hypnosis, making it appear as brain-washing magic that can make you do anything in the hypnotist's power. However, this is far from the truth. Clinical hypnotherapist Kaz Riley clarifies to Healthline, "you can't do something while hypnotized that your non-hypnotized self wouldn't consent to." So don't let Hollywood scare you off if you think this could be an effective treatment. Everyone deserves a healthy sex life. If you are experiencing psychological issues, sexual hypnotherapy could be an incredible tool to help you achieving one.