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When people desire to be in a relationship, they are not wanting or needing company or someone to do things with. Most people look for that perfect relationship because they want real, true intimacy in their life. But what is intimacy, really? Intimacy is NOT the same thing as sex. You can have sex without […]
When people desire to be in a relationship, they are not wanting or needing company or someone to do things with. Most people look for that perfect relationship because they want real, true intimacy in their life. But what is intimacy, really?
Intimacy is NOT the same thing as sex. You can have sex without intimacy.
Intimacy is TRUE and genuine closeness with another human being. It is a connection that is developed over time. While intimacy brings unparalleled joy into our lives, it can also feel incredibly frightening to some people. Because to be intimate means to open yourself up to another human being. It means showing up, flaws and all, and putting in the work.
Ultimately, intimacy is a wonderful byproduct of an emotional connection that has been built over time by two individuals who deeply love and respect each other.
While many people struggle with a fear of intimacy, not everyone knows the signs and symptoms, as they can be mistaken for other emotions.
People who fear intimacy often have low self-esteem and trust issues. They may experience episodes of anger from time to time and have a history of toxic relationships. Many avoid physical contact and are unable to easily share their feelings or express emotions.
There are a variety of reasons a person may experience fear of intimacy. From childhood trauma to low self-worth and fear of rejection, people from all walks of life, all ages, and all backgrounds have developed a fear of getting close to another person.
If you believe you have a fear of intimacy, sex therapy is a powerful tool that can help you work through any underlying causes. A therapist can help you identify the root of your trouble and help you weed it out. He or she can also help you heal from any past traumas so you can start to get close and connect with others.
The bottom line is, intimacy is a wonderful part of life. To miss out on it would be a tragic shame.
If you’d like to work with someone on your intimacy issues, please reach out to me. I can provide tools and techniques to help you develop a deeper connection with your partner and yourself.
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Sexual intercourse is supposed to feel good. It’s supposed to be something that enhances our life and makes us feel closer to our partner. But for some women, intercourse is painful and something they end up trying to avoid. Symptoms of Painful Intercourse Pain with penetration. This can even include the insertion of a tampon. […]
Sexual intercourse is supposed to feel good. It’s supposed to be something that enhances our life and makes us feel closer to our partner. But for some women, intercourse is painful and something they end up trying to avoid.
Painful intercourse happens for a variety of physical and emotional reasons.
Pain during penetration is often a result of a lack of lubrication. This can happen when there is a lack of foreplay or the woman has experienced a decrease in her estrogen levels as a result of menopause or right after giving birth.
Painful intercourse can also be a result of an injury or trauma of some sort caused by an accident, scarring from pelvic surgery or episiotomy. Infections and inflammation may also cause pain during sex as can eczema and other skin issues in the genital area.
And finally, certain physical conditions can also cause painful intercourse. These can include:
Medical treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy have also been known to cause women pain during sexual intercourse.
If you believe your painful intercourse stems from a physical condition, it’s important to speak with your doctor to find the right course of treatment.
For women, emotions can be directly linked to sexual activity. Emotional factors that can lead to painful intercourse include stress, anxiety, depression, or worrying about how you look, relationship problems or a history of sexual abuse.
When painful intercourse is a result of emotional or psychological issues, it is recommended that the woman seek treatment from a sex therapist. A therapist can help uncover where the issue is coming from and offer tools and coping skills to alleviate the negative emotions or residual trauma so that sex can be enjoyable once again.
If you are interested in exploring treatment options, please get in touch with me.
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