Leone Centre Glossary

Menopause in Psychosexual Therapy

Menopause in Psychosexual Therapy

Menopause brings significant changes that can affect various aspects of life, including sexual health. Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring in middle age, leading to various physical and emotional changes. Therapy addresses the psychological and sexual aspects of menopause, helping individuals and couples during this life stage.

Common Challenges

Menopause can bring about several challenges that may be addressed in psychosexual therapy, including:

  1. Decreased sexual desire due to hormonal changes
  2. Emotional fluctuations impacting sexual relationships
  3. Physical symptoms such as vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse
  4. Body image issues related to aging and menopausal changes
  5. Communication barriers between partners regarding sexual needs

About Menopause in Psychosexual Therapy

Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and typically occurs in middle age, leading to a variety of physical and emotional changes. Psychosexual therapy is a specialised form of therapy focusing on these changes, particularly how they affect sexual health and relationships. It aims to provide support and understanding during this significant life stage.

Therapeutic Insights

Menopause can lead to shifts in sexual health and well-being. Psychosexual therapy offers a supportive space to address these changes. Key benefits include enhanced communication between partners, improved understanding of bodily changes, and methods to maintain intimacy. The flexible and personalised approach helps adapt therapy to individual needs.

Therapeutic Process

Through discussions, therapeutic exercises, and educational resources, therapy assists in adapting to changes, enhancing intimacy, and managing symptoms.

Psychosexual therapy for menopause involves:

  • Discussing both psychological and sexual health concerns
  • Addressing sexual and emotional issues concurrently
  • The importance of a safe, confidential space for open discussions
  • Flexible session scheduling to accommodate individual and couple needs

How Therapy Can Help

Engaging in psychosexual therapy during menopause aims to improve communication and intimacy between partners. It enhances understanding of menopausal changes and their effects on sexual health, allowing for the management of physical symptoms that impact sexual activity. Additionally, therapy aims to promote greater emotional stability and resilience as a couple and boost confidence in addressing sexual health concerns.

How Therapy Works

The process of psychosexual therapy for menopause typically starts with an initial consultation to identify specific concerns and goals. This is followed by regular sessions where various therapeutic practices are applied to address these concerns. This therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for discussing sensitive topics. There is continuous assessment and adjustment of therapy approaches to ensure progress, and clients are provided with resources and exercises to practice outside of sessions.

FAQs

What is menopause?
Menopause is the natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, usually occurring in middle age.
How can psychosexual therapy help during menopause?
Psychosexual therapy helps by addressing the emotional and sexual changes experienced during menopause, offering support and practices to manage these changes productively.
What are common symptoms of menopause affecting sexual health?
Common symptoms include decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and emotional fluctuations impacting sexual relationships.

References

  1. North American Menopause Society (NAMS). (2019). Menopause Practice: A Clinician’s Guide (6th ed.). Available from NAMS (Menopause Practitioner)​.
  2. Brotto, L. A., & Luria, M. (2014). Sexual Interest and Desire in Women. In Goldstein, I., Meston, C., Davis, S., & Traish, A. (Eds.), Women’s Sexual Function and Dysfunction: Study, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Taylor & Francis Group.
  3. Dennerstein, L., Lehert, P., & Burger, H. (2005). The relative effects of hormones and relationship factors on sexual function of women through the natural menopausal transition. Fertility and Sterility, 84(1), 174-180​ (North American Menopause Society)​.
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This glossary provides definitions of various counselling terms and approaches for informational purposes only, without implying endorsement or service provision