The Effectiveness of Talk Therapy for Anorgasmia Treatment

March 20, 2023/in Health, Sex Therapist, Women /by Amanda Pasciucco

The Effectiveness of Talk Therapy for Anorgasmia Treatment

Anorgasmia treatment is a common sexual problem that can have an effect on a person’s sexual and emotional health. Anorgasmia is defined as the inability to attain orgasm despite sexual excitement. Both physical and mental factors can contribute to anorgasmia; the former may include things like specific medications. Or medical conditions, while the latter may include things like stress, worry, or issues with interpersonal relationships.

Talk therapy, which is also called psychotherapy, is a type of treatment that can help people with anorgasmia deal with the mental issues that may be making their condition worse. A wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and certified therapists, can provide talk therapy, a type of psychotherapy.

How Talk Therapy Can Help with Anorgasmia

Talk therapy can be helpful for people with anorgasmia because it can help them figure out and deal with the mental issues that may be contributing to their illness. During treatment sessions, people are given a safe and supportive environment in which they can talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to sexuality and sex. People might benefit from this research by learning more about their own sexual responses and finding any problems that might be causing them to not have a sexual desire.

Here is a list of things that can be done in talk therapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on modifying destructive patterns of thought and behavior. CBT is an acronym for cognitive behavioral therapy. Those who suffer with anorgasmia may find that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful in identifying and addressing any negative ideas or attitudes about sexuality or sex that may be contributing to their illness.

Mindfulness-based therapy can help people with anorgasmia become more aware of the present moment and more in tune with their own sexual responses. By practicing mindfulness, people can learn to pay more attention to their own physical feelings and become more aware of their own sexual excitement.

Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses especially on sexual concerns. The goal is to develop strategies for improving sexual communication, increasing pleasure. And resolving any concerns that may be contributing to anorgasmia.

Benefits of Talk Therapy for Anorgasmia Treatment

Talk therapy for anorgasmia treatment has a variety of advantages, including the following:

People who go to talk therapy may become more aware of themselves and gain a better understanding of their own sexual reactions. Similarly, talk therapy can help couples communicate better sexually by fixing any communication problems that may be linked to anorgasmia.

Talk therapy can help people find ways to increase their sexual pleasure and achieve orgasm. Which can lead to a higher level of sexual satisfaction overall.

Talk therapy can make relationships happier as a whole by addressing any relationship problems that may be caused by anorgasmia.

Conclusion

Anorgasmia treatment is an illness that has the potential to be irritating and unpleasant. Yet it’s essential to keep in mind that it is treatable. Talk therapy can be a good way to address anorgasmia treatment. Because it can help people deal with the mental health issues that may be contributing to their problems.

Working with a mental health professional can help people with anorgasmia improve their sexual communication. Become more self-aware, and have more sexual pleasure and relationship satisfaction.

If you aren’t ready to commit to therapy, you can start your journey here.

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Erectile Dysfunction Therapy: Questions You Were Afraid to Ask

December 30, 2022/in Health, Men /by Amanda Pasciucco

Erectile Dysfunction Therapy: Questions You Were Afraid to Ask

Trouble achieving or maintaining a hard enough erection for intercourse is referred to as erectile dysfunction, and the recommended treatment that might help you is erectile dysfunction therapy. Men most frequently disclose erectile dysfunction, or ED, to their doctor when they have sex-related issues. Some studies say erectile dysfunction can impact up to 30 million men.

Even though it’s common for men to experience occasional erection issues, ED that progresses or frequently occurs during sexual activity is abnormal and has to be addressed. It can most often happen when the penis’ blood supply is restricted, or its nerves are damaged, under stress, or for emotional reasons. It can also be an early sign of a more severe condition like atherosclerosis (hardening or blocking the arteries), heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Your general health and your ED treatment will benefit from determining the cause(s) of the condition. Generally speaking, whatever is healthy for your heart is also excellent for your sexual health.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Impotence sometimes referred to as erectile dysfunction, is characterized by difficulties obtaining and maintaining an erection. It might be awkward to bring up the subject. According to reports, more than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 deal with ED in some capacity. So, console yourself in the knowledge that you are not alone.

Nerves release substances that boost blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Two erection chambers of the penis, which are formed of spongy muscular tissue, receive blood flow (the corpus cavernosum). The chambers of the corpus cavernosum are solid.

Erection results from the penis being stiff due to the blood pressure in the chambers. The spongy tissues loosen up and trap blood during an erection. The second set of nerves reaches the penis during an orgasm and forces the penis’ muscular tissues to contract, releasing blood back into the circulatory system and causing the erection to disappear.

The penis is soft and limp when not sexually stimulated. Men may see that their penis changes in size in response to heat, cold, or stress; this is typical and represents the balance of blood entering and exiting the penis.

Symptoms & Causes

Erectile dysfunction can result from a variety of causes, such as:

Vascular disease: Vascular diseases like atherosclerosis can cause the blood flow to the penis to become restricted or constrained (hardening of the arteries).
Neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis): Strokes, diabetes, and other conditions can affect the nerves that transmit signals to the penis.
Psychological conditions: These include worries about performing, tension, sadness, and a lack of brain stimulation.
Trauma: An injury may make ED symptoms worse.

ED may also be brought on by chronic sickness and certain drugs, including a disorder known as Peyronie’s disease. Additionally, bladder, colon, and prostate cancer treatments may have contributed.

Various pharmaceutical medications frequently have adverse effects on erectile dysfunction (ED). While these drugs may treat an illness or condition, they can also negatively affect a man’s hormones, nervous system, or blood flow, leading to ED or increasing the risk of ED. Do not stop taking medicine if you have ED and suspect it may be related to the drugs you are taking. Contact your doctor if the issue continues; they might be able to recommend an alternative medicine.

ED & Depression

For certain men, erectile dysfunction can coexist with depression (ED). Men with ED frequently experience emotions like rage, frustration, sadness, self-doubt, and even a loss of “manliness.” That could result in low self-esteem and, in extreme circumstances, depression.

The associated depression with ED is curable. Being honest with yourself, your spouse, and your doctor is the first step in addressing your worries about ED-related sadness. Coping with depression will be simpler and less demanding if it is publicly acknowledged.

Your doctor will assess your medical history and complete a physical examination before recommending any testing. You will also be “interviewed” by the doctor on your personal and sexual background. Some of these inquiries could seem invasive since they are so unique. You must provide honest responses to these queries, though.

Psychosocial History

Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and sexual history or may ask you to complete a questionnaire. Your comments may aid their assessment of the severity of your ED.

Some questions they could ask include:

When did you first start having ED? Did it start slowly or suddenly?
Are you having any issues with orgasm, ejaculation, or sexual desire?
When was the last time you had sex? Has this frequency lately changed?
How solidly do your erection? Is this influenced by certain circumstances or forms of stimulation?
Do you have erections during the night or in the morning?
How is your existing union doing? What goals do you and your partner have for the relationship? Has anything changed recently?
Have you been under a lot of stress lately?
What prescription drugs do you now take? Do you use non-prescription medications, alcohol, or tobacco?
Do you suffer from any underlying illnesses? Have you ever had surgery on your pelvis?

In Final Words

There is growing evidence that ED is associated with obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Steps may be taken to avoid the development of ED in those at risk owing to personal conduct. Other factors, however, might not be prevented.

The suggestions below might aid in preventing ED or treating it if it already exists:

Adopt a balanced diet. Men with ED can benefit from eating a diet low in saturated fat and high in healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Lower your cholesterol. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and medicine can decrease cholesterol in men. The arteries leading to the penis might stiffen, constrict, or become blocked due to high cholesterol (atherosclerosis).
Keep a healthy weight.
Regular exercise Regular physical activity may lower the risk of ED. Exercise lowers your risk of ED and aids in stress management. Choose workouts that you will make a normal part of your day and that you love. Before commencing any workout regimen, consult your doctor.

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Contraceptive Methods: Everything You Need To Know

November 21, 2022/in Health, The Sex Healer /by Amanda Pasciucco

Contraceptive Methods: Everything You Need To Know

Having sex comes with responsibilities, and if you want to enjoy it without undesired consequences, you will need to know all about contraceptive methods. Luckily, there are many options when talking about contraception, so you will easily find something that suits your needs and allows you to have as much sex you want, and more importantly, the way you want it.

Depending on the contraceptive method, it protects you from unwanted pregnancy, while some of them will also keep you safe from sexually transmissible infections (STIs). To answer all questions you might have about contraception, take a look at the best contraceptive methods and find out what benefits they bring for your sexual health and lifestyle.

Condoms

Having sex with a condom is the only way of protecting yourself and your sex partner against most STIs and pregnancy. It’s a contraceptive method that can be used on-demand, while also being hormone-free and simple to carry around with you at all times. Another great thing about condoms is they come in both male and female varieties.

While male condoms are being rolled onto an erect penis to prevent sexual fluids from passing between the partners, the female condom is being placed into the vagina moments before having sex. When comparing these two options, a male condom is more practical, effective, and enjoyable as the female condom requires both partners to get used to it.

Oral Contraceptive Pills

Oral contraceptive pills need to be taken once a day, and as much as there are many different types of pills to choose from, the principle is the same with all of them. Combines pills contain estrogen and progestin, and mini pills contain only one – progestin. The most important thing with any of these oral contraceptive pills is to take them on time.

When used correctly, contraceptive pills are highly effective, allow both partners sexual spontaneity, and doesn’t put your activities on pause during the entire sex. Many women are even taking them to reduce heavy and painful periods or as a part of the acne treatment, yet unlike condoms, these pills will not protect you or your sex partner against STIs.

Contraceptive Implants

This contraceptive method implies a little, flexible rod being placed under the upper arm skin of a woman. There, it releases a form of the hormone progesterone. This hormone will stop the ovary from releasing the egg and thicken the woman’s cervical mucus which makes it very challenging for the sperm to enter the womb.

With this method, you will need to do a small procedure that requires local anesthesia both when fitting it and removing it after three years. As a highly effective contraceptive method, it’s important to keep in mind there can be irregular bleeding at first, which needs to be monitored by a trained healthcare provider to avoid any potential problems.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)

This is a small, T-shape device that contains progesterone hormone and is placed inside a uterus by a trained healthcare professional. It´s one of the longest-acting contraceptive methods as it can stay in for three to ten years. Some IUDs will even release hormones gradually to prevent pregnancy.

It can even be fitted inside a uterus as emergency contraception as it’s efficient within five days of the last time you had unprotected sex. As it is with contraceptive implants mentioned above, you need to be aware of potential irregular bleeding and spotting in the first few months of use.

Emergency Contraception Pills

If you forgot or didn’t have access to contraceptive methods, an emergency contraception pill might be exactly what you need. If you just had unprotected sex or a condom has broken during sex, the ‘Morning After’ pill can be effective within the first five days of unprotected sex. To make sure it’s as efficient as possible, you should take it immediately or within the next three days after sex.

When taken in that period of time, the emergency contraception pill prevents more than 80% of expected pregnancies. It contains a special dose of female hormones. These ‘Morning After’ pills can be bought over the counter at a pharmacy or chemist without any prescription. Another benefit is that even women who cannot take oral contraceptive pills can take this pill to prevent potential pregnancy.

Contraceptive Rings

A contraceptive ring is a flexible plastic ring that constantly releases hormones and is placed in the vagina. Unlike previously mentioned methods like IUDs and contraceptive implants, a woman will put in a contraceptive ring. It stays in for three weeks, and once a woman removes it, she will need to wait another week to put another contraceptive ring.

This ring releases the estrogen and progestogen, both hormones found in the combined oral contraceptive pill, yet at a much lower dose. Contraceptive rings are also being used to control periods and you can work on your pregnancy if you want as soon as you remove it.

Conclusion

When choosing an appropriate contraceptive method for yourself, it’s best to consult with your gynecologist. Not every woman will be able to use all of the above-mentioned methods, so it’s best to have that conversation before you make a decision. For instance, not all oral contraceptive pills are the same, so someone might have negative consequences taking one and feel completely fine by taking another type of pill.

If you’ve decided to use a contraceptive method that requires the help of a trained help provider, make sure you’ve checked the background of that person before having the procedure. Making sure that the method is fitted correctly will keep you safe from pregnancy and minimalize the post-effects of the procedure, like bleeding and spotting.

When in a serious relationship, talk about contraception with your partner as this decision affects you both. Having the support of your loved one will help you make the right decision and allow you to enjoy sex as you used to.

Check Out All Our Additional Sex Therapy Video

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Does Sex Relieve Stress: What Do Experts Say?

November 7, 2022/in Health, Intimacy /by Amanda Pasciucco

Does Sex Relieve Stress: What Do Experts Say?

Sex and stress are connected in many ways, however, does sex relieve stress? When a particularly stressful week or two saps our sex drive—or when we successfully utilize sex to reduce stress—the majority of us instinctively know this and feel it unambiguously. These instincts are supported by scientific research.

Stress and anxiety can be reduced by sex by releasing “feel good” hormones like oxytocin. These hormones aid in promoting calm and reducing anxiety.

Sex increases hormone levels and other brain chemicals and it lowers stress hormone levels.

Ways Sex Relieves Stress

Your body can relax during orgasm and produce many hormones that are beneficial to your general health and well-being. Similar to this, sex can increase dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is commonly referred to as the “feel-good chemical” since it amplifies positive emotions.

Increased Oxytocin. Because it is released during physical contacts, such as during affectionate caressing and sex between adult couples, as well as during pregnancy, birth, and lactation, oxytocin is referred to as the “love hormone.”
Increased Endorphins. Although endorphins are neurotransmitters, which are released during sexual activity, as well as other physical activity, such as running, and in response to pain. They can lower stress and elevate mood, much like oxytocin.
Reduced cortisol. The sexual activity appears to lower levels of adrenaline and cortisol, also referred to as “stress hormones,” just as it might increase chemicals with favorable benefits.

Benefits of Sex on Your Health

Sex provides a lot of additional significant health advantages in addition to flooding your body with hormones that can help you feel less stressed, anxious, and worried. Numerous other aspects of sex help deal more efficiently with stress management.

Improves Your Mood

Positive distractions like sex can help you put anxious thoughts out of your head. In turn, this can lift one’s spirits both now and in the future. For instance, a study of married couples discovered that having sex was linked to feeling well the next day at work.

It is also found that stress and conflict in the workplace-family environment decreased the likelihood of sex. If you often have conflicts between your personal and professional lives, you might want to be aware of this.

You might question if sex, which improves mood, might also help manage depressive symptoms. Since both depression symptoms and therapies can contribute to a decrease in libido, the connection between sex and depression is complicated.

Better Brain Function

Sex may assist in keeping your mind sharp in addition to benefiting your body and mood. According to studies, older persons who had sex more regularly performed better on memory tests.

Strengthens the Relationship

Additionally, having sex deepens the intimacy you experience with your spouse, which lowers stress and elevates your mood. People tend to manage stress better, live longer, and have better overall health when they have a supportive social outlet, which may include a solid personal relationship.

Improves Sleep

According to research, sexual activity helps people sleep better. Specifically, having sex may make it easier for you to nod off and improve the quality of your sleep. Once more, hormones might be involved. Both sexual activity and better sleep are related to raised levels of oxytocin, prolactin, and cortisol, which can surge after an orgasm.

Improves Heart Health

Sex may also assist your heart health, which is another perk. Most research suggests that men who have sex twice a week are less likely to acquire the cardiovascular disease. Having sex should be safe as long as you can exercise without experiencing any heart issues for three to five metabolic equivalents (METs). These equivalents are a unit of measurement used to calculate the energy needed to complete an activity.

Improves Fertility

Experts have demonstrated that ejaculating frequently lessens sperm harm. They hypothesize that this occurs because there is a greater likelihood of DNA damage the longer sperm remains in the testes.

Solo Sex Benefits

Sex doesn’t have to happen between two people to enjoy its health benefits. Masturbation enables people to access an incredible wealth of sensations, information, and ultimately, benefits that go beyond an orgasm. After all, most of the reactions in your body that occur during sex with another person will appear when you are masturbating as well. So, if you heard from someone or somewhere that masturbation is bad for you, here is another reason to tell them otherwise.

These are just some of the many benefits of masturbation:

releases sexual tension
reduces stress
helps you improve sleep quality
improves your self-esteem and body image
helps treat a range of sexual problems
relieves menstrual cramps and muscle tension
strengthens muscle tone in the pelvic and anal areas

Masturbation also enables you to discover your sexual preferences. How would you like to be touched? How much pressure is comfortable? What speed or tempo? Learning to have orgasms on your own can make it simpler to do so with a partner since you can describe or demonstrate the pleasurable sensations to them. And, you are more likely to feel comfortable protecting yourself from STDs and unexpected pregnancy when comfortable with sex, your body, and communicating with your partner.

Some people experience guilt after masturbating because they learn as children that it is wrong or bad. Try to keep in mind that most people masturbate if you feel that way. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, and it is quite normal. If you struggle to overcome guilt feelings, speaking with a counselor or therapist may be helpful.

Conclusion

You probably aren’t surprised to learn that having sex feels nice and helps relieve stress. Since it has so many advantages, knowing more about how and why sex can relieve stress might give you a few more reasons to engage in it.

It’s critical to concentrate on stress management if it’s affecting your ability to have or enjoy sex with your partner or your connection with them. That could entail individual or couple’s counseling, where you can develop a stronger bond and discover constructive methods to deal with stress and conflict.

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

5 Signs You Need Therapy

October 25, 2022/in Health, Lifestyle /by Amanda Pasciucco

5 Signs You Need Therapy

You might ask ‘What are the signs you need therapy? ’At some point in our lives, we encounter stress, anxiety, mood swings, and other types of emotional suffering. Whether it’s because of a failure in the workplace, rejection, problems with money, interpersonal conflicts, a death in the family, or another reason, we usually are able to recover eventually. However, occasionally, we might want a little extra assistance to do so.

You might not be able to “snap out of it” because you’re feeling down or empty. Or perhaps you’ve noticed some unhealthy patterns in your behavior that you find difficult to change. The symptoms of mental or emotional strain might sometimes be plain to see. However, sometimes it is more difficult to identify them.

Our energy, productivity, and general health are directly impacted by our emotions, thoughts, and actions. Taking care of your mental health makes it easier for you to deal with stress and problems in daily life. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to your mental health and get assistance if you feel that things are out of control.

What is Therapy?

When they hear the word “therapy,” a lot of people panic. Contrary to popular belief, however, psychotherapy is not only for people who are experiencing mental illness. Anyone who wants to improve their life yet is under stress, going through high emotions, or going through life transitions may find it helpful.

You can explore your options, vent about your experiences, and get the skills to deal with a variety of life difficulties through psychotherapy or talk therapy.

Psychotherapy comes in a variety of formats. Knowing what to anticipate from the treatment you or your child is undergoing is so crucial. These are the main types of psychotherapy:

interpersonal psychotherapy
psychoanalytic psychotherapy
cognitive analytical therapy
systemic psychotherapy
humanistic therapy

It’s critical to keep in mind that asking for help is not a sign of weakness yet a crucial step on the road to self-care. You can get back on track more quickly the earlier you seek assistance. Below, you can find the signs that indicate you should consider therapy.

1. You find it difficult to manage your emotions successfully.

Even while everyone experiences sadness, anxiety, or anger at some point in their lives, it’s crucial to be aware of how frequently or strongly a person experiences any of these feelings. Anger frequently appears as part of a depressed episode. In fact, because men’s irritability or short temper is mistakenly seen as a masculine trait, melancholy in males is frequently overlooked. Uncontrolled rage can also signify negative thoughts about oneself or the outside world, frustration, or a poorly controlled stress response, in addition to despair.

In a similar vein, persistently feeling down, empty, and uninterested in anything could be an indication of clinical depression. This is distinct from a depressed mood, which everyone experiences occasionally.

Many adolescents and young people exhibit impatience, wrath, or hostility toward others rather than experiencing increasing grief. Therapy can help you to better manage emotions. Think of your therapy as an honest, objective, and private environment that helps you to examine painful sensations, comprehend their underlying causes, put them in context, and learn coping mechanisms to overcome such sentiments.

2. Your performance in school or at work is decreasing.

One of the symptoms of psychological or emotional problems is a decline in performance at work or school. Mental health problems can affect one’s ability to pay attention, concentrate, remember things, have energy, and be energetic. They can also cause apathy, which can make it difficult to enjoy or even want to go to work. It could cause a lack of interest and mistakes at work, which would lower production. Even more so, it could endanger you or others.

For instance, whether you’re a caregiver, doctor, law enforcement official, or someone who drives or operates machinery. By actively solving problems and practicing relaxation techniques, a therapist can help you learn how to successfully self-regulate your behavior and develop more adaptive coping mechanisms for stress.

3. You notice changes or distruption in sleep or appetite.

Our sleep and appetite can be significantly impacted by mental health problems. A person who is worried or manic may have trouble sleeping, yet a person who is really sad may sleep all the time.

When under stress, some people overeat to numb their emotions, while others find they can barely eat. Therefore, it may be time to take a step back and carefully evaluate the issue if you realize that you have been eating or sleeping either less or more than usual for an extended length of time.

4. It is difficult for you to build and maintain relationships.

Our mental health can have a range of effects on our relationships, including making us withdraw from those who are important to us, creating uneasiness in a partnership, or making us severely rely on another person for emotional support. People experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties may find it challenging to build relationships at work or school, collaborate in teams, or communicate with superiors, coworkers, or subordinates.

New or ongoing relationships may suffer as a result of any of these circumstances. Therapy can be helpful if you frequently find yourself at odds with people or struggle to express your emotions to others. You can learn better social skills from a qualified therapist, like respectful assertiveness.

5. You experienced a traumatic event.

Talk therapy can also help those who have experienced past physical or sexual abuse or other trauma from which they have not yet entirely recovered. In a private, judgment-free setting, psychotherapy enables a person to discuss these traumatic events with a professional skilled at listening to these concerns.

Additionally, the client is not concerned with “protecting” the therapist from learning about these experiences. A therapist can also assist the patient in learning skills for overcoming associations and the hold that the trauma has over them as well as new ways of thinking about the terrible incident.

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Sex After Breast Cancer: How It Affects Your Life?

September 12, 2022/in Health, Lifestyle /by Amanda Pasciucco

Sex After Breast Cancer: How It Affects Your Life?

Sex after breast cancer is probably one of the uncomfortably awkward topics to discuss with your partner, let alone with someone else. Even though you may not be aware of the problem or the solution, you are quite aware that something has changed and is affecting one more area of your life – your sex life.

For many reasons, many women report having less sex than they did before cancer. The breast cancer experience causes your body to slow down. Many things take longer, such as becoming interested in, initiating, and concluding sexual activity.

If you’re facing the sudden onset of menopause, sex may be uncomfortable or even painful. Undoubtedly, it’s not surprising that you currently have less sex. Between the time of diagnosis and the end of treatment, many women just like yourself may have had little to no sex.

Yet, none of this solves your situation. It’s nice to know you’re not alone in the boat, however, what is there to do? What can you do to go back to how things were or even better?

Accepting Your Body During and After Treatment

The first step to becoming more sexually active and, more importantly, feeling good about it is to learn how to accept your body and everything that is affecting it through this experience. Many women with breast cancer deal with changes in their looks as a result of their treatment in addition to the emotional, mental, and financial burden that cancer and its treatment can create.

Hair loss is one change that might only last a short while. However, even minor adjustments can have a significant impact on how a woman feels about herself. Women have a variety of options, such as wigs, hats, scarves, and other accessories, to help them deal with hair loss. As an alternative, some people decide to utilize their baldness as a sign of surviving breast cancer.

Other alterations, such as the complete or partial loss of a breast (or breasts) following surgery, might be permanent. While some women may opt not to have reconstructive surgery to rebuild the breast mound, others may. You can choose whether or not to use a breast shape or prosthesis if you opt against having breast reconstruction.

Re-Building Sexuality in Your Relationship

After breast cancer, you can be worried about your sexuality. Some women may feel less confident in their bodies as a result of physical changes, particularly those following breast surgery. The damaged breast could lose its feeling. Your hormone levels may vary as a result of various breast cancer therapies like chemotherapy and hormone therapy, which could impact your sexual interest and/or responsiveness.

Relationship problems are also crucial. Your partner could be concerned about how to show their affection after therapy, particularly after surgery. However, breast cancer can be an opportunity for relationships to grow, particularly when both spouses participate in decision-making and receive treatment.

Accept the Loss of Your Sexual Desire

As much as sex is important for couples, it can be replaced until you feel interested in it again with different types of physical intimacy. You can kiss, hug, touch, massage each other, or find other ways to be intimate with your partner.

It’s completely expected to lose sexual desire for weeks or months, and you can explore other ways of reconnecting with your partner, which ultimately might even help you find your sexual appetite again.

That said, if you think it’s been too long and you are willing to work towards having more sex with your partner now, you can also consider going to therapy and discussing it with a mental health professional.

Understanding What Sex Means For You Now

Set aside some uninterrupted time for you and your partner when you feel ready to increase or resume sexual activity. It could be beneficial to reflect on what you and your partner now desire from sexual closeness and look into new approaches on how to do that.

At this moment, communication amongst each other is crucial. You both need the chance to express your feelings and get to know one another. Talking about sex may not always be simple, so it may be easier to do so somewhere you both feel at ease, perhaps outside the bedroom.

You may need to consider experimenting with other sexual positions as a result of your treatment’s side effects. That may be due to pain or discomfort or a desire to avoid drawing attention to a specific body region. Menopausal symptoms, for example, can have an impact on your sex life.

Tips for Having Sex Again

A few tips might help make the sexual experience more enjoyable for you and your partner. However, not all of them will work for you as every person is unique, and their journey can differ significantly from another person’s journey.

1. Start fresh.

Avoid comparing your current situation to what it was before receiving your breast cancer diagnosis. Accept the changes brought on by breast cancer, and also accept it may take some time and patience to feel good about what you see in the mirror.

2. Apply moisturizers or lubricants.

Regular use of a vaginal lubricant or moisturizer will lessen dryness and aid to prevent pain. Also, it might be useful to have something else to focus on while heating things instead of wondering how your body looks and how your partner sees you.

3. Explore your body.

To start, it may be helpful to examine your body independently. You could want to use a vibrator or your fingers. Utilizing vaginal lubrication might be beneficial. This might assist you in determining what types of touch are still pleasurable and where they cause pain.

4. Exercise your pelvic floor.

Exercises for the pelvic floor improve blood flow to the vaginal region, which can heighten sexual arousal and relax these muscles.

5. Be patient.

Initially moving slowly could be beneficial. Consider your energy level and the degree of intimacy that you find comfortable. There might be useful things to think about, including using painkillers if necessary.

6. Create a calm atmosphere.

Setting the proper mood could reduce your tension and boost your confidence. An inviting and seductive ambiance can be created with the use of lighting, music, or aromatherapy products.

Conclusion

Whatever you do, try to remain a positive attitude. As you’re aware that you’re going through recovery after cancer and the treatment, your sex life will need to go through recovery on its own. If you allow yourself to be patient and kind to yourself, you might notice that your sexual desire comes back before you expected it. Lastly, enjoy every moment with your partner because sometimes a hug means more to you than sex – and that is something you should be aware of when rebuilding intimacy with your partner.

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Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). And an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

How to Recognize High Functioning Depression Symptoms?

June 27, 2022/in Health, Online Therapy /by Amanda Pasciucco

How to Recognize High Functioning Depression Symptoms?

Many high functioning depression symptoms are similar to symptoms resulting from major depression, yet differ in more ways. These symptoms might be changes in sleeping and eating habits, lower self-esteem, hopelessness, fatigue, problems with concentration, etc. For it to be a high functioning depressing, a person should experience these symptoms most days that also cause almost constant low mood, which is present for at least two years.

Most people with high functioning depression function normally, and their family and friends often cannot see any signs that the person has this disorder. However, depression is something that a person will struggle with it internally. High functioning depression can be treated with therapy and medications, allowing individuals experiencing it to have a happy, fulfilling life.

High Functioning Depression

If you haven’t heard about high functioning depression, you should know that it can have serious consequences if a person is not receiving adequate treatment. Another term for high functioning depression is a persistent depressive disorder. If a person has high functioning depression they will experience most symptoms of depression, yet less severely.

This means that the person with high functioning depression will function normally, from going to work or school to keeping up with different types of responsibilities in their lives. They also might engage in a range of social activities, so nobody around them will suspect they might be struggling with any form of depression. More importantly, the person often will be unable to detect depression in themselves because they are easy-going, participating in social activities, and performing well in their work or education environment.

The outside world most often will not be able to notice a person is struggling with high functioning depression or persistent depressive disorder. Compared to major depression, high functioning depression should still be diagnosed and treated. When living with high functioning depression, a person can struggle and have a lower life quality than usual, yet getting the help they need can help significantly.

High Functioning Depression Symptoms

High functioning depression is a mental health condition diagnosed by a psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional. To be diagnosed with high functioning depression, certain criteria must be met, which are all gathered in a high functioning depression test.

The first criteria relate to the person being depressed most of the time and for most of the day for at least two years. This depressed mood a person is experiencing must include two or more of the symptoms mentioned below:

Lack of appetite or overeating,
Sleeping issues such as insomnia or oversleeping,
Lack of energy and fatigue,
Decreased self-esteem,
Issues with concentration and making decisions,
Feeling sad and hopeless.

Besides these symptoms, other criteria must be met for a person to be diagnosed with high functioning depression. The symptoms that the person is experiencing must be present on most days for at least two years without the period of relief from depression lasting more than two months. Also, the person mustn’t have experienced a period of mania or hypomania before in their life.

Before diagnosing the client with PDD, the psychiatrist or other mental health professional needs to ensure that these symptoms are not caused by any other mental health disorder, medical condition, or substance abuse. Although most individuals with PDD function normally, there will need to be a link between the high functioning depression and the impairment in one or more life areas of the individual.

Most clients struggling with high functioning depression have reported feeling the following ways:

Feeling a little down most of the days and others might have noticed it and describe you as cynical, downer, or gloomy.
Your low mood is always somewhere in the background if not fully present, and it feels like you will never feel great again.
You feel tired almost constantly, even when you get enough sleep and eat well.
You or others will wonder whether it’s laziness, yet it’s challenging for you to summon the energy to do more than the basic activities.
You don’t feel good about yourself and you feel like you don’t deserve to be happy or liked by others in your life because you’re not worth it.
Your weight has changed without your intent because of a lack of appetite or overeating.
You often feel hopeless and cry without a concrete, realistic reason.
You perform well whether at work or school, yet it’s a challenge to focus on all your tasks and requires additional effort.
Most of the time, you are forcing yourself to engage in social activities although you would rather stay at home alone.

Living with High Functioning Depression

If diagnosed with high functioning depression, a person can continue living their life as they want, however, they will need to receive treatment, whether it’s therapy, medications, or both. A person struggling with this type of depression cannot decide on their therapy on their own, they will need to be guided by a mental health expert.

Once in therapy, the client will receive guidelines, methods, and helpful tips to manage how their high-functioning depression affects their life. As it is with all other mental health disorders, a person often needs months or years of treatment until they can function in a way that their depression is not affecting them anymore. However, even in the initial sessions, a person will be able to improve some aspects of their depression because they will receive personalized guidelines from their psychiatrist, psychologist, or any other mental health professional.

In Final Words

Like major depression, high functioning depression or persistent depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment. Whether it’s you or someone close to you experiencing high functioning depression symptoms, reaching out to a mental health professional is the best way to approach it. This will help the person in need to find adequate treatment and work on improving the quality of their life.

Struggling with depression, whether it’s a major or high functioning one, doesn’t allow you to have a happy life, and not addressing it can only lead to even worse conditions. Reaching out to someone you trust is the first step to recovery, don’t postpone it and react on time.

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). And an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Relationship PTSD & How to Deal With It

June 20, 2022/in Couples, Health /by Amanda Pasciucco

Relationship PTSD & How to Deal With It

Relationship PTSD or post-traumatic relationship syndrome (PTRS) involves ways a person responds to being exposed to a traumatic event within their relationship and their intimate partner. Within relationships, all relational abuse types have shown to leave significant verbal, emotional/psychological, physical, or sexual consequences.

What is Relationship PTSD?

Relationship PTSD is a subcategory of PTSD, where one person is causing PTSD and related emotional reactions in another person within their relationship. It mostly results from an abusive relationship, while not meeting all the diagnostic criteria to be diagnosed as PTSD, so experts in the field have started calling it post-traumatic relationship syndrome (PTRS).

So, Relationship PTSD and PTRS will be used interchangeably for the rest of this article.

Therefore, PTRS will show some PTSD symptoms, yet it will often show more intense emotional reactions leading to negative social interactions. Most people will notice symptoms of PTRS once the relationship ends.

During the relationship, what causes PTRS is the relational patterns and the relationship in general, instead of experiencing one or two traumatic events. A person who has PTRS will notice lower self-esteem, blame themselves for relational troubles, or feel more insecure than before starting the relationship.

What PTSD and PTRS have in common is a belief that once one experiences a certain trauma, the world becomes an unsafe place for that person.

PTRS Symptoms

As said, relationship PTSD or PTRS might be difficult to recognize because the symptoms appear gradually over a long period of time instead of experiencing one traumatic event. PTRS symptoms can include various symptoms and signs, from a strong sense of feeling unsafe to be out of control or feeling shame or guilt.

PTRS Intrusive Symptoms

Intrusive symptoms are related to experiencing the traumatic event again and again through:

Thoughts related to the trauma that appeared out of nowhere,
Flashbacks or having a strong feeling of re-experiencing the traumatic event through images, daydreams, or intrusive thoughts,
Nightmares or dreams involving the traumatic event or dreams where a person feels scared or exposed,
Experiencing extreme distress when reminded of the trauma by your intimate partner or anyone else,
Intensive emotional responses to typical, everyday situations.

PTRS Arousal Symptoms

Arousal symptoms refer to the symptoms around the fear response such as:

Higher irritability with minimum or zero provocation,
Insomnia or having sleep problems, whether when falling or staying asleep,
Hypervigilance or being constantly alert when something reminds you of the trauma.

PTRS Relational Symptoms

Relational symptoms are the ones creating stress in other relationships such as:

Having issues with trusting other people or socializing,
Loneliness or isolation,
Starting a new relationship quickly,
Shame, guilt, or self-blame,
Sexual dysfunction or fear of being physically intimate with your new partner,
A strong feeling that the world is unsafe.

What Causes Relationship PTSD?

The trauma that is causing relationship PTSD might be from any type of relational abuse, yet unlike traditional PTSD, it only occurs with your intimate partner rather than experiencing a traumatic event outside the context of your intimate relationship.

Most often, there is not just one event that caused PTRS, yet several incidents in an abusive relationship might lead to PTRS. There are many unhealthy relational patterns such as belittling, controlling, gaslighting or constantly criticizing the other person which are all signs of emotional abuse.

Unlike emotional, physical abuse is much more evident and it is often noticed by other people outside your relationship. Physical abuse refers to hitting, punching, or any attempt to purposely injure your intimate partner. In relationships, there is also a possibility of experiencing sexual abuse in a form of non-consensual sex or sexual coercion.

What is important to keep in mind is that every person responds to traumatic events differently, especially within the context of an intimate relationship. Also, what is considered a traumatic exposure to one person might not affect someone else at all. This is why it is very important to be aware of how you feel in your relationship and how your partner is making you feel to understand if there is anything that might or is already causing PTRS.

The Healing Process

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you should suggest therapy. Healing is a long-term process if you’ve been in an abusive relationship and think you have PTRS. However, the first step to healing is talking about it with a professional who will guide you and help you learn techniques to overcome the traumatic relationship and be able to start a new, healthy one.

Another thing you need to know is that you cannot accelerate the healing process. For instance, if you’ve been in an abusive relationship for years, it will take more than just a month to heal properly and be able to live your life as you did before the relationship started. Also, the type of abuse and the frequency of it happening in the relationship are important factors that will affect the healing process.

Because relationship PTSD affects different people differently, the healing process and everything about it can differ from one person to another. For instance, your therapist might use a different approach than your friend’s therapist who has also been in an abusive relationship. Besides being exposed to different types of abuse, someone’s personality type and previous experience will also have an impact on how someone is responding to traumatic exposure in their intimate relationship.

Conclusion

A relationship PTSD or post-traumatic relationship syndrome (PTRS) happens when a person has been exposed to patterns of traumatic events or behaviors caused by their intimate partner. Symptoms and signs of PTRS are not noticeable immediately as they develop over time, and are not visible to the eye, except for physical abuse.

If a person ends the abusive relationship and their intimate partner is no longer present in their lives, PTRS symptoms will continue and affect how this person interacts and connects with other people, especially within the romantic context. That is why it’s best to seek help in a form of a therapist who has enough experience with PTRS. Such therapists can help you heal from the relationship you had and help you start a new relationship when you’re ready without the baggage from the past

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). And an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Teen Therapy: What to Expect & Reasons to Go

May 20, 2022/in Health, Online Therapy /by Amanda Pasciucco

Teen Therapy: What to Expect & Reasons to Go

From school issues to mood swings, there are many reasons why young people will decide to undergo teen therapy. As teens encounter a range of never experienced problems at this stage of their life, seeking professional help seems like an efficient way to ease that burden and prepare them for adulthood.

We often forget that we can see therapists talk to them about our everyday situations. Not only when we’re facing a life-altering event or a serious mental health problem. Therapists can help strengthen young people by providing them with the tools they need to respond properly to challenges typical for this stage of life. They can also guide them towards their independence, as many teens often feel confused as they’re trying to abandon their identity of being a child and become familiar with what it means to be a young adult.

Parents whose kids talk to therapists regularly notice that these teens are able to prevent minor issues from converting into bigger problems, with the help of their therapists, of course. If you’re considering teen therapy for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. In this article, you will find everything you can expect from such therapy and ways it can benefit one’s wellbeing.

Why Teen Therapy

There are parents who feel that all challenges their children experience while growing up and normal and there is no need for seeking professional help. However, teen therapy surpasses those challenges and brings a completely new value to these young lives. It helps them to become young adults who know what they want and learn how to achieve their objectives more easily.

For instance, although a teen starts talking to a therapist because they were faced with a traumatic experience in their childhood. Talking to a therapist can help them make a range of choices that are unrelated to this event. They can be more certain of which universities they want and don’t want to enroll in. How they wish to spend their summer, how they communicate with their parents and other authoritative roles in their life when they disagree with something, etc.

Most importantly, we all need to take care of our mental health. And that doesn’t start in our 30s or 40s. The sooner a person understands the importance of feeling good about themselves and their life, the easier it will be to navigate different situations and build a life that will make them feel fulfilled and happy.

Common Teen Problems

Although there is no wrong reason to start with teen therapy, most teens and parents will decide to talk to a professional when certain teen problems occur. Mental health problems teens experience can be caused by a variety of different things. For example, teens experiencing mental conditions can result in thinking, feeling. Or acting strangely, which can affect how a person is dealing with challenges in their life. Another common problem in a young person’s life is violence. If something bad happened or they saw something bad happen, teens can develop a mental health problem, which then needs to be treated.

Although parents sometimes forget, teens experience stress in different forms and ways while growing up. The first day in a new school, discussion with a best friend, or first break up – all these things cause stress and if not dealt with the right way, they can cause mental health problems. Any type of change in a young person’s life can be potentially stressful and if they are not dealing with them in a healthy way, the best thing is to seek professional help.

What to Expect in Teen Therapy

As a parent, you will probably be curious to learn what to expect from sending your child to a therapist for teens. First, you will need to find a therapist both you and your child trust. If your kid has agreed to talk to a professional, it is vital that they feel comfortable and motivated to talk to that person. Seek recommendations, yet take your child’s opinion as the most relevant determining factor.

If your child agrees, you can be present at their first session to show support to your child and to evaluate how they feel around their therapist. In the rest of the sessions, your child will go in alone. It is incredibly valuable for them to have a space and time to talk about what bothers them and to have someone who will hear them out without only seeing them as a child.

Therapy takes a while, yet a parent will notice changes in their child’s behavior real soon. For instance, if your kid was unhappy because they were uncomfortable talking to other kids at school, a good therapist will help them overcome these obstacles and find a way of socializing that suits them and doesn’t make them feel under pressure.

That said, if your kid enjoys going to see their therapist and talking about things on their mind. Suggest continuing to go to therapy even after the certain problem is resolved. Your kid will benefit tremendously from having a professional guiding them in their adolescence and young life. From learning how to react in new situations to having a better relationship with you as a parent.

In Final Words

As therapy is finally becoming widely talked about and accepted, many parents are suggesting their kids open up to a professional who will know how to advise them and guide them towards making better decisions for themselves. Therapists can help turn confused teens into strong. Fulfilled individuals who feel confident about themselves and know what they want in their lives and how to achieve it.

Also, learning the value of conversation helps your kids understand that talking to others, including you as a parent. Can help them solve many of their problems. They are taught to be honest, aware of their emotions, and ways to communicate with others. These values will help them in many situations they encounter in life. From making new friends to progressing in their careers.

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). And an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Your Ultimate Guide To LGBTQ Mental Health

May 16, 2022/in Health, LGBTQIA2+ /by Amanda Pasciucco

Your Ultimate Guide To LGBTQ Mental Health

LGBTQ mental health is something that needs more attention. Members of this community have been experiencing a range of mental health issues, from anxiety and self-harm to considering suicide. Both adolescents and adults are more likely to experience any of the mental issue symptoms than a person who is not a part of the LGBTQ community.

Many alarming statistics on LGBTQ mental health have been published in the past few years, showing the urge to put a spotlight on this issue. Learning where and how to find adequate mental health services is crucial. Also, educating yourself about common issues and conditions, risk factors, symptoms, and everything else related to mental health can help anyone experiencing these issues.

Common LGBTQ Mental Health Issues

There are several mental health issues the LGBTQ community needs to be aware of. Unfortunately, most of these issues stem from the discrimination and oppression LGBTQ people will experience throughout their lives. It is essential to distinguish that we are not talking here about mental health disorders, rather about mental health struggles a member of this community might face.

It’s not uncommon for a person within the LGBTQIA2+ community to experience fear or shame that adds to their existing struggle with mental health. Other common LGBTQIA2+ mental health issues include:

Depression or depressive symptoms,
Anxiety,
Having suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Being more aware of these mental health issues helps the entire society to have a better idea of how to help and where to find adequate help a person needs.

LGBTQ Mental Health Risk Factors

Numerous risk factors can potentially affect those in the LGBTQ community. Psychologists agree that LGBTQ individuals are at higher risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, unemployment, homelessness, and suicidality. Besides the coming out process, many other difficult situations can cause additional stress for a young person.

Mental health outcomes for LGBTQ are poorer than for the heterosexual community. There is also always a chance of issues of bias in discrimination when in therapy. That is why finding an LGBTQ therapist who can offer valuable guidance, reassurance, and advice to help individuals navigate these situations without triggering anxiety is important.

Coming Out

Undoubtedly, there is an increase in social acceptance for the LGBTQ community, yet coming out is not a pleasant experience for most members. Those who live in unsupportive environments fear their social experiences after coming out contribute to negative mental health consequences.

Trauma from Discrimination

Many LGBTQ young adults experience some form of discrimination during their life, whether homophobia, transphobia, LGBTQ bullying, or something else. These all discrimination types can contribute to identity-based shame, which causes trauma in LGBTQ individuals. They will experience feeling labeled, denied opportunities, verbal, mental, or physical abuse, etc. Sometimes, this trauma leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Rejection

Fearing rejection or being rejected after coming out is a painful experience. When fearing rejection or being rejected by a family member or a close friend, the impact of it can be traumatic and very difficult to heal from. There are many benefits from talking to an LGBTQ therapist who can help set boundaries and protect yourself from this fear or unpleasant experience.

Homelessness

Although not so much talked about, there is a much higher chance to become homeless in a lifetime if you are an LGBTQ individual. Several struggles an LGBTQ person will face are contributing to this, such as family rejection, discrimination at work/school or home, and an increased chance of abuse. When a person is left alone or needs to protect themselves from their family or friends because of lack of acceptance, they are faced with complex life challenges that might result in homelessness.

Substance Use or Abuse

Members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to use or abuse substances. As an LGBTQ adolescent or young adult might feel anxiety about their identity and how others will accept them, they are more likely to consider substance use than those identifying themselves as heterosexual. Oftentimes, a person with this experience will benefit from group or individual therapy to learn how to manage addiction, unravel the pain that might be under it, and learn healthier coping techniques.

Why LGBTQ Therapy?

Inadequate mental health care is common for the LGBTQ community. The issue derives from the fact that many therapists will address their patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity along with the mental health issue and combine them into one large issue. Generalizing might prevent therapists from providing adequate mental health as not all LGBTQ patients have the same personality, issues, and coping mechanisms.

An LGBTQ therapist will treat the individual by focusing on the particular challenges they are facing. Conditions they have experienced, and suggest a therapy based on that. For any therapy to be efficient, it needs to be based on the individual’s needs and goals.

Not to mention that other relevant factors like economic status, race, and various identity factors might have a strong impact on the type of care someone might receive. With therapy being incredibly beneficial. It is important to address these issues to ensure everyone finds the mental health care they need.

In Final Words

Although there is much more acceptance in society. There is still much work to be done to make everyone in the LGBTQ community feel equally included. If you’re experiencing one of the symptoms or feelings we’ve mentioned in this article or know someone who does. We suggest searching for an LGBTQ therapist nearby.

An LGBTQIA2+ therapist helps LGBTQIA2+ individuals share their experiences, talk about feelings and fears. And learn techniques that help them enjoy their life without anxiety, depression. Or any of the mentioned mental health issues.

Another beneficial way for an LGBTQIA2+ person experiencing mental health issues is to talk openly about how they feel. And what they need from the people around them. Whether this article is for you, a friend. Or a family member, conversation with those you care about is the first step to accepting yourself. And sharing an authentic version of yourself with those who matter to you.

Check Out All Our Additional Therapy Video

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). And an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.