Sexual Issues in MFT Discussion Post

Based on the week’s readings (see attached), comment on an aspect of the topic that was interesting or important to you. Be as reflective as possible in your remark, from both a scholarly and personal perspective. Include your own personal reactions in addition to an academically based (bio-, psycho- and/or social) perspective.

In addition to your comment on the reading, provide a reference and brief discussion of either:

1. A current news story related to sexuality (reproduction, gender, sexual orientation, sexual politics etc.)—because this topic is based on the week’s news, it does not have to be directly relevant to the class topic for the week …or…
2. A resource (website, article, book, film, video, etc.) that IS related to something in this week’s topic/readings, with brief discussion that is clinically useful/relevant.

Please respond to two peers:

1. After reading chapters 11-14, Stephanie Buehler talks mainly about sexuality and the mental and physical health problems related to it. I learned that although some mental illnesses negatively affect sexual relationships, such as depressive and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and bipolar disorders, on the other hand, affect the sexual relationship positively in sex during a manic state. One of the biological problems that were discussed is infertility. Usually, men or women suffer from infertility problems because of their hormonal or functional levels. This kind of problem is mainly dealt with by seeing an actual physician, not a psychiatrist. Knowing this kind of information is interesting, but I think any client with mental illness must have a psychiatric doctor who can offer the patient medication or talk with the client about the negative side effect on their sexuality because of their medical issues. My job as a therapist is to be with the client. Hear their feelings, pain, and help them hear their voice, which will guide them to the solution of their problems.

2. In this week’s reading of the Buehler book, the focus on painful sex and reproduction intrigued me. It is interesting to me how painful sex occurs mostly in women, and yet there is not adequate education nor treatment for it. This further supports the notion that women’s health is not prioritized and is not given import. The role of a therapist in applying CBT and mindfulness techniques to help a client cope with emotional distress or chronic pain associated with painful sex is only one component of treatment. There is much of the problem that lies in the anatomy. Because sex is considered a big part of a relationship, the inability to do it or pain associated with it can cause relationship problems. The belief that sex is “natural” needs to be dispelled because it causes us to internalize that if there is something wrong, it is our fault. This is the same with reproduction. Bearing and having children is seen as a natural part of human life. Those suffering from infertility might think it is their fault. In all of this, I think psychoeducation and bibliotherapy can be of tremendous help. Clients need acceptance of their problems as well as reassurance and these problems are normal.