Addressing sexual issues in couples seeking relationship therapy

Abstract

Sexual issues are common in couples who seek relationship therapy. However, few studies have examined the nature of the sexual issues reported by these couples and how these issues are addressed in relationship therapy. This study examined the nature of the sexual issues most often reported in 169 couples seeking relationship therapy, as well as the sexuality-related goals pursued by their therapist. The concordance between these sexuality-related goals and a) the sexual issues qualitatively reported by the couples and b) partners’ scores on quantitative measures of sexual satisfaction and function was also examined. Findings showed that in 48.5% of couples, at least one of the two partners reported a sexual issue as a reason for seeking therapy. The most common sexual issues were the frequency of sexual activity and sexual desire. Our results also showed that when couples reported a sexual issue, their therapists were five times more likely to pursue a sexuality-related goal. They were also slightly more likely to pursue a sexuality-related goal when women reported lower sexual satisfaction. Globally, this study stresses the need for all relationship therapists to receive formal training in sexuality and underscores the importance for them to address sexual issues in relationship therapy.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2021.1969546 .

LAY SUMMARY

When sexual issues are embedded in relationship difficulties, many couples turn to relationship therapy instead of sex therapy. However, our results suggest that sexual issues are not always addressed by therapists during relationship therapy. This study stresses the need for all relationship therapists to receive training in sexuality.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2021.1969546 .

Keywords:

• Relationship therapy
• sexuality
• reasons for seeking therapy
• therapists
• therapeutic goals

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the psychologists at the Clinique de consultation conjugale et familiale Poitras-Wright, Côté for their assistance in data collection.

Declaration of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Société et Culture.