Sex

Do you feel that sex is a healthy part of your life?

Does it interfere with certain areas of your life or cause you stress?

Sex is an important element of our well-being and our need to connect physically is innate. Neuroscience explains the benefits of sex through brain function. Hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins are released and are responsible for reducing stress and relieving pain. It is also a biological drive and most of us have the need to engage sexually in many ways.

However, there are many stories of people who:

- Dealing with shame or anxiety about sexual issues

- They are confused about their sexual and romantic orientation

- They find it difficult to express their true desires and hide them from their partner

- They are addicted to sex

- They are criticised or socially isolated because of their identity

- They find it difficult to share their problems with friends or even their therapist

- They face issues of sexual harassment and many more.

What we all have in common is to understand who we are, what we want and to be healthy. In order for others to accept us, we must first accept ourselves for who we are. Society cannot dictate what is right or moral unless something is illegal. Paraphilia is a set of behaviors that are considered socially unacceptable and include non-human beings, torture of self or someone, children, or the absence of a person's consent, for example fetishism, voyeurism, exhibitionism, and pedophilia ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These behaviors require specialized psychiatric care.

How does sex create problems in the professional social and personal sphere?

We are exposed to so much information that it can be misleading or create misunderstandings. Deep knowledge about sex is important not only to understand ourselves, but also to prevent hurting someone or ourselves and finally to be safe. Unfortunately, even after so many years of existence, we tend to criticize what we don't understand. Schools and parents do not educate pre-teens and young adults well enough ( or at all) to prepare them for this part of their lives. This is why there is so much shame and many people are hesitant to speak out. It's fascinating how this biological drive can influence the decision-making process. Suppressed emotions can change our behavior subconsciously. The fact is, when people repeat sexual behaviours, urges and fantasies it may simply be their response to a stressful situation or a state of distress such as depression or shame. Sex is often used to escape from reality.

Sex is connected to so many aspects of our lives. Our self-esteem, our social and professional life and emotional self-regulation are affected. We may enjoy sex with someone so much that it makes us extremely jealous; or we may have unsatisfactory sexual relationships with someone and be afraid to tell them. This could lead to seeking unhealthy alternatives, cause boredom or even upset. Most parallel relationships are created because we are afraid to work with our partner on issues such as communication, innovation, enthusiasm or experimentation. We find it easier to blame our partner or project our insecurities and therefore deny our share of responsibility. Our well-being depends on our relationships and personal and sexual relationships need effective communication.

Personal experience

I have dealt with sex in ways that have affected my personal life. I have been activating my self-deception mechanisms constantly, finding myself in a constant state of denial. When I realized that I was deviating and was in huge emotional confusion I sought help before it was too late. My relationships were unstable and too often I found it impossible to manage my anger and shame, which were both the cause and effect of my sexual behaviour. What I learned from this experience is that the people we spend time with can either save us or condemn us. Our friends and family need to be honest and help us deal with our problems. I believe that sex is a unique aspect to each of us. Compatibility is key so there is no right and wrong. Protect yourself and have safe and consensual sex. But also treat yourself and others with respect.

Together

Together we will work on honesty and acceptance. My open-minded approach and experience will be the vehicle to understand you better. When you know yourself you are able to make better choices and communicate more effectively. We will build social skills and improve your sexual intelligence by working on a cognitive and behavioural level. I will guide you in controlling your urges and enjoying sex without guilt. Don't compromise, don't waste time, and don't hide. It's more than okay to be yourself!

Dr. George Lagios

PhD, M.Sc. (CBT)

Dr. George Lagios holds a master's degree in psychology, specifically in cognitive behavioural therapy, and a PhD in sexology. He is a professor of Psychosexual Therapy and author of two best sellers Would you choose you as your parent? (2018) and Inside your mind (2020). He is also a clinical mental health counsellor, psychotherapist and speaker. He has been awarded the President’s Achievement Award  from the Hellenic American Union and continues his research work on the erotic desire.

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Dr. George Lagios

Inside Your Mind 

The psychology of love, love and sex

09/16/23 Δεκεμβρίου στις 20:00

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