The Art of Awareness
“Tantra is primarily about uniting love, spirituality, and sexuality with awareness.”
WHAT IS SEX THERAPY, WHAT IS TANTRA, AND HOW ARE THE TWO RELATED?
Sex therapy is a talk therapy that helps couples and indivuduals heal from unhealthy sexual experiences and messages, and to reach deeper, higher sexual satisfaction. Together, we identify and work through sexual challenges in a safe setting.
Individuals seek sex therapy for many reasons, some of which include sexual trauma, low libido, lack of interest, premature ejaculation, low confidence, inability to reach orgasm, excessive libido, distressing thoughts, and more. Couples often reach out to better understand their partner and themselves in an effort to improve their sex life and overall connection.
A fulfilling sex life is healthy and natural. Physical and emotional intimacy are essential parts of your well-being, and when sexual dysfunction occurs, having that fulfilling sex life can be difficult.
Sex therapy may be able to help you reframe your sexual challenges and increase your sexual satisfaction.
WHAT IS TANTRA?
How can Tantric practices and philosophies help us in sex therapy? First, we should define the basic principles of Tantra as they relate to sexual experiences.
Tantra is a Sanskrit word that means “loom” or “weaving,” and can also mean “a continuous process.” What these meanings have in common is a reference to sexual energy, a powerful life force that can be consciously experienced by those who practice mindfulness in connection and intimacy.
It is also important to debunk some common misconceptions about Tantra: first and foremost, Tantra is not a religion, it is a practice and a philosophical approach to life. Tantra is also not enitrely about sex, and can be practiced by all genders. More so, Tantra can be practiced with a partner, or entirely on your own. Finally, though orgasm is not the goal of tantric sexual practices, it is a welcome phenomenon; in other words, you can practice tantric informed sex and also reach orgasm if you wish to.
TANTRIC INFORMED HEALING
In therapy, we can use tantric philosophies to inform and enhance our healing journey.
The predominant tenant we practice from Tantra is mindfulness. In therapy, we practice centering ourself in the present moment, connecting to our mind and body, and increasing awareness of our sexual energy. With increased awareness, we practice acceptance and kindness of the presence we meet, both in ourselves and in our partner. We learn to entirely release from expectations, and enjoy the authentic expression of our sexuality. This authentic expression is not goal oriented, but rather aims for a slow, thoughtful interaction that allows us to explore and relax.
On the whole, tantric philosophies within therapy can help to ease anxiety and resolve sexual complications. It is especially powerful in overcoming trauma. More so, these practices can reconnect us to our partner, our body, and our self in a deeper, more meaningful way.