Sometimes, anxiety about sexual intimacy can really break the romantic mood. While
it can be frustrating and potentially embarrassing, however, one or two
instances of impotence do not have to signal the end of the relationship. It is
normal for men to experience impotence at some stage of their lives,
particularly as they grow older. Hypnosis and guided imagery can be
powerful tools to reduce anxiety and build and help the person sustain an
aroused state. However, before employing these to treat impotence, the client must have a physical exam with his
physician to confirm that there is not a physiological reason such as diabetes
or prostate issues, etc., that are preventing him from achieving an erection. Once
a physical cause is ruled out, the hypnotherapist can address the symptom from
an emotional and behavioral standpoint.
John Kappas, Ph.D., advised
that the first question the consulting hypnotherapist should ask is whether the
client has been able to function well sexually in the past. Has the individual
ever been able to achieve a full erection before this current episode of
impotence? It is also important to ascertain whether the individual has
experienced an emotional trauma during his life; this can also affect sexual
arousal and performance. If so, it may be necessary to guide the client through
the different stages of trauma or grief before
addressing his impotence, the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute founder said.
Dr. Kappas recommended using the Law of Association to get the client
past the first stage of arousal (partial erection) to the second stage (a full
erection). While he is relaxed in hypnosis, the hypnotherapist should provide
suggestions where the client alternately visualizes or imagines that he is
healthy and able to function normally in a sexual relationship. Alternate the
suggestions between images of the client having a full erection, then a partial
erection and then a full one. Next, have him visualize or imaging that he is
with his current sexual partner talking about sex and developing an erection.
Once this is achieved, have the client visualize or imagine that he has gone
through stages one and two of the arousal cycle and is getting ready for sex. “Each
time you think, verbalize or get into a sexual behavior or penetration, you’ll
get a very rigid erection and feel very confident,” the hypnotherapist advised.
It is also important to explain to the client how drinking alcohol,
taking certain medications or smoking cigarettes can impede arousal. Such
abstention is particularly important on a weekday, when the person is more
likely to experience stress from work during the day, Dr. Kappas said. Finally,
provide a hypnotic suggestion that the client will have an early-morning
venting dream to release any suppressed thoughts that prevent his achieving a
full erection and facilitate the arousal process.
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist
based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. For more
information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an
appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
© 2016
