(This blog was
originally posted on March 10, 2016)
 |
| Photo by Rick Hustead |
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. Hypnotherapy 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., recommended
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/.
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