EXPLORING AND NAVIGATING SEXUAL DESIRE IN RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

This chapter focuses on an activity to help couples explore their individual and relational experiences of sexual desire and its fluctuations. It helps dispel implicit adherence to societal assumptions about desire and desire discrepancy in relationships by expanding awareness of personal and relational sexual desire independent of societal expectations. Over the course of a relationship, sexual desire often changes because of contextual issues such as relationship satisfaction, stress, health, and the simple fatigue that comes from responding to the tasks of daily living. Culture and ethnicity can play a significant role in how sexual desire is experienced or expressed because of the multiple ways culture often influences the expression of sexuality. Age, ability status, and religion can influence the experience of sexuality in multiple ways and add to the complexity inherent in understanding sexual desire. Constructivist therapeutic techniques are uniquely situated to help elaborate the meanings of sexual desire both individually and relationally.

Publication Title

Homework Assignments and Handouts for LGBTQ+ Clients: A Mental Health and Counseling Handbook

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