Cognitive behavioural counselling

This is a form of counselling which looks at the way we think and act about things and why this causes us to behave the way we do. In other words, it is a form of self-examination in which there is a link between what we think and our subsequent actions.

The aim is to encourage you to change the way you think (the ‘ cognitive’ aspect) and the way you act (the ‘ behavioural’ aspect).

Doing this will encourage you to make positive changes in your life.

What does a cognitive behavioural session involve?

It will involve you and your partner talking about the way you think about things, your view of the world and how you relate to other people. It will also involve looking at how your behaviour affects your thoughts and feelings.

Often it is a case of you changing from a negative mindset to a positive one. This means focussing upon what you do now rather than looking at events that happened in your past.

So how does this relate to impotence?

A cognitive behavioural session will look at your thoughts and ideas about your sex life, your self-esteem and your relationship with your partner. It will be particularly interested in any negative thoughts you have about any of these as they might have contributed to your impotence.

So, if you feel anxious or depressed about certain aspects in your life such as your job or financial worries then these might be the trigger for impotence. The counsellor will be keen for you to look at realistic ways of dealing with these which can change your mindset and, hopefully, improve your life.

If you have adopted a pattern of thoughts or a mode of behaviour which you find difficult to change then he/she will help you to do so.

This type of counselling will not ‘ cure’ your problems or your impotence but it will help you to manage these in a sensible and achievable way. Hopefully, this will remove any barriers in your sex life and enable you to play an important part.