How Can We Talk About Sex in Couple Therapy? A Qualitative Study of Clients' Experiences and Needs for Conversations About Their Sexual Relationship

This article presents a qualitative study exploring clients' experiences talking about their sexual relationships in couple therapy, and their wishes for how these conversations should unfold. Semi‐structured interviews from 10 therapy processes were analysed through systematic text condensation. The findings are presented in the categories: The need to thematize sexual issues, Barriers to good thematization of sexual issues and Significance of thematization of sexual issues in the time afterward. All participants wanted sexuality to be thematised, yet this occurred in only half of the therapy processes. Due to the vulnerability associated with initiating such dialogues, clients wanted therapists to take the initiative, and address sexual issues in depth, with comfort and sensitivity. A thorough treatment of the topic helped the couple continue to manage discussions afterward. The study suggests that barriers to communication about sexuality lie with clients, the therapist, and how clients experience the skills of the therapist.