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Therapy for a Therapist?

By Jim on Nov 18, 2010 at 4:03 PM

My wife is a well respected therapist in a moderate sized city in the South. We both have been married previously, and in this marriage for the past three years. When we were dating our sex life was ok, but noting that my wife was introverted, I moved slowly.



Now it seems that we are mostly "friends", and with the exception of some Saturday morning activity, nothing more. I have suggested that we go to therapy for this, but she is absolutely resistant. What options am I left with? Any suggestions will help. Thanks.

4 replies

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Kristen Mark | Nov 18, 2010 at 5:45 PM | Reply | Report

It sounds like you've talked to your wife about this, since you've suggested therapy, so does she have any other suggestions? Have you told her that it is making you unhappy? Ask her if she has alternate suggestions to therapy and make it clear that you do want to work together toward a solution.

Also, although I'm not a therapist myself, I am a strong supporter of therapists having therapists. From my understanding (and perhaps some of our therapist experts can weigh in here), most therapists do have therapists of their own. I wonder if perhaps exploring why she is so resistant might be a starting point?

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Madeleine Castellanos, M.D. | Nov 20, 2010 at 1:37 PM | Reply | Report

Jim, sometimes therapists have difficulty accepting that they too could benefit from some therapy. Other times, they may be concerned about what others in their field might think if they knew she was in therapy. Either way, it sounds as if you would benefit from addressing it. Perhaps the way to go would be to start by reading some material on the topic. I would recommend the book Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch. This speaks about the difference in desire, with some psychological reasoning as to why this arises, and some ways to work towards a solution. It may also appeal to her as a therapist to think about it for herself first, then address with you. Good luck and thanks for posting this question.

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Ian Kerner | Nov 21, 2010 at 8:47 PM | Reply | Report

Another great book on this topic is Esther Perel's "Mating in Captivity."

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Belisa Vranich | Dec 7, 2010 at 9:48 AM | Reply | Report

I wonder if you have to wait for her, perhaps starting therapy first then inviting her to come along may help. Her seeing that you are serious about it may nudge her in the right direction. Make sure you are clear why you are going: the relationship is starting to feel more like a friendship and you are (rightfully) worried.

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