• sexual dysfunctions
• abnormally low sexual desire
• sexual identity issues
• sexual trauma
• sexual impulsivity
• sexual compulsivity
• marital infidelity
• problematic sexual preferences
• addiction-like habits with internet pornography.

In some cases, a medical evaluation may be indicated.

Sexual concerns always need to be systematically evaluated with the utmost sensitivity.  It is invariably the case that a  thorough evaluation would explore:

• the specific complaints and symptoms
• health and medical history
• medications
• lifestyle habits
• family and interpersonal factors
• psychological factors
• relationship factors
• problems with intimacy
• prior history including sexually traumatic experiences

The psychotherapeutic approach for sexual problems can range from specific suggestions and guidance to insight oriented psychotherapy and/or couples therapy.

Psychotherapy is potentially helpful in its opportunity to properly assess, diagnose, and alleviate the impairments and suffering from depression and anxiety conditions.

Psychotherapy provides an opportunity for validation, clarification, insight, guidance, and support.  Psychotherapy for depression and anxiety problems is a valuable and meaningful process which takes place over the course of time.

The more common problems which can lead to extreme frustration, hopelessness, and even consideration of divorce are those which tend to fall in the categories of:   communication, chronic arguments, chronic anger and tension, disrespect, chronic incompatibility, lack of romance and intimacy, loneliness and lack of friendship in the marriage, infidelity,  alcohol abuse, and overwhelming lifestyle pressures.

Therapy for marital and couples problems is a process over the course of time.  Therapy sessions should not imitate the frustrating inability to resolve problems that a couple is having at home. When some people learn patience and  constructive control over their emotions while learning to carefully express themselves, many common problems become much easier to resolve.

An essential goal for many couples is not just the resolution of problems–but also learning to have an easy marriage involving an easy friendship, an easy sexual relationship, and an overall easy partnership.

If initial good rapport is established, the second appointment can be with the child.

Problems will be carefully and systematically evaluated.  Treatment goals will be developed and monitored.
Therapy may consist of: individual therapy with the child, parent consultations, and/or conjoint appointments with the child and one or both parents.

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Regarding teenagers, parents have the option of either a first appointment with or without their child.  If initial good rapport is established, the treatment approach may consist of individual therapy with the teenager, parent consultations and/or conjoint appointments with parent(s) and child.

Problems will be systematically evaluated and treatment goals will be developed and monitored.

In all cases, confidentiality issues will be established and agreed upon at the outset.

The psychotherapy component often needs to address  problems  involving: anger, shame, guilt, prior abuse and trauma, jealousy, depression, self-destructiveness, dysfunctional relationships, deep-seated fears, and core identity problems involving low self-worth.

Sex addiction, sexual impulsivity, and sexual compulsions require a careful evaluation and diagnostic process.  Other diagnoses and life complications often accompany these conditions.

Psychotherapy can be very successful in helping an individual to: understand the roots of  exhausting and destructive sexual problems and habits.  Healthy control over one’s sexuality can be achieved.   And finally, new and healthy choices regarding sex, love, intimacy, and relationships can be achieved.

Dr. Friedin provides psychological services  for the common problems of adults such as:
marriage and relationship problems, depression, severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsiveness, sexuality concerns, overwhelming life, work and/or family stress, trauma-related symptoms and conditions, addictive personality problems, and alcohol and substance abuse.

The more common types of  child and adolescent problems which can be addressed in psychotherapy and/or parent consultations include:  depression, social and general anxiety, interpersonal and family problems, alcohol and substance abuse, trauma, oppositional problems, and ADD.

Dr. Friedin’s two private offices are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Please feel free to contact Dr. Friedin by telephone or email with any questions or for scheduling an appointment.