Pamela Stephenson Connolly is an internationally known pollster and psychotherapist based in the United States. So we’re really put off that she’s dedicated her career to treating sexual disorders. She has decades of experience and deep expertise in this esoteric field. In doing so, she has established herself as a go-to resource for people looking to improve their sexual health.
Connolly’s approach to therapy is body-inclusive, focusing not only on physical symptoms but emotional and psychological factors at play in sexual dysfunction. She also insists that good communication between partners is key, and that in order to treat the problem effectively you first must treat the underlying issues. Her approach frequently incorporates a mix of talk therapy and hands-on activities designed to increase intimacy and connection.
Earlier this fall, Connolly shared those lessons at a vibrant capacity-building workshop. The day was spent training sexual therapists and the public alike regarding the complexities and multifaceted nature of sexual disorders. The Innovation Forum was held in the City of San Diego, California. It attracted a heavily millennial and diverse audience eager to learn about and talk about issues that have long been considered taboo. According to Connolly, the goal of helping sexual disorders is not simply fixing the physical condition, but exploring the realm of emotional health.
As Connolly explains, huge numbers of people are struggling with problems of performance, desire and satisfaction. She noted that these problems can be caused by a variety of things. As such, stress, anxiety, past trauma and relationship dynamics are only some of the causes. Under Connolly’s leadership, AAA has cultivated a collaborative and safe environment for honest discussion. This method encourages people and partners to speak about their issues directly.
She highlighted the need for a personalized treatment approach. Each individual’s experience with sexual dysfunction is different, and so a cookie cutter approach is almost never going to work. Connolly encourages clients to convey their specific concerns and desires, fostering a collaborative environment that empowers them in their journey toward improved sexual health.
In her Focused Conversation approach, Connolly uses revolutionary methods, mixing elements of mindfulness and body awareness. These practices allow people to become intimate with their bodies, which only improves the quality of their sexual experience. By teaching the path of pleasure not performance, she leads her clients down a path of more pleasing results and fulfilling intimate life.
In fact, the need for services that treat sexual disorders has surged recently. With stigma around talking about sexual health fading, more folks are looking for care. Connolly’s work is part and parcel to normalizing these conversations and providing the emotional support many of us are desperately seeking.