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Old May 01, 2013, 06:04 AM
Anne2.0 Anne2.0 is offline
Grand Magnate
 
Member Since: Aug 2012
Location: Anonymous
Posts: 3,132
It is a tough topic to deal with in therapy, but I found it very helpful to me in all kinds of ways to figure out what was going on with me (and I still haven't figured it out, it comes in waves). I've done two things-- 1) dealt with various aversive/avoidant triggers that were leftover responses from abuse, in unlinking certain activities and automatic responses so I could figure out what I enjoyed; and 2) talked more generally about my feelings/beliefs/expectations around sex and certain interactions with my H. I don't know if this would be helpful to you, but maybe if you identified your goals or what you wanted to get out of "talking about it", it might be less big and scary. Also, I see the way you feel about your body or yourself as a sexual person a part of this discussion. Body issues have never been big on my radar, I suspect because the other stuff has been so primary and I've done lots of bodywork that has worked on that stuff.

But not feeling sexual desire or having no drive can also be a side effect of depression and it is certainly common with those who have a CSA history. There was a time when this was true for me, and it was worth the work to have my lusty/sexy/sensual self back. It makes me feel like a more whole and healthy person.

About partners--- I'm not sure if your new GF is the same one who has issues with jealousy and anger that you've posted before here-- but a loving partner doesn't take a polite "not now honey" as a personal put-down. Differences in drive are often present in couples, and no one should have to feel like they need to provide sex at a certain level just to please their partners. It may be that it's worth looking at whether your desire is linked to your satisfaction in this relationship.
Thanks for this!
struggling2