Couples Sex Therapy: Try This Intimacy Exercise to Reach New Levels of Closeness
Mutual masturbation is a powerful and intimate exercise often recommended in couples sex therapy. It allows partners to explore each other’s pleasure, build trust, and improve communication about sexual desires. Here’s why it’s one of my favorite sex therapy exercises at my practice in Oklahoma City and how you can make the most of it.
Understanding Mutual Masturbation
Mutual masturbation involves both partners touching themselves while observing and possibly interacting with each other. This exercise can enhance intimacy and pleasure by:
Encouraging Open Communication: Partners discuss their preferences and what feels good, leading to a deeper understanding and connection. This dialogue fosters a non-judgmental environment where both can express their sexual needs openly.
Building Trust: By being open and vulnerable in a shared experience, partners strengthen their emotional and physical bonds. Witnessing each other in such an intimate setting reinforces a sense of safety and mutual respect, which is foundational in any relationship.
Exploring Desires: It allows each person to communicate their sexual needs and desires without the pressure of performance. This exploration can lead to discoveries about what each partner enjoys, paving the way for more satisfying sexual encounters in the future.
Tips for a Positive Mutual Masturbation Experience
To make the most of mutual masturbation, consider these tips:
Set the Scene: Create a comfortable and private environment where both partners feel relaxed. Dim the lights, play soft music, and ensure that the space is free from distractions. A warm, inviting atmosphere can help both partners feel more at ease, making it easier to focus on each other.
Communicate Openly: Discuss your desires, boundaries, and what you’re both comfortable with beforehand. This conversation is crucial for ensuring that both partners feel safe and respected. Consider establishing a safe word or signal that can be used if either person feels uncomfortable at any point.
Be Patient and Attentive: Focus on each other’s responses and adjust as needed to ensure both partners are enjoying the experience. Pay attention to non-verbal cues, such as changes in breathing or body language, to gauge your partner’s comfort and pleasure levels. This mindfulness enhances the connection between partners, making the experience more fulfilling.
Consider UsingToys
Incorporating sex toys into mutual masturbation can elevate the experience and add new dimensions of pleasure. Here’s how to integrate them effectively:
Add Variety: Toys like vibrators, suction devices, or even strokers can introduce different sensations, making the experience more exciting and pleasurable. These tools can stimulate areas that might be difficult to reach or enhance sensations in ways that manual stimulation alone cannot achieve.
Enhance Stimulation: Sex toys can amplify sensations, increase arousal, and lead to novel and exciting orgasms. For example, a clitoral suction device like the We-Vibe Melt can offer intense stimulation, while a vibrating cock ring can enhance erections and prolong pleasure.
Facilitate Shared Pleasure: Toys can be used together, creating opportunities for mutual enjoyment and exploration. Partners can experiment with using toys on each other, discovering new ways to give and receive pleasure. This shared experience not only heightens physical pleasure but also deepens emotional intimacy.
Recommended Products:
Clitoral Suction Toy: Perfect for adding precise and intense stimulation.
Je Joue Mimi Soft Vibrator: Provides gentle vibrations that can enhance both solo and shared experiences.
Why I Recommend Mutual Masturbation in Couples Therapy
At my practice in Oklahoma City, I frequently recommend mutual masturbation as a way for couples to reconnect on both a physical and emotional level. This exercise can be particularly beneficial for couples who are looking to:
Reignite Desire: If sexual desire has waned, mutual masturbation can help rekindle the flame by reintroducing sensuality in a low-pressure setting.
Address Sexual Mismatches: When one partner has a higher libido than the other, mutual masturbation can provide a middle ground where both partners can engage in sexual activity at their own comfort level.
Strengthen Emotional Bonds: The vulnerability and trust required for mutual masturbation can bring partners closer together, reinforcing their commitment to each other’s well-being and pleasure.