“Hypnosis and asexuality, two words that cause unrest and curiosity in many. But what happens when these two words come together?” Welcome to this article where, together, we will unravel the myths and understand the reality surrounding asexuality.
“Humans are complex and fascinating creatures, capable of experiencing a diverse range of emotions, desires, and identities.” That said, what if we told you that sexual desire, which is generally believed to be universal, can be completely nonexistent for some people? This is called asexuality, and it is a validation of this fact.
We are the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, and our goal is to understand, clarify, and help address these often unknown or misinterpreted topics. Let’s explore asexuality, break myths, and clarify issues from a scientific and ethical point of view. Believe it or not, hypnosis can be an excellent tool for this.
“Asexuality is a spectrum, just like sexuality.” However, because it is less understood, it is subject to much more misconceptions and stigmatization. Our mission is to dissipate these veils of ignorance and illuminate the facts, using an approach based on clinical hypnosis and guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA). Therefore, we invite you to embark on this journey with us as we unveil the fascinating aspects of asexuality and how hypnosis can help in this understanding.
Asexuality: A Detailed Approach
When talking about asexuality, people often tend to confuse the term with sexual abstinence or even with certain biological behaviors of some species. But it’s important to clarify that asexuality is a sexual orientation, just like heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality.
An asexual person generally does not feel sexual desire or feels it very low or only in specific situations. It is not a choice; it is simply how they are. It is a characteristic that is part of their identity, just like eye color.
It is estimated that about 1% of the world’s population identifies as asexual. However, it is quite common for these people to spend much of their lives not knowing they are asexual, as asexuality is often confused with a lack of sexual interest due to emotional or health issues.
The easiest way to understand asexuality is to think that, just as heterosexuals feel attraction to the opposite sex and homosexuals to the same sex, asexual people simply do not feel sexual attraction to anyone. This does not mean they cannot have emotional relationships, just that they do not have sexual desire.
It is important to remember that asexuality is not a dysfunction or a disorder. Like any other sexual orientation, it is just one of the many ways human sexuality can manifest.
Differences Between Asexual Reproduction and Asexuality: Understanding Terms
To begin understanding asexuality, it is crucial to differentiate two concepts that are frequently confused: asexual reproduction and asexuality. Despite the words seeming similar, they represent completely different phenomena.
First, let’s address the term ‘asexual reproduction’. This refers to a form of biological reproduction that occurs in some species of animals and plants, where a single organism can produce genetically identical offspring without the need for a partner. This process has absolutely no relation to human asexuality.
Now, ‘asexuality’ is a human sexual orientation where the asexual person has no interest in sexual activity. This does not mean that asexual people are incapable of having sexual experiences, but only that they do not have the intrinsic desire for them.
These two different definitions emphasize the need for correct awareness and a greater understanding of asexuality to avoid confusion of terms. Learning these basic concepts is a significant step toward understanding and respecting asexuality.
Additionally, it is important to remember that asexuality is not a choice or a decision. It is simply a way some people feel and identify, and it deserves as much respect as any other sexual orientation.
Debunking Doubts and Myths About Asexuality
Asexuality is often misunderstood and surrounded by myths and misconceptions. One of these myths is the idea that asexuality is a disease or disorder that needs a cure. However, it is important to emphasize that asexuality is not a medical condition, but rather a valid and recognized sexual orientation.
Another common myth about asexuality is the idea that asexual people do not have romantic relationships. However, many asexuals form deep romantic relationships; they simply do not experience the usual sexual attraction incorporated into these bonds.
Additionally, contrary to another misconception, being asexual does not necessarily mean that a person has an aversion to sex or non-sexual intimate activities. Asexuality encompasses a wide spectrum of individual experiences; some asexual people may be indifferent to sex, while others may feel disgust, and still others may even enjoy it, as long as there is a strong emotional bond.
Finally, it is common to believe that asexuality is a choice, similar to celibacy. However, this view is incorrect. While celibacy is a choice to abstain from sex, asexuality is an intrinsic part of a person’s identity, as natural as being gay, bisexual, or heterosexual.
Overcoming these myths and misunderstandings is crucial for promoting respectful and inclusive environments for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Asexuality: Beyond Ignorance
In today’s society, we are surrounded by information. But, strangely, ignorance persists when we talk about asexuality. This is intriguing, given that knowledge is the key to breaking stigmas and prejudices.
Ignorance can result in misunderstanding and unfounded judgments. Frequently, asexual individuals feel pressured to conform to social norms that do not align with their identity.
And it is precisely here that clinical hypnosis can play a relevant role. It becomes a useful tool in demystifying erroneous conceptions and educating both asexuals and those who disturbingly still do not understand asexuality.
This sea of misinformation is unfortunately surprising, given that studies suggest that a significant percentage of the population may be asexual. It is estimated that 1% of the world’s population falls within this spectrum.
Therefore, it is essential to expand knowledge and awareness about asexuality. We must encourage empathy and respect for sexual diversity.
Mastering and sharing this knowledge is a critical step in creating a healthy and inclusive environment for all.
How to Help Asexual People with Clinical Hypnosis: An Approach by SBH
The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH) advocates that clinical hypnosis is a powerful tool to help asexual people deal with challenging situations in a world that often does not understand or accept their experiences. Asexuality, as part of the human spectrum of sexuality, is not a condition that requires ‘treatment’. However, the emotional issues that may arise due to the lack of understanding by society often need to be addressed.
With clinical hypnosis, health professionals can help asexual people deal with possible psychological complications resulting from social stigma. Aspects such as low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety can be alleviated through the use of hypnosis techniques to facilitate awareness and acceptance of their orientation.
It is important to emphasize that SBH’s approach to the subject is based on scientific and ethical research. Hypnosis is not used to ‘cure’ asexuality, but rather to assist individuals in dealing with negative feelings resulting from society’s lack of understanding.
In the context of hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques, positive suggestions, and creative visualizations offer a path towards self-knowledge and greater self-acceptance. Additionally, clinical hypnosis can be particularly effective when integrated with other therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
These processes allow asexual patients to perceive that asexuality is within the normal spectrum of human sexuality, and that there is nothing wrong with them. Through the ethical and responsible use of hypnosis, it is possible to help these individuals live a fuller and more satisfying life, free from prejudice.
Celibacy, Abstinence, and Asexuality: Clarifying Distinct Concepts
It is common to confuse the terms celibacy, abstinence, and asexuality, but it is important to emphasize that they are distinct concepts. Celibacy is a life choice, an option to remain in sexual abstinence, usually for religious or philosophical reasons. Abstinence is a decision to refrain from sexual activities for a certain period, whether for health, religious, or relationship reasons.
In contrast, asexuality does not translate into a decision, but a sexual orientation where the person does not feel sexual attraction to anyone, regardless of gender. Asexuality is not a “phase” or an “option”; it is part of a person’s identity and, like other sexual orientations, needs to be respected.
The fact that an asexual person chooses to engage or not in sexual activities depends on individual preferences and the context in which they are inserted, possibly even forming romantic relationships without the presence of sexual desire.
Recognizing and differentiating these concepts is fundamental for the improvement of interpersonal relationships and the ability to provide adequate support to asexual people. Clinical hypnosis, used correctly and ethically, can assist in understanding and respecting these individualities, contributing to a more respectful and inclusive society.
Asexuality and Its Various Facets: Learn More About the Different Spectrums of Asexuality
Almost like a rainbow, “asexuality” spans different spectrums. Let’s try to understand some of them
Is Asexuality Synonymous with Prudence?
It is common to confuse the belief that all asexual people are prudes. However, this is a misconception. Being asexual does not mean that a person abstains from all sexual acts, but rather that they do not feel sexual attraction. There are asexuals who have sexual relations for various reasons. Some because they want to have children, others to please their sexual partners.
Asexuality and Different Levels of Attraction
People can experience different types of attraction: romantic, aesthetic, sensual, and sexual. When a person is asexual, they do not feel sexual attraction, but that does not mean they cannot feel other types of attraction. This varies greatly from person to person.
Gray-A Variant
The Gray-A variant, or Graysexuality, refers to individuals who only experience sexual attraction under specific circumstances. For example, they may only feel attraction to people they know deeply. These people are in the “gray area” between sexuality and asexuality.
Demisexuality Variant
Demisexuals form a subset of graysexuality. They only feel sexual attraction after forming a strong and meaningful emotional connection with someone.
Understanding these different spectrums is crucial to enhancing our understanding of asexuality. It is essential to remember that each individual is unique, with unique experiences and feelings. While clinical hypnosis can help address psychological issues associated with asexuality, it is also important to value and respect each individual’s uniqueness.
Psychotherapy and Asexuality: A Possible Combination
When addressing asexuality in psychotherapy, it is essential to consider some close perspectives. This way, it is possible to build a space of support and attention as the asexual person feels comfortable and welcome to share their reality.
In this context, psychotherapy can serve as a valuable tool for asexual people, helping them better understand themselves, as well as strengthening their self-esteem and reducing possible feelings of anxiety or social isolation. Thus, psychotherapy allied with the understanding of asexuality constitutes a more than possible combination – it is recommended.
As it is a process that fosters self-knowledge and self-acceptance, psychotherapeutic treatment favors a safe environment to address possible emotional conflicts and help the asexual person face their insecurities, fears, or guilt stemming from social prejudices.
Of course, it is crucial to emphasize that asexuality is not a disease or a psychological disorder that needs to be “cured”. On the contrary, it is a spectrum of sexual orientation that needs to be understood and respected. Psychotherapy then emerges as an ally in understanding asexuality, consolidating a welcoming space for the expression of feelings and experiences.
The Role of Hypnosis in Understanding Asexual Reality
In the world of clinical hypnosis, we are constantly exploring new ways to understand human reality, including asexuality.
Through hypnosis, we have the ability to access patients’ automatic thoughts and behaviors. This ability allows us to explore the complexities of asexuality, helping those who identify as asexual to better understand their feelings and experiences.
How does this work in practice?
To begin with, hypnosis can allow an asexual person to deeply explore their emotional and cognitive experiences in a safe environment. This can help uncover how they interpret and react to their environment, providing valuable insights into their asexuality.
Additionally, hypnosis can be a useful tool for building self-acceptance and dealing with social situations that may be uncomfortable or challenging for an asexual person.
It is important to remember that each person has a unique experience with asexuality, and hypnosis serves as an adaptable and sensitive tool to these individual differences.
At SBH, all our approaches are anchored in scientific treatment methods, respecting the individual and their experience. We believe that hypnosis is a useful tool in the process of understanding asexual reality.
Our mission is always to provide patient-centered care, responding with empathy and understanding, which is crucial when dealing with issues of asexuality.
Respecting the Wishes and Individuality in Asexuality
Respecting the wishes and individuality of asexual people is fundamental to providing appropriate support. This means listening, understanding, and respecting their feelings and experiences. Asexuality, like any other sexual orientation, is an intrinsic part of a person’s identity and should be recognized and valued.
Validation and respect for asexuality can contribute to reducing stigma and discrimination, facilitating self-acceptance and open expression of asexual identity. Respecting asexuality is not limited to accepting their choices, but also recognizing that their experiences are as valid and human as anyone else’s.
Furthermore, the individuality of each asexual person should be recognized. Not all asexual people are the same – there is a variety of experiences and feelings associated with asexuality. Each asexual person has a unique and individual experience that should be respected.
As health professionals, we at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis are committed to promoting emotional health and self-knowledge, including support and respect for asexuality. We take into account the individuality of the patient, helping them understand and accept their asexual identity.
Each person has their own pace and path to follow. And our role is to support and provide tools for this journey, always with respect, empathy, and professionalism. See how clinical hypnosis can assist you in this process.
Conclusion: Unraveling Asexuality and the Importance of Respect and Understanding
We have embarked on a complex and intriguing journey exploring the phenomenon of asexuality, addressing its various aspects and debunking its myths. We have learned that asexuality is not a dysfunction or a choice, but a legitimate form of human sexual experience.
Through a research-based and ethical approach, the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis and the practice of clinical hypnosis play an essential role in helping people embrace their asexual identity within the broad spectrum of human sexuality.
Understanding asexuality is a crucial step in breaking down prejudices and fostering a more respectful and inclusive environment. But one thing must be clear: respect for individuality and the need to understand that not all asexual people are the same. They present a diverse range of experiences and feelings that are unique and personal.
Now that you have a better understanding of asexuality and the fundamental role that clinical hypnosis can play in expanding knowledge and acceptance of this sexual orientation, I invite you to take a step further.
Are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? To enhance your results in your current profession or even have a new profession? Discover the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis through the link.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is asexuality?
Asexuality is a sexual orientation where a person does not experience sexual attraction to any gender. This does not imply that asexual people cannot have affection, only that they do not have sexual desire.
2. Is asexuality a disorder that needs treatment?
Asexuality is not a disorder or disease that needs treatment. It is one of the various valid and recognized forms of sexual orientation.
3. Do asexual people not have romantic relationships?
Not all asexual people abstain from romantic relationships. Many asexuals maintain deep relationships; they simply do not experience the usual sexual attraction incorporated into these bonds.
4. Are asexuality and celibacy the same thing?
No, asexuality and celibacy are different. Celibacy is a choice to abstain from sex, while asexuality is a sexual orientation, an intrinsic part of a person’s identity.
5. Can clinical hypnosis help an asexual person?
Clinical hypnosis can be an excellent tool to help asexual people better understand their sexuality, deal with possible psychological complications resulting from social stigma, and build self-acceptance.
