to the YourTango newsletter!

Continue to Site »»

ProConnect

Sexual Fantasies Can Be The Windows To Our Souls

By . Posted on .

Sexual Fantasies Can Be The Windows To Our Souls
How understanding our sexual fantasies may be important in getting our needs met.

Much like our dreams, our sexual fantasies are the windows to our souls. In many ways, we have been conditioned and trained to fear, or be ashamed our sexual fantasies, as maybe we are somewhat afraid, or ashamed about our own sexualities. We’re embarrassed of our desires. Due to lack of education, and lack of exposure in talking about sexual fantasies we keep them hidden, quiet, shut off from the world, and to ourselves. But being in tune and comfortable with our fantasies can be a great avenue to understanding our needs, and desires when it comes to sexuality and then to be able to express our sexual needs in the bedroom to our partner/s.

The art of communication is also key, as well as the fact that we do not have to admit to our partners what it is, or the specific details of what we fantasize about. But rather if we understand the root of our fantasies, we are better able to communicate it. I believe that there is a continuum of dominance and submission, that everyone falls on, (not just the people who have embraced this lifestyle). Knowing yourself, where you fall on this continuum and in what situations, becomes key in understanding your demeanor in sexual situations and becomes key getting your needs met.

More from YourTango: Is This Chemical Messing Up Your Love Life?

On one end of the continuum is dominance and on the other end is submission. In much the same way there is another continuum of voyeurism at one end and exhibitionism on the other end. This is possibly a different and maybe slightly less important continuum, but if it comes up in your fantasies, it’s important. I tell people in sex therapy who want better sex, who want to orgasm, who want to become more aroused, who want to be able to tell their partners how to meet their needs that: You must first know yourself, and be honest.

More from YourTango: What Your Woman Secretly Wants In Bed

One example, is the rape fantasy. Women would be hard pressed to admit they have a rape fantasy. But, in actuality rape fantasies are not only really common, they have little to do with actual rape. Women with rape fantasies do not want to be raped, but rather they have a fantasy or desire to be able to surrender, to put someone else in charge of their sexual pleasure, in complete trust. This person is someone they trust who will not hurt them. The rape fantasy signifies surrender. It’s not about power nor is it about control. If more people knew this, then maybe more women would be able to let their partners in on their little secret, without a fear of backlash. Yet, many a men would think less of their prized lady if he knew she had a rape fantasy, and this prevents women from being open about it.

In much the same way, because of social stigma, many men may feel embarrassed to admit they like to be dominated in their fantasies. When in fact this is also very common. Men are often expected to be the dominant ones, and being submissive goes against the grain. This is why it is not necessary to disclose specific details. But knowing the fantasy and admitting it to yourself can open up a door towards understanding your drives.

Article contributed by
Advanced Member

Moushumi Ghose

Marriage and Family Therapist

Moushumi Ghose, MFT specializes in sex and relationships and is based in Los Angeles.

She is the host of The Sex Talk, a web-series dedicated to raising awarenes about sex, and sexuality.

Visit her website at www.LASexTherapist.com

Subscribe to The Sex Talk Series at www.TheSexTalkSeries.com

Listen to podcasts at Sex, Love and Rock 'N' Roll Radio.

Get Mou's eBook at Marriage, Money and Porn: A Quick and Easy Guide to Navigating Your 21st Century Relationship

Follow Moushumi on Twitter @MoushumiAmour and Facebook

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Credentials: LMFT, MA, MFT
Other Articles/News by Moushumi Ghose:

Why Kissing Matters

By

Kissing is more than a fun part of foreplay — it's connecting with one another physically, showing affection and setting the mood for a night of intimacy and romance. In fact, couples who kiss tend to be more physically connected, more emotionally connected and naturally tend to have more sex as marriage therapist and YourTango Expert Moushumi ... Read more

Is This Chemical Messing Up Your Love Life?

By

Men are notorious for being the elusive partner. After the sexual rendezvous is over, a man may want to have nothing to do with a woman; he will go on to chase down another woman only to be bored in the end of the relationship. Then suddenly, she's chasing him down. This game of "cat and mouse" in dating seems to never end. I even see this within ... Read more

What Your Woman Secretly Wants In Bed

By ,

Sexual satisfaction is constantly addressed by magazines and sex columns in an attempt to answer the elusive question, "What do women want in bed?" So what does your woman really want in bed? Besides deep intimacy, romance, and maybe an exciting new position to try, what she truly desires is a connection with you — her man. Step 1: Be ... Read more

See More

Recent Expert Posts
Floor

Seduce Your Partner & Improve Your Sex Life!

Improve your sex life with these seduction ideas!

Devil Heart

The Hookup Site POF.com is Banning Hookup Posts?

Founder scratches Intimate Encounters Section of PlentyofFish.com and imposes new age gap limits.

Solution

When Love Goes Wrong – Really Wrong (The Jodi Arias Case)

Notorious murderer Jodi Arias - honest talk about abuse, the death penalty and forgiveness

Ask The Experts

Have a dating or relationship question?
Visit Ask YourTango and let our experts and community answer.

Resources
How to find the right pro for you
10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

YourTango Experts can help your business go from good to great.

10 Steps To Improve Your Coaching Business

Take your coaching business from mediocre to great in no time…

Frequently Asked Questions About YourTango Experts

Thinking of joining? Here's all the facts you need to know to make the most of your membership.

Getting Your Guy To Join You In A Therapy Or Coaching Session

So how can your get your strong, self-reliant, superman to talk to an Expert with you?

Therapist/Counselors: Who We Are & What We Do

What exactly does a therapist/counselor do and can they really help?

See more resources>
HOT STUFF!
FROM OUR PARTNERS