Bookpleasures.com welcomesas our guest, Dr. Diana Wiley. Diana is a Seattle-based licensed marriage & family therapist and board-certified sex therapist specializing in sexual and relationship issues, who has been providing talk therapy to individuals and couples for more than thirty years. She hosts a weekly show, Love, Lust and Laughter, on Progressive Radio Network, lectures and presents at conferences around the world, and has been featured in national media from Playboy TV to Cosmopolitan.

Before graduate school, she taught English in Hawaii, Italy, and Mexico City. She also worked as a fashion model and performed on stage and in film.

She has recently published Love in the Time of Corona.

Norm: Good day Diana and thanks for participating in our interview.

What motivated you to Become a Sex Therapist and what was fascinating about it? As follow ups, what does being a sex therapist entail and why is sex therapy important?

Diana: I have always been drawn to people’s stories, and I have a strong desire to help others. When I became a therapist, I discovered that I had a natural ability to comfortably talk about sex with others. I believe that our sexuality is core to who we are.

Being a sex therapist is often fun! If the client does the CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) homework, satisfying change is possible within months. It’s important because sex therapy helps partners regain an active and satisfying sex life.

Norm: People have all kinds of misconceptions about sex therapists. What are the biggest ones? As a follow up, when should people seek out a sex therapist? 

Diana: Nudity or sexual touching isn’t part of sex therapy. Talk therapy is front and center, helping couples identify the anxiety, inhibitions and/or the unrealistic expectations that interfere with their sexual pleasure.

Seeking sex therapy is important because when a couple’s sex life is in the tank, forgoing this essential experience could endanger one’s relationship. Many couples underestimate the importance of a mutually pleasing sex life to their overall bond.

Norm: Talking about sex is highly Intimate and often difficult to discuss. How do you overcome that obstacle in your practice?

Diana: Fortunately, I have always found is easy to talk about sex! I model that; therefore, my clients have an easier time talking about their sexual concerns. 

Norm: What are the most common problems encountered by a sex therapist?

Diana: Common sexual problems: low libido, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction are very prevalent in the U.S. 

Norm: When people ask you what you do for a living, do you gladly tell them you are a sex therapist? What has been some of their reactions?

Diana: Yes, I’m proud to say I’m a sex therapist! People’s reactions often revolve around curiosity – with questions often forthcoming. 

Norm: Has the Internet in any way changed the way you practice your profession?

Diana: Yes, I now do all my sessions on Zoom or FaceTime. 

Norm: What motivated you to write Love in the Time of Corona?

Diana: A true desire to help couples in quarantine. It’s a stressful time – but it can be alleviated by sexual activity.

Norm: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? As a follow up, what differentiates your book from the many other books dealing with similar topics?

Diana: With 30-plus years of experience, I know I offered good guidelines and expert advice. The “in quarantine” dynamic changes the partners’ dynamics. I know of no other books on this topic.

Norm: What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book? 

Diana: Communication is key!

Norm: What was the most difficult part of writing this book and what did you enjoy most about writing this book? 

Diana: Writing the book is just over two months took determination. Fortunately, putting in long hours every day was facilitated by the lockdown.

Norm: What was the most surprising thing you learned when writing your book?

Diana: With over 30 years of experience, I realized that I have accumulated a lot of knowledge about sexuality and can give good advice to couples.

Norm: Are there vocabulary words or concepts in your book that may be new to readers? 

Diana: No, I don’t think so.

Norm: Where can our readers find out more about you and Love in the Time of Corona?

Diana: Please visit my advice WEBSITE

Norm: As this interview comes to an end, what question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has? Please explain.

Diana: Early on in the book, I mention my good fortune of growing up with parents who modeled playful passion for each other and showed plenty of affection for my sister and me. I wish someone would ask about the lifelong benefits of secure attachment like I received from my parents.

Follow Here To Read Norm's Review of Love in the Time of Corona