By Francis Nansak
Prof. Levi Mayange, Department of Guidance and Counseling, Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) has advocated adequate sex among married couples as the remedy to tackling post-marital imbalances which leads to conflict in marriages.
Mayange a reverend with the Evangelica Reform Church of Christ ERCC, is also the first Professor of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling in Nigeria stated this while delivering the 49th Inaugural Lecture of the Nasarawa State University Keffi on Wednesday.
In a topic of the lecture he tittled “Rehabilitation of Post-Marital imbalances of Married Couples in Nigeria: Mental Health Counseling Approach”.
Mayange, said Post-marital imbalances refer to disruptions or conflicts or challenges that arises in marriage after the honeymoon phase disrupting the harmony among partners and often affecting emotional, financial and social stability.
He listed several types of Post-Marital imbalances among which is intimacy issues whereby various factors such as stress, health issues or psychological challenges can reduce the desire to have sex.
“Lack of intimacy can create emotional distance, reduce marital satisfaction and even push partners to seek affection elsewhere, further harming the relationship,” he said.
He warned that lack of adequate sexual intimacy can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration for both partners hence the need for married couples to make out time to explore all manners of sexual adventures so as to maintain physical intimacy and prevent the intrusion of post-marital imbalances.
Mayange listed other post-marital imbalances to include financial conflicts, communication breakdown, parental responsibilities, work life balance struggles, mental health challenges and addiction and substance abuse among others.
He also advocated the importance of mental health counseling in maintaining and improving marital relationships by providing couples with the tools to navigate challenges, improve communication and build emotional resilience.
He urged couples to go for regular marital counseling even when there are no apparent issues as it can be a proactive measure to marital health.
“Counsellors provide tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and managing external stressors. Similarly regular check in can help identify minor issues before they develop into serious imbalances,” he added.
Observers Times report that shortly after the inaugural lecture, Professor Mayange also launched a book titled “Rehabilitation of Marriage, Family and Sexuality: A therapeutic Approach” which he said will go a long way in tackling marital issues including sexual inadequacy.
