What is a Sex Therapist and Who Does Sex Therapy?

Sex Therapists provide Sex Therapy and have unique training in sexual and relationship health. Sex Therapy can include topics like gender identity, sexual interests and and medical conditions like pain with penetration and premature ejaculation, which are just a few examples of what sex therapists can diagnose and treat in Sex Therapy.

Going to a sex therapist is like seeing a dermatologist for your skin instead of scheduling an appointment with your general practitioner. A Sex Therapist is a highly trained expert who provides therapy to individuals and couples on topics specific to sexual health, sexual interests or concerns specific to sexual function. Pretty much anyone can say they are a sex therapist or that they specialize in Sex Therapy, but that doesn’t make them a Sex Therapist. A Sex Therapist is uniquely trained and licensed professional who has completed extensive training from accredited institutions. A Sex Therapist has additional training in the area of sexual health and relationships and a list of credentially verified therapists can be found on the AASECT website.

What is sex therapy?

Like most talk therapies, sex therapy is also talk therapy. A client or a couple have a session with a therapist to discuss their interest in starting therapy. People choose to start Sex Therapy for many different reasons. An example may include, but not be limited to, concerns such as pain with sex, concerns around sex frequency in a relationship or an interest in opening up the relationship to include other partners. A Sex Therapist will complete a thorough history with the individual or couple before deciding the next course of action.

Because the topic of sex is traditionally taboo, sex therapy is often viewed as even more taboo than seeing a therapist for any other issue. There is nothing deviant or even strange about seeing a sex therapist. Sexual health is an important part of every person’s life. When the topic of sex or relational conflicts are causing disruptions in your relationship, it may be time to see a licensed clinician who provides Sex Therapy.

1. You will look at the psychological aspects of sex in Sex Therapy.

You likely already know that there is more to sex than just physiology and biology. Many of the most common issues are in the mind, rather than with the body. A sex therapist can help you work through the psychological factors impacting your sex life. These can range from communication challenges between partners to performance anxiety, both of which can impact sex, relationship or both. In Sex Therapy these concerns can be addressed.

2. A therapist might give you homework in Sex Therapy.

Just about every traditional mental health therapist will assign clients homework. In Sex Therapy your Sex Therapist will also assign homework. A homework assignment from a Sex Therapist is designed to help a client work through specific concerns brought to therapy.

3. You might need to bring your partner to Sex Therapy.

In some circumstances, sex therapy is a solo pursuit. That said, optimal results from Sex Therapy may need to involve your partner or partners. Your Sex Therapist might as you to bring your partner to sessions. Consider the benefits of including your partner in your care if you are partnered. If you are currently not seeing someone but would still like to work on concerns related to sex or identity, it’s okay to still start Sex Therapy.

4. Be picky when choosing your therapist for Sex Therapy.

Sex can be a delicate topic, even for the sexually liberated. You might not feel comfortable talking to one therapist and perfectly comfortable talking to another therapist about the same topic. It’s a good idea to interview several therapists and find someone you are comfortable talking with about sensitive topics. If you are considering starting Sex Therapy, look for someone who is licensed to practice and has the appropriate training. A list of Sex Therapists from the AASECT directory can be found here.

5. Sex Therapists can help with a variety of issues in Sex Therapy.

Some of the most common problems that people bring to sex therapists are a lack of desire, a difficulty getting an orgasm or pain during sex, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. As Sex Therapists, we have heard it all! There is nothing we feel too embarrassed to discuss with you, so if you are considering starting Sex Therapy, find a Sex Therapist and get a session booked into your calendar.

If you are looking for a sex therapist and think we could be a good fit, contact me here. Another great resource is to look at the online directory on the AASECT or SSTAR (Society for Sex Therapy and Research) homepage to speak with your family doctor, urologist or gynecologist.