What is Sex Therapy?

So, you want to know about sex therapy? Congrats! This is one of my favorite topics to discuss and one I wish more people would ask. Sex therapy is a focused psychotherapy (“talk therapy”) that addresses concerns about sexual functioning, sexual feelings, intimacy, thoughts about sex, and a whole variety of things related to your sexual identity. Sex therapy can be done in either an individual or couples-based setting and is provided by licensed specialists who have received specialized training in issues related to sex and relationships. Now, that’s a very broad response to a very broad topic, so let’s go over some common questions patients may have about sex therapy.

• What happens in sex therapy?

  • Sex therapy will vary depending on the presenting problem, but typically treatment starts with an initial consultation and assessment where you and your provider will discuss various factors that may be impacting your sexual concern. After the initial consultation, a personalized treatment plan will be developed with you and your provider and then treatment will begin. Treatment approaches will vary, but some examples of sex therapy interventions include sensate focus exercises, sex education, communication skills training, bibliotherapy, and structured behavioral interventions. In order for treatment to be the most effective, there will be homework assignments that you and/or your partner will be expected to complete in between sessions. Sex therapy does not have a standard number of sessions, but is typically a brief treatment ranging from 8-20 sessions.

• Why would I need to see a sex therapist?

  • Individuals experience sexual difficulties in a variety of ways ranging from discomfort talking about sex, sex making them anxious, uncertainty about their preferences, and even difficulties with biological functioning. Sex therapists are specialized professionals who are there to address your sexual concerns as well as those related to sexual functioning such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. You may benefit from working with a sex therapist if your sexual relationship is not where you would like it to be, you experience difficulties engaging in sexual experiences with yourself or partners, or if you want a space to identify and change things about your beliefs about sex. There is no “ideal patient” for a sex therapist, but some of the common concerns may include:

    • Concerns about sexual desire or arousal

    • Out of control sexual behavior

    • Orgasm difficulties

    • Painful intercourse

    • Intimacy

    • Issues related to disabilities and chronic conditions

    • Sexual identity

    • Concerns regarding past sexual trauma

    • Fertility issues

• Does sex therapy work?

  • Most definitely! Individuals who engage in structured treatment for their sexual concerns report experiencing significant improvements with long-term gains even after treatment has ended. Research also has found that without treatment, symptoms rarely go away, sometimes they may even get worse.

• Where do I find a sex therapist?

  • Sex therapists are often credentialed by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) and can be found on their website. Another way to look is through a simple Google search, but always remember to check out the credentials of any provider. Sex therapists, both certified and in training, have graduate degrees and have received specialized training in the area of sex and relationships. If you are not sure about a provider’s training, just call or email them to find out if they would have the qualifications to assist you with your concerns.

• Is sex therapy awkward?

  • A number of individuals may find talking about sex to a stranger a little uncomfortable at first, but sex therapy is provided by a trained professional who has received additional, specialized training in order to provide you with a safe, secure, and confidential environment to discuss any issues you may be experiencing. For the most part, the initial awkwardness wears off rather quickly and, should it not, your provider is there to discuss any awkwardness that you may feel in order to make treatment to most effective for you.

• I don’t have to get naked, right?

  • Right! Sex therapy does not involve any type of physical or sexual contact between the patient and provider. While detailed questions about your body and sexual practices or preferences may be discussed, at no point will you have to show your body to your provider nor will our provider show you any part of their body. Sex therapists do not engage in any physical contact with their patients and it is explicitly against ethical codes.

Therapy itself is a very courageous decision to make, and seeking out therapy for sexually-related content is even more difficult for many people. If you have any questions about sex therapy, feel free to call us at 702.587.1573. We look forward to hearing from you soon!