What is a Sex Therapist, and Who Would Benefit from Seeing One
A sex therapist is a licensed mental health professional dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate challenges related to sexual health and intimacy. They provide constructive guidance, support, and therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing sexual well-being.
Who can benefit from sex therapy? Sex therapy is a constructive resource for a wide range of individuals and couples. It can be particularly helpful for those facing sexual dysfunctions, including low libido, pain during intercourse, erectile dysfunction, challenges with orgasm, or concerns about body image. Couples looking to enhance their sexual intimacy, improve communication, or strengthen their emotional connection will find valuable support through sex therapy. Additionally, it provides a safe space for couples interested in exploring new experiences or techniques to enrich their relationship. Individuals healing from sexual trauma or abuse can also seek guidance, allowing them to reclaim their intimate lives. Furthermore, those wishing to explore their sexual identity, orientation, or preferences will find a supportive environment in sex therapy.
It's often a good idea to seek sex therapy when someone is consistently experiencing ongoing sexual difficulties that affect their quality of life or relationships. Feelings of anxiety, shame, or confusion about sexual preferences or desires can indicate the need for professional guidance. If you face persistent communication challenges with your partner regarding sex or intimacy or if you want to deepen your emotional connection and enhance sexual satisfaction, sex therapy may be helpful. Additionally, if trauma is impacting your sexual well-being and overall happiness, seeking sex therapy can provide valuable support.
Sex therapy can effectively address a variety of concerns, including sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, premature ejaculation, and discomfort during intercourse. Clients may explore communication barriers related to intimacy or work through the impacts of sexual trauma. For some, the focus may be on fostering deeper connections and enhancing both emotional and physical intimacy within their relationships. Others might seek to incorporate kink and alternative sexual practices in a healthy manner.
Sex therapy employs a variety of approaches to assist clients in achieving their goals. These methods may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques—my personal favorite! —psychodynamic therapy, and comprehensive sex education to address any knowledge gaps. Sex therapists come from diverse professional backgrounds, such as psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or social work, and they typically have specialized training in sex therapy.
The specialized training in sex therapy emphasizes therapeutic techniques and talk therapy to address sexual issues. This therapy process mainly involves discussing emotional and psychological concerns, developing new communication skills, and using exercises or techniques to enhance sexual functioning and connection.
Typically, therapy follows six simple steps:
Initial Assessment: In this step, the therapist will learn about you (or you and your partner) and collect information regarding your sexual history, the issues you are facing, and your relationship dynamics.
Goal Setting: The second step involves establishing clear therapy goals for structure.
Therapeutic Techniques: The therapist will utilize various therapeutic techniques tailored to your specific issues.
Homework Assignments: After that, your sex therapist may give you homework assignments. These are designed to maintain continuity between sessions and help reinforce the exercises or skills you've learned. For example, this could involve trying new ways to communicate with your partner or practicing mindfulness techniques discussed during your sessions.
Addressing Underlying Issues: A significant aspect of sex therapy is exploring the underlying issues that may contribute to sexual difficulties. Many problems can stem from emotional, relational, or psychological factors. For instance, sexual dysfunction might be connected to unresolved trauma, stress, conflict within a relationship, or a negative self-image. A therapist will often delve into these deeper issues to help the client address the emotional components of their sexual challenges.
Ongoing Process: It's important to recognize that sex therapy is not always a quick solution. Instead, it can be an ongoing process that may take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity and severity of the issues involved. After some time, the therapist will evaluate the progress to see if the established goals have been achieved or if new challenges need to be addressed.
A skilled sex therapist will establish a safe, supportive, and confidential environment that promotes personal growth. It's normal for individuals to feel embarrassed or ashamed when discussing sexual issues, but a trained therapist can create a non-judgmental space. This enables you to openly explore and understand these topics, fostering a more positive and constructive dialogue about your sexual health and relationships.
Sex therapy can be an essential resource for anyone seeking to improve their sexual health, overcome intimacy challenges, or address sexual issues that could affect their emotional or relational well-being.
My name is Julia Schiffman, and I am a Certified Sex Therapist (CST) through the American Association for Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). If you have any remaining questions about what a sex therapist is or how to become one, please do not hesitate to email me at therapy@juliaschiffmanmsw.com.
