What Is A Sex Therapist And How Can They Help

Talking about sex can be an uncomfortable topic for many people. Sex is an incredibly intimate part of life and conversations around it can feel taboo. However, being informed about your sexual actions and receiving feedback is incredibly important and beneficial.

For situations like these, there are sex therapists. If you have never heard of such a therapist, you are likely not alone! To learn more about this specific type of trained therapist and how they may be able to help you, keep reading.

What Exactly Is A Sex Therapist?

You may discuss low libido or sexual performance with your OBGYN or primary care doctor. But when it comes to questions about sexual habits and healthy sexual behavior, who should you turn to? This is where a sex therapist comes in.

Essentially, a sex therapist is a licensed professional that specializes in counseling concerning sex. Despite the term “therapist” used in the title, a sex therapist does not necessarily have to be a therapist in the traditional sense. Social workers or nurses can be sex therapists as well, provided they have completed the appropriate training.

Although most therapists will be able to provide help with concerns about sex, seeing a specialized sex therapist makes many people feel more comfortable. As stated above, many people have difficulty opening up regarding their sex lives and sexual concerns. The goal is that a sex therapist helps to reduce your timidness and allows you to feel more comfortable than a traditional therapist or counselor may.

Who Can Benefit From Sex Therapy?

Much like traditional therapy, there is no rule book for who could or could not benefit from sex therapy. Whether you are someone with an active sex life or avoid sexual encounters, seeing a sex therapist can be beneficial.

No concern is too big or too small to seek out help. The important thing to remember is that all of this is completely up to you. If you feel that you could gain from seeing a sex therapist, try it out. You may be surprised at what you learn.

Additionally, couples are able to receive sex therapy together. Much like traditional couples counseling, sex therapists can help to mediate concerns and address issues in the bedroom. Of course, you may feel a bit bashful revealing intimate details in front of both your partner and your sex therapist, but with time, you will grow more comfortable doing so.

What To Expect In Sex Therapy

Although every session may vary on a person-to-person basis, a session with a sex therapist will likely appear very similar to a “regular” talk therapy session. Your therapist will likely ask for a broad picture of your sexual history and current sex life to determine what should be addressed throughout your time together.

What will not happen is any form of sexual contact. A sex therapist is not a resource to give pointers on sexual behavior, but rather help you learn and discover more about your sex life. Although your sessions with your sex therapist will be discussing your sex life, it should not be inherently sexual or sexy in nature.

How Can It Help You

Sex therapists can help with a variety of concerns. If you have encountered any of the following, consider finding a sex therapist to speak with:

●      Questioning your sexuality

●      Having difficulty with intimacy

●      Dealing with an STI

●      Feeling shame or anxiety surrounding sex

●      Healing from sexual trauma

I feel confident that I can help you through the issues you may be facing. Whether you are a part of a couple or an individual seeking guidance, reach out to schedule an appointment today for sex therapy.