Sex Therapy? What is that?

What is Sex Therapy? Who is Considered a Sex Therapist?

Hearing the words “sex” and “therapy” together might bring up some negative views of what that means. It doesn’t help that the media has given some negative ideas of what a sex therapist is and what sex therapy consists of. Many of the sex therapists in media are seen acting in unethical or unmoral practices. In the most basic terms, sex therapy is a specific form of talk therapy that is focused on sexuality related concerns. Sexuality related concerns can include infertility, sexual pain, pleasure-related concerns, couples and/or relationship counseling, gender identity as well as sexual identity among many other concerns.

Sex therapy may be facilitated by a sex therapist. Many sex therapists are trained mental health professionals who have received advanced training in sexuality related concerns. Most sex therapists are certified by the national accreditation board for sex therapists (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists aka AASECT). By being certified and having additional or advanced training in sexuality related concerns, the therapist has additional therapeutic techniques that can help with the concerns that brought you in for sex therapy.

While you do not need to see an AASECT certified sex therapist for your sexuality concern. It may be beneficial as an AASECT certified sex therapist may be more equipped and have more experience working with your specific concern. One thing to remember when looking for a Sex Therapist is that a Sex Therapist is not allowed to touch their client. If you are looking for someone to provide more hands-on work, then you may want to consider seeing a Sex Coach, Sexual Surrogate or Somatic Bodyworker instead of a Sex Therapist.

What Does a Typical Sex Therapy Session Look Like?

As every person is different and every sex therapist has a different style or approach, every sex therapy session will not look the same. Sex therapy will typically start with an intake appointment in which your sex therapist will spend some time getting to know you. During this appointment your sex therapist may ask questions about your sexual experiences, gender or sexual identity, any other mental health history you may have. Your sex therapist may ask a lot of questions during this appointment. This may make you a little nervous and you may be feeling a bit uncomfortable thinking about this first appointment. That makes total sense! One thing to remember is it is ok to let the therapist know you are nervous. The right therapist for you will be understanding and work with you to make you feel comfortable.

Sessions after your intake will consist of you and your therapist working on developing a treatment plan which will outline the ways you both will work together on your sexuality related concerns. For some, sex therapy will be brief and may only last several sessions. For others, sex therapy may last several months or even years. If you feel like the therapy is taking too long or is too short then feel free to reach out to your therapist to discuss it. Remember, one of the most important factors in making sure therapy is successful is working with a therapist you feel comfortable talking too,

How Does One Find a Sex Therapist?

One of the best ways to find a sex therapist is through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) website (https://www.aasect.org). All AASECT certified sex therapists have their contact information on the website. You can also find a Sex Therapist through the internet. Once you find a sex therapist you think might be a good fit, it is helpful to ask if the therapist provides a free consult. The consult should give you a chance to meet the therapist and determine if you think you will feel comfortable with the person. You can also briefly discuss with the therapist what you want therapy for. There is nothing wrong with asking a therapist about their training and if they have any experience working with people who have similar concerns that you are currently experiencing to make sure they’re a good fit for you. Overall, you want to make sure whoever you pick to work with, is someone you feel comfortable working with.

If you think you want to see a sex therapist, then New Streams, LLC may have a provider who is a fit for you. Reach out for a consultation to see if any of the sex therapists at New Streams, LLC would be a good fit for you!

Jasmine M. McLean, LCSW, M.Ed.