You might be wondering about what sex therapy covers, what sessions might look like, and whether it might benefit you. You’re not alone.
Many people feel embarrassed to talk about something as personal as sex, especially when the conversation might involve personal questions or challenges. It’s incredibly vulnerable. On top of that, you might have grown up in an environment where sex was not discussed and sex education was abstinence only or limited at best. This likely makes it feel even more difficult or shameful to discuss sex with others, including your partner(s).
Sex therapy can offer you a safe place to discuss questions or challenges related to sex and intimacy. Here, your therapist can offer non-judgmental, compassionate support as you work to uncover what might be standing in the way of your ability to experience connection and pleasure without shame.
What kinds of topics fall under the umbrella of sex therapy?
Sex therapy can cover a wide range of concerns. This can include relationship concerns, physical pain, intimacy concerns, and concerns around sexual functioning. Some more commonly addressed topics in sex therapy include:
- A lack of desire for a partner or low libido
- Pain with physical touch or during intercourse
- Building trust and safety
- Feeling disconnected from a partner while engaging sexually
- Challenges getting or maintaining erection
- Healing from past sexual trauma
- Reconnecting with sexuality after major life events
- Discomfort with fantasies or desires
- Performance anxiety during sex
- Sexuality in the context of infertility
- Exploring a lifestyle that feels authentic to sexual preference
- Fostering intimacy in long-term relationships
- Frustration achieving orgasm, alone or with a partner
- Exploring new ways to express desire
- Exploring undesired sexual behaviors
- Healing from infidelity
What can you expect sex therapy sessions to look like?
Sex therapy sessions look a lot like traditional talk therapy, with a focus on sex and intimacy. Just like in
traditional therapy, your therapist will start by asking you intake questions to gain understanding of your world and how this aspect of you is impacting and being impacted by it. You can expect your therapist to also ask specific questions about your sexual habits including what sex used to be like, what it is like now, and what you’d like it to be like. It is important to note that sex therapy does not involve sexual contact of any kind with the therapist or in front of the therapist.
You may not discuss sex in every sex therapy session.
Instead you might discuss related topics like boundaries, communication, and compassion toward self and others that can support you in reaching your goals. Your therapist may also provide education on anatomy and healthy sexual functioning, healthy sexual development, and practices to support sexual well-being.
Your therapist may assign homework to help you gain insight and build skills in between sessions. This homework might look like providing your partner with sensual touch for a several minutes while removing critical expectations about performance.
It is common for sex therapists to work with individuals and couples. Don’t worry if you’re interested in pursuing sex therapy and your partner isn’t. Additionally, if you’re not currently in a relationship but still want to deepen your understanding of yourself as a sexual being and develop healthy sexual practices, that works too. Sex therapy has been shown to be effective for both individuals and couples regardless of their relationship status or structure.
When is a good time to seek out sex therapy?
It might be a good time to seek out therapy if aspects of your sex life are negatively impacting your life or your confidence. You deserve to experience connection and pleasure and we want to support you in that journey. That being said, sex therapy isn’t limited to concerns and challenges. If you’re feeling stuck in something related to your sexuality or if you’re curious to try new kink or explore open relationships, or generally want to improve or maintain your sense of sexual well-being, a sex therapist can help you navigate those areas too.
What should I look for when seeking out a sex therapist?
You want to find a therapist who is knowledgeable and skilled in working with issues related to sex and sexuality. A few titles and credentials that you can look for to see if a therapist has received specialized training include the the title “Sex Therapist” or “Clinical Sexologist,” or a certification by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Clinicians, and Therapists (AASECT). When you see these titles or credentials listed in a therapist’s bio it will let you know that this particular therapist is trained to address your concerns with comprehensive knowledge and care.
Quick Recap:
Sex therapy is a useful resource for anyone who is facing questions or concerns about their sexuality, sex life, or relationship(s) and would like a safe place to explore them and gain the skills to move through them. Sex therapy sessions are similar to traditional talk therapy sessions. They do not involve sexual contact with (or in front of) the therapist. Talking to a sex therapist can help you navigate a wide range of concerns related to relationships, intimacy, sexual functioning, physical pain, and expression of sexuality. Your therapist will likely ask you specific questions about what sex used to be like and what it is currently like. They will also ask what you would like it to be like in order to help guide you on your journey from where you are to where you’d like to be.
Your therapist might give you homework which will help you build skills in between sessions.
They will offer ideas to help you deepen your experience of connection and pleasure, alone or with a partner. If you decide to pursue sex therapy, it is important to find a therapist who is well-trained and skilled in working with this specialized area. A therapist with the specialized title “Sex Therapist” or “Clinical Sexologist,” or listing AASECT certification credentials are good candidates for practicing sex therapy from a well-informed, sex positive perspective.
Think that you could benefit from sex therapy? We’ve got you covered. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with us.
By Amanda McGovern, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern (IMT3409)
Ready to Start Sex Therapy in Florida?
Beginning the journey to your best self is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Therapy does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled therapist in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment
- Meet with one of our experienced therapists.
- Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!
Other Mental Health and Wellness Services at ME-Therapy
At ME-Therapy, we believe in the importance of mental, emotional & physical wellbeing. Our therapists want to help your mind but also want to feed your soul. This means we take a holistic approach to mental health. In order to do this, we offer a wide range of mental health services in our St. Petersburg office and online including therapy for women, therapy for men, trauma therapy, therapy for anxiety, and holistic, spiritual therapy. For couples and relationships, we want you to know that our relationship therapists are here for you ALL. In addition to marriage counseling, we provide affair recovery counseling, and poly-friendly kink aware therapy.
