Sex Therapy Defined
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex Therapy is one branch of psychotherapy in the psychotherapy tree. You could compare it to rectangles and squares: all squares are rectangles; not all rectangles are squares. All AASECT certified sex therapists are mental health providers as well as sex therapists; not all mental health professionals are sex therapists (most are not). Generally only one are two classes in human sexuality are required to become a therapist. Whereas, sex therapists undergo rigorous requirements to earn their certification.
The difficulty in explaining sex therapy lies in the breadth of human sexuality. Each of has experiences the world and our sexuality differently. Therefore, sex therapy is different and unique (at least it should be) for each person. Research shows that it is the client's choice of therapist that has the most impact on therapeutic success.
Sex therapists use their theoretical background, specialized skills, and a helping relationship to help their clients resolve issues related to sexuality. Sex therapy sessions may be conducted one on one, in a couples setting, or a group setting. Sex therapy can be as simple as providing sex education to actual sexual homework assignments to be completed in home, in private, that contain sexual exercises for partners to complete.
The difficulty in explaining sex therapy lies in the breadth of human sexuality. Each of has experiences the world and our sexuality differently. Therefore, sex therapy is different and unique (at least it should be) for each person. Research shows that it is the client's choice of therapist that has the most impact on therapeutic success.
Sex therapists use their theoretical background, specialized skills, and a helping relationship to help their clients resolve issues related to sexuality. Sex therapy sessions may be conducted one on one, in a couples setting, or a group setting. Sex therapy can be as simple as providing sex education to actual sexual homework assignments to be completed in home, in private, that contain sexual exercises for partners to complete.
Some Common Reasons People Present For Sex Therapy (These are just a few)
The following list is in no way a complete list. If you are considering seeing a sex therapist, and you don't see a similar reason, do not be disheartened.
- Disorders of Desire- low sex drive to sexual aversion
- Arousal Disorders- decreased emotional arousal erection, dilating and lubricating issues
- Orgasm Disorders – quality, timing and requirements. Premature Ejaculation, Female Orgasmic Disorder, and Male Orgasmic Disorder
- Sexual Pain (Dyspareunia, Vaginismus)
- Pornography
- Affairs
What To Expect During Your First Sex Therapy Session
Your sex therapist may begin by taking a detailed sexual history and/or asking why you are presenting for therapy. Assessment is often the first step in therapy. However, each therapist has a unique style for beginning therapy sessions.
Here are some example questions that your therapist may ask in order to collect a sexual history:
Here are some example questions that your therapist may ask in order to collect a sexual history:
- Are you currently sexually active?
- Are you trying to become pregnant?
- Are your partners men, women, or both?
- Do you have any questions or concerns about your sexual functioning?
- What do you need to have satisfying sex?
- How often do you masturbate?
- What types of sex do you enjoy?
- Why do you enjoy that type?
- How do you feel right now discussing these topics?
- What do you do if he/she says no to sex?
- When did you have your first menstrual cycle?
- When did you first have sex?
- Tell me about a positive sexual experience in your life?
- What does the word "sex" mean to you?