Sex Therapy

Sex therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals and couples work through sexual concerns, improve intimacy, and develop greater sexual pleasure and satisfaction. Sexual concerns are common and can occur during many different stages of life. Sexual challenges can be influenced by a variety of physical, psychological, emotional, relational, and spiritual factors. Sex therapy provides a confidential, supportive environment to explore these factors and identify what may be contributing to or maintaining sexual difficulties.

During therapy, clients and therapists may explore personal history, sexual experiences, relationship dynamics, emotions, beliefs, expectations, and patterns of communication and resolving conflict. Treatment is based on each client’s concerns and goals. Sex therapy may involve short-term interventions for specific concerns or more comprehensive psychotherapy for complex or longstanding difficulties.

Depending on the goals of therapy, individuals or couples may be given exercises or assignments to practice between sessions. These may focus on communication, sexual and relationship education, reducing anxiety, increasing curiosity, and developing greater awareness of physical sensations, emotions, and personal responses.

Commonly Treated Concerns

Sex therapy may help address a wide range of sexual and relationship concerns, including:

• Differences or discrepancies in sexual desire

• Pain during sex

• Sexual anxiety

• Sexual trauma

• Sexual arousal difficulties

• Delayed ejaculation

• Erectile dysfunction

• Low sexual desire

• Orgasm difficulties

• Persistent genital arousal

• Premature ejaculation

• Concerns or distress related to sexual orientation or gender identity

• Concerns or distress related to sexual preferences

• Difficulties with intimacy, communication, or sexual connection

When appropriate, sex therapy may be coordinated with other healthcare professionals, such as sexual medicine physicians and pelvic floor physical therapists. A collaborative approach can help ensure that both the psychological and physical aspects of a sexual concerns are appropriately addressed.

Specialized Training

Sex therapists have specialized education and clinical training in both psychotherapy and human sexuality. Certified sex therapists have met specific educational, clinical experience, and supervision or consultation requirements established by their professional certifying organization. This specialized training prepares therapists to work thoughtfully and competently with sensitive sexual and relationship concerns.