What Is The Role Of A Sex Therapist And How Can They Help?
Sex therapists are licensed mental health professionals with specialized training to treat sexual issues and concerns. Sex therapists are trained to create a safe space for in-depth psychotherapy focused on helping clients have healthy sexuality and intimate relationships. Many societies and religions treat sex as a source of shame and guilt rather than something natural. As a result of those feelings of shame and guilt, people struggle to connect not only with their romantic partners, but with their own bodies as well.
Sex therapists are educated professionals with a deep knowledge of human sexuality, with expertise and exposure regarding the diversity of the human sexual experience. Their focus is on helping people understand their sexuality, connect with their body, and have healthy relationships. Because issues with sex are often tied in with marital problems or other relationship issues, sex therapists often work with married couples and focus on —but it’s important to note that you don’t need to be in a relationship to work with a sex therapist.
Not Just for Couples
We have a tendency to think of sex therapy as something for couples struggling to connect. Even if you’re in a relationship with someone who’s unwilling to attend sex therapy with you, seeing a therapist could help you understand and work through your own issues around sex—it may also help give you tools and skills to communicate your needs to your partner, or prepare for a future relationship. We provide sex therapy for individuals as well as couples. The most important sexual relationship for you to cultivate is the one you have with yourself.
What Does a Sex Therapist Treat?
Sex therapists treat a wide range of issues, with a focus on helping people understand their own unique sexual preferences and needs. Some of the more common issues around sex that people come to a therapist for help with include:
Difficulty Achieving Arousal
Vaginismus
Pain with Sex
Issues Related to Sexual Trauma
Sexual Disorders and Dysfunction
Difficulty Reaching Orgasm
Mismatched Libido in Couples
Lack of Interest in Sex
Feelings of Sexual Shame or Guilt
Lack of Pleasure
Premature Ejaculation
Performance Anxiety
Difficulty Achieving Arousal
Infidelity or Affairs (Betrayal Trauma)
Discomfort Talking about Sex
How to Initiate
Emotional Intimacy
Boundaries
One of the most important things a sex therapist does is help people learn to understand and communicate their own sexual needs and desires with confidence.
How Does Treatment Work?
Sex therapy is typically longer-term, with talk therapy and EMDR sessions that focus on helping people explore and understand their own sexual history and beliefs about sex. Our earliest ideas about sexuality are formed in childhood and reinforced through various experiences and interactions we have as we mature:
Observing how parents show each other affection
Whether sex is discussed negatively or positively
Exposure to abstinence or purity culture
Negative or harmful sexual experiences
Childhood abuse, sexual trauma, or bullying
Sex therapy also tends to be more action-oriented than other forms of therapy. That means your therapist is likely to give you homework in the form of exercises to do on your own or with your partner. Those exercises are designed to help you reconnect with your body, desensitize triggering situations, experience pleasure, explore your sexuality and sensuality, and practice communication skills. Sex therapy is often just one piece of the puzzle. Some of your homework might be to connect with other medical professionals (if you’re not already working with one) to address other aspects of your sexual functioning and rule out (or treat) any physical or hormonal causes to your concerns.
Sex therapy is NOT sex surrogacy and does NOT involve touch or undressing.
At Sea Glass, we often incorporate EMDR therapy into sex therapy sessions and are uniquely qualified to offer both.
Choosing the Right Sex Therapist
If you’re interested in working with a sex therapist, ask yourself some questions about who it is you’d like to work with. The effectiveness of sex therapy, like any other therapy, depends on your ability to communicate openly and honestly with your therapist.
Consider the following:
Do I prefer telehealth or in-person sessions?
Would I feel more comfortable opening up to a man or woman?
Does the therapist have experience treating what I want to focus on?
Is the therapist sex positive?
Sex therapy often involves delving into uncomfortable areas and topics. Take the time to find someone who makes you feel comfortable. If you’re seeking out a sex therapist as a couple, find someone that works for both of you.
How to Get Started
Look for a therapist with extensive training and experience in working with sexual wellness. Not all therapists are qualified to treat issues surrounding sexuality.
If you’re looking for a safe space where you can open up, talk about your insecurities and needs, and explore feelings of discomfort, shame, and guilt, around your sexual health, please do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about sex therapy. We’ll address your sexual concerns from all angles – physically, cognitively, relationally, practically, and spiritually.
Sea Glass Counseling and Consultation is an EMDR therapy practice in Dublin, Ohio. Our compassionate, skilled therapists use evidence-based techniques grounded in the neurobiology of stress, trauma, and relationships to make sure your treatment is personalized and effective. Sea Glass therapists provide telehealth counseling in Ohio for individuals and couples. We’re best known for providing Intensive EMDR therapy, anxiety treatment, and sex therapy for Christians. Interested in working together? Contact us today to get started with a Certified EMDR therapist in Ohio.