What is Sex Therapy?

What is a Sex Therapist?

Sex therapists are licensed psychotherapists with specialized training in human sexuality. They provide a secure, accepting environment where individuals can discover and fully embrace their sexuality.

Although many people have heard of sex therapy, what they have seen in movies has distorted their perception of it.  

What can you expect from a sex therapy session? 

Let’s start by defining sex therapy.

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is a specialized form of talk therapy that aims to address sexual concerns and improve sexual health. Despite what Hollywood would lead you to believe, it does not involve touching clients or watching clients have sex.  

The purpose of sex therapy is to help individuals or couples overcome sexual difficulties and improve their overall well-being. Some common issues addressed in sex therapy include:

• sexual trauma,
• sexual shame,
• erectile difficulties,
• pain during sex, 
• erectile issues, 
• sexless marriage;
• body image issues,
• performance anxiety,
• anxious thoughts during sex,
• partners interested in opening their relationship, and
• mismatched sexual desire from their partners.

Many sex therapists take a holistic approach to treatment. They often work with urologists, pelvic floor therapists, and other medical experts.  

What To Expect From a Sex Therapy Session

In the initial session, the therapist will ask questions to gather an individual’s or couple’s sexual history, current concerns, medical conditions, and mental health history that may be contributing to the problem.

If you attend with your partner, the therapist may also explore the dynamics of the relationship.  

In order to come up with the best treatment plan, they must explore what is going on with the client biologically, psychologically, and socially.

Sex Therapy Provides a Safe non-judgmental Space

Sex is a sensitive topic. Fear of judgment, shame, and anxiety often keep people from seeking support when they are struggling with their sexuality. However, sex therapists are trained to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where people can explore their sexual concerns.

They are aware that a variety of factors can lead to sexual problems. Therefore, they commit to providing compassionate and sex-positive support. They strive to provide a space where clients can express themselves without fear of being shamed.

How Does Sex Therapy Work

Sex therapists rely on a variety of evidence-based interventions to guide clients toward change. These are just some of the therapy models sex therapists use:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The main goal of CBT is to find and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that cause emotional pain. It encourages positive behavioral changes and aids individuals in creating healthier coping mechanisms.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT uses both cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques. It is beneficial for treating trauma, self-harming behaviors, and problems controlling emotions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps people accept their thoughts and feelings and take actions that are in line with their values. It focuses on mindfulness, acceptance, and commitment to change.

Somatic Experiencing (SE): Somatic Experiencing is a type of therapy that is meant to help people deal with the effects of trauma on the body and nervous system. It focuses on understanding and healing the physiological and somatic responses to trauma, assisting people to regain a sense of safety, control, and resilience.

Who Benefits From Sex Therapy?

One misconception about sex therapy is that only people with out-of-control sexual behavior can benefit from it. However, sex therapy can help a wide variety of people. Here are some examples:

• People or couples who are having sexual problems or issues in their close relationships.
• People with low sexual desire or libido.
• Partners who have trouble with sexual communication or intimacy.
• People or couples who feel pain or discomfort during sexual activity.
• People with erectile difficulties.
• People struggling with orgasm.
• Partners navigating the impact of chronic illness.
• People coping with the effects of trauma or abuse on their sexual well-being.
• LGBTQ+ individuals or couples seeking support around sexual identity, orientation, or relationship dynamics.
• People interested in enhancing their sexual experiences.
• People who want to have more satisfying sex lives and optimal sexual health.

Does Sex Therapy Work?

Just like with traditional psychotherapy, it depends.  

Therapy isn’t magic. You won’t see changes simply by attending therapy any more than you’d notice a difference by merely going to the gym but not using any equipment.  

Therapy works if you work the therapy.  Your efforts inside and outside the therapy office will determine your outcome.  

It works best when you approach the process with an open mind, honesty, and a commitment to change.

If you want a sexual life that brings you more satisfaction, working with a sex therapist can assist you in making the necessary changes. You don’t have to suffer in silence. With effort and the proper guidance, you can take steps toward embracing your sexuality.

Start Sex Therapy with the Flow & Ease Healing Center in Houston, Texas

Eliza Boquin, MA, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, relationship therapist, and sex therapist. She specializes in helping people have healthier, mutually-satisfying relationships. She is a Houston-based therapist offering a safe space where Black and Latinx couples and individuals can get the necessary therapeutic support.

Getting started is easy. 

Begin today by scheduling your complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. 

Then, book your first appointment for an individual session or couples sex therapy session. 

Prepare to transform your sex life!