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What is Sex Therapy?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Sex therapy is psychological therapy focused on sexual problems. A couple might undertake it where one or both members have sexual challenges. Alternately, an individual could seek sex therapy to overcome one or more difficulties that are focused on sex like porn addiction, inability to achieve erection, or recovery from sexual trauma. Mostly, people who are licensed counselors, but who have also specialized in sexual difficulties, offer this therapy. Many regular therapists and counselors work with people on sexual issues, too, especially in the context of working on a variety of emotional issues.

One thing sex therapists may do is make certain that there are no medical reasons for sexual issues. To do this, they may consult with expert physicians in these areas and recommend these physicians to their clients. Ruling out potential medical causes of sexual challenges can be of great use. Not all problems arise out of psychic dysfunction and some might be addressed medically.

A couple might attend sex therapy to address sexual problems within the relationship.
A couple might attend sex therapy to address sexual problems within the relationship.

Yet for much of sex therapy as it exists today, people talk about their problems, and they might occasionally do homework assignments that could involve sexual engagement with others. The latter is particularly true for couples. It’s mistakenly believed that this form of therapy means sexual engagement or touching with the therapist. Such a belief requires a little explanation.

Those addicted to pornography may see a sex therapist for help.
Those addicted to pornography may see a sex therapist for help.

Most therapists are forbidden from having any type of sexual engagement with a client. Some sex therapists do work with what are called sexual surrogates. Surrogacy of this sort may or may not be legal in particular regions. A sexual surrogate can interact sexually with clients in order to overcome certain problems. No one is under obligation to employ a surrogate and most sex therapy really doesn’t use this approach. Sexual surrogacy may be looked at as highly professional in certain circles and unnecessary in others.

Sex therapy addresses many different sexual issues.
Sex therapy addresses many different sexual issues.

Many people become worried at the thought of undertaking sex therapy because it means talking about private and difficult matters that may not even receive much discussion between couples. Nevertheless, this form of therapy can be successful and it is often of short duration. Couples or individuals present with problems, and the therapist, due to extensive training is able to point to possible solutions or ways to work around the problems. Moreover, anything that tends to increase communication about sexual issues is likely to be of use on its own in a variety of ways.

A healthy sex life can bring couples closer together.
A healthy sex life can bring couples closer together.

Another thing most people want to know is whether they need a sex therapist specifically. This is really up to each individual. If issues with sexuality are not the only problem and if there are many other issues that deserve being addressed, sex therapy might not be the best way to go. Working with a therapist specializing in couples or individual counseling where sexual matters can be addressed as part of the work, could be more helpful. Should a sexual problem persist beyond such work, sex therapy might then be useful.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

@donasmrs-- Some sex therapists have the option of couples therapy, which might be a good idea for your sister.

I think that for women, sexual issues usually stem from other issues. Of course there are times when it's just a physical problem. But if a relationship is in trouble, this usually affects a woman's relationship with sex. Of course, seeing a sex therapist alone is an option too, or both couples therapy and individual therapy could be tried.

literally45

@donasmrs-- I'm not a doctor or expert but I think that that's definitely a case where sex therapy would be beneficial.

There could be different reasons for why your sister is feeling this way. Traumas and wrong impressions about sex are possible reasons. For example, many women in conservative societies feel this way because they are taught from a young age that sex is wrong and forbidden. These thoughts affect the subconscious and might prevent a woman from enjoying sex when she is older.

The least that sex therapy can do for your sister is help her discover why she is feeling this way. Sometimes discovering the cause can alone make a significant difference. You should encourage her to speak to a doctor.

donasmrs

My sister recently confided in me that she is unable to have sex due to emotional reasons. She says that she finds sex disgusting and undesirable. Oddly, she is in a serious relationship and wants to get married. But she does realize that her attitude towards sex will cause issues in her relationship. Can she benefit from sex therapy?

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    • A couple might attend sex therapy to address sexual problems within the relationship.
      By: Creativa
      A couple might attend sex therapy to address sexual problems within the relationship.
    • Those addicted to pornography may see a sex therapist for help.
      By: Scott Hancock
      Those addicted to pornography may see a sex therapist for help.
    • Sex therapy addresses many different sexual issues.
      By: mast3r
      Sex therapy addresses many different sexual issues.
    • A healthy sex life can bring couples closer together.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      A healthy sex life can bring couples closer together.
    • Sex therapy can help couples become romantic again.
      By: inarik
      Sex therapy can help couples become romantic again.
    • Sex therapy can help a person who is recovering from a sexually abusive relationship.
      By: Eric Simard
      Sex therapy can help a person who is recovering from a sexually abusive relationship.
    • Sex therapy may be done on a one-on-one basis.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Sex therapy may be done on a one-on-one basis.
    • Sex therapy can help a couple to reignite their passion for one another.
      By: stryjek
      Sex therapy can help a couple to reignite their passion for one another.