Sex therapy is a type of counselling focusing on sex. It helps individuals and couples with sexual concerns and problems. It provides a safe and private space for clients to discuss sex. They can explore their sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a trained sex therapist. This happens often without the stigma or judgment that can come with these talks in daily life. Sex therapy often typically involves talk therapy rather than physical or medical interventions.

Common Sexual Concerns

Sex therapy can address a broad range of sexual concerns, including but not limited to:

1. Desire discrepancies: When partners within a relationship have differing levels of sexual desire, which can lead to tension.

2. Changes in sexual desire: When a person experiences a drop in their desire for partnered sex and masturbation, or they feel disconnected from their sexual selves.

3. Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation and Delayed Ejaculation: Challenges around getting or maintaining an erection, and maintaining control of ejaculation, linked to psychogenic and/or physiological origins.

4. Sexual Pain (dyspareunia): Including conditions such as vaginismus and vulvodynia, often both linked to physiological and psychological origins.

5. Sexual Trauma and Abuse: Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma can find it challenging to engage in sexual activities. Sex therapy provides a safe environment to build confidence and control.

6. Sexual identity: Exploring one’s sexual orientation or gender identity can be a complex journey. Sex therapy offers support and guidance in a non-judgmental space.

7. Compulsive Sexual Behaviour and porn use: Sometimes referred to as sex or porn addiction, compulsive sexual behaviour can interfere with daily life and relationships. Therapy focuses on understanding the behaviour and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

8. Anorgasmia and Delayed Ejaculation: Consistent challenges with having an orgasm, either situational or generalised to all sexual contexts.

Sex Therapy Goals

Sex therapy involves a variety of client-established goals, such as:

– Improve sexual functioning, such as boosting arousal or desire, and increasing satisfaction
– Addressing past sexual trauma or negative sexual experiences, and their impacts
– Resolve sexual conflicts within relationships, such as mismatched desire for sex
– Enhance intimacy and communication, to have more fulfilling sexual experiences and improve relationship satisfaction
– Overcome sexual and performance anxiety to improve overall satisfaction
– Explore and accept sexual identity and preferences

How a Sex Therapist Helps.

Sex therapy sessions are conducted with a licensed sex therapist who may have a background in psychology, counselling, social work, or medicine, and who is trained to deal with a wide range of sexual and relational issues.

 

 

 

 

A sex therapist’s role is not to judge or impose their own beliefs about sex on their clients. Instead, they act as a guide, helping clients uncover and understand the underlying reasons behind their sexual concerns. The sex therapist will then work with them to outline goals and develop a plan to overcome the client’s presenting concerns.

Their approach is individualised to the couple or clients’ unique circumstance and needs, taking into account mental health, cultural, relational, and personal factors.

Therapeutic Approaches

Sex therapy sessions are typically conversational and can involve a range of therapeutic techniques. These may include:

– Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and change negative thought
patterns that affect sexual behaviour.

– Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings, rather than fighting, with the goal of making changes that align to their values.

– Mindfulness and Sensate Focus: Techniques that involve focusing on bodily sensations without pressure to perform, helping clients reconnect with their own and their partner’s bodies.

– Communication Skills Training: Helps individuals and couples articulate their needs and desires in a clear, respectful manner.

– Education: Providing information about human sexuality such as anatomy, sexual functioning, pleasure products, and sexual health, often dispelling myths, and misconceptions.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that sex therapy is only for those with severe or unusual problems. In reality, many people seek sex therapy for everyday issues that are simply difficult to discuss elsewhere.

Another misconception is that sex therapy involves physical touch, which is not the case; sex therapy is a talk-based practice, utilising talk therapy that respects personal boundaries.

How to Start Sex Therapy

To find a sex therapist and start sex therapy, the first step is to enquire about a qualified sex therapist and scheduling an initial consultation. It’s important to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and whose approach aligns with your needs. Some therapists offer a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, providing flexibility in how you access support.

Sex therapy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their sexual health, understand their sexuality, or navigate the complexities of intimate relationships. It’s a
space for growth, exploration, and healing, guided by professionals who are passionate about helping people achieve a more fulfilling and authentic sexual life.

If you’re considering sex therapy, remember that seeking help is a positive and courageous step towards enhancing your overall well-being.

To enquire about sex therapy with Laura Miano at Miano Clinical Sexology, enquire here.