Sometimes individuals hesitate to seek help for their sexual difficulties because they are unclear how sex therapy works. I would like to clarify the following questions and invite you to contact me, if you have additions questions or concerns.
What types of problems can be treated by sex therapists?
How is a sex therapist trained and credentialed?
Is a sex therapist bound by a code of ethics?
Types of problems that can be treated by sex therapy
The issues that are frequently treated in sex therapy include low desire, difficulties with orgasm, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, pelvic pain syndromes, and conflicts between partners about the sexual relationship.
Because relationship and sexual problems are intricately woven in relationships, problems in one area can adversely impact the other area. Therefore, a dual approach that focuses on both the relationship and sexual difficulties is sometimes warranted.
Some sex therapists may also work with sex offenders or with individuals questioning their sexual identity or experiencing sexual addictions.
The process of sex therapy
Many individuals feel uncomfortable about coming to treatment to address sexual difficulties. Aware of this common feeling, I create an environment in which you feel safe, respected, and comfortable that what you say is held in confidence.
I begin the process by trying to understand the problem that prompted your consultation. I recommend that you invite your partner to participate in this process from the beginning of treatment. Although your partner may not be experiencing a sexual problem, very likely they are affected by it and their involvement and collaboration can help insure a successful outcome. In the event that you are not in a relationship or your partner is unwilling to participate, it is still possible to effectively address the issue.
In order to assess your sexual difficulty, I work to understand it in a larger context. I inquire about your sexual, relationship and family history, as well as learn about other events or traumas that may be impacting you. I also gather information about your medical history because such factors can impact sexual functioning. I may recommend that an evaluation by a physician, if there is a physical manifestation of a sexual problem, such as pelvic pain or erectile dysfunction.
When I complete the evaluation, I provide you with feedback and recommendations and offer you the opportunity to comment on my assessment. If you agree with my recommendations and feel comfortable working with me, we proceed with treatment.
The overall goal of treatment is to improve your sexual functioning by eliminating problematic behaviors and integrating healthier and more productive behavioral and emotional responses into your functioning. To accomplish this goal, treatment strategies may include work on yourself and your relationship to resolve conflicts and improve communication that may be affecting your sexual functioning, education to increase your knowledge about sexual issues, and experimentation with new behaviors. I may prescribe exercises to be completed at home between sessions with the intention of having you develop greater skill and confidence to overcome your sexual symptoms.
Training and credentials of a sex therapist
I am certified as a sex therapist by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). AASECT requires professionals to meet certain criteria before they are eligible for certification. I’ll identify these requirements, but also suggest that you visit their website at www.AASECT.org to learn more about the organization.
A sex therapist:
- must hold a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in a human
service program that includes psychotherapy training. - must be licensed by the state in one of the following disciplines: psychology, medicine,
social work, counseling, nursing, or marriage and family therapy. - must complete a minimum of ninety hours in human sexuality education that covers
competencies in fourteen core areas. - must have an additional 60 hours of training to obtain skills in the treatment of sexual
disorders. - must complete a ten hour group experience designed to explore the therapist’s feelings,
attitudes, values, and beliefs about human sexuality and sexual behavior. - must complete a minimum of 250 hours of supervised sex therapy treatment.
- must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervision with an AASECT certified supervisor.
Code of professional ethics
A sex therapist abides by a professional code of ethics that forbids any sexual contact between therapist and client. Sex therapy involves talking about your sexual difficulties and never involves sexual activity in the office.