What is Sex Therapy?

Registered Provisional Psychologist Lyvia Hughes explains the purpose of Sex Therapy, who it may benefit, and what to expect in a first session.

Intimacy and a fulfilling sex life go hand-in-hand. When sexual dysfunction occurs it can be difficult to have a fulfilling sex life. It has been reported that over 40% of women and 30% of men experience some sort of sexual dysfunction at some time in their lives. When that happens, it can affect the intimacy that one experiences with their partner. 

That’s where sex therapy can come in. You may be wondering- what actually happens in sex therapy?

In actuality, it is a lot like other forms of traditional talk therapy and is customizable to each person or couple. Sex therapists will help you work through and process the emotional, mental, interpersonal, and psychological reasoning behind why you may be experiencing difficulties. They will work collaboratively to help you identify your goals and desires in the same compassionate and open way as other talk therapy, and empower you to cope utilizing your strengths and insight. Sex therapy can occur individually or with your partner and may include an educational component to it.  

But that is not all that sex therapy is or does. Sex therapists can help with an array of issues that are related to sex, relationships, and intimacy. Exploring kink or a type of consensual non-monogamy such as polyamory or progressive swinging would fall under sex therapy, as well as building trust and safety in your sexual partnerships, processing past sexual trauma, managing triggers, or exploration of new ways to express desire. You may be experiencing sexual pain or dysfunction. A sex therapist can help you explore the reasons and triggers that surround those difficulties. If you are experiencing performance anxiety, or even if you want to build skills around pleasure and arousal. 

Other issues that may warrant a visit to a sex therapist can include discomfort around sexual fantasies, inability or frustration achieving orgasm, healing from infidelity, or ways to foster intimacy in long term relationships.

Sex therapy doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. Sex is natural, and talking about sex, and our bodies, can help increase your comfort level in relation to intimacy and relationships. Every body is normal, and talking about the concerns that you have can help you feel less alone in your journey and exploration.

If this post resonated with you, consider visiting Lyvia's profile to learn more about her and to book your no-fee consultation call or schedule your first appointment online.