What Is a Sex Therapist and How Do You Know When It’s Time to See One?
Sex isn’t the most important part of a relationship, but it is an important part. When you’re having issues with your sex life, it can mean there are other underlying issues within your relationship.
It could also cause even more issues.
A sex therapist can help you deal with any potential roadblocks that are leading to sexual issues either within your relationship or with you, personally.
For some, sex can still feel like a “taboo” or off-limits subject to talk about. That’s why it’s so important to fully understand what a sex therapist does. The more you realize how much help they can provide, the easier it will be to determine when it’s time to see one.
What Does a Sex Therapist Do?
A sex therapist is a medical professional who specializes in sexual health. They work with both individuals and couples to resolve sexual issues. If you see a sex therapist as an individual, you might be dealing with things like performance anxiety or a fear of physical intimacy.
Couples tend to see sex therapists when something isn’t right with their sex lives. They might feel like they’re not having enough sex. Or, they might have mismatched libidos and want to figure out how to have a sex life that satisfies both of them.
Sex therapists can help to treat conditions relating to the psychological side of sex. If you have a physical health issue, including things like erectile dysfunction, it’s important to see a medical doctor in addition.
However, if your sexual issues are present because of environmental factors, certain triggers, or relationship issues, a sex therapist can help in a non-judgmental setting to work through some of these challenges.
What to Expect
What to expect from a sex therapist depends on why you’re considering one in the first place. People attend sex therapy for everything from a lack of desire or arousal to poor body image and how it affects a person’s sex life.
A sex therapist can also help people with compulsive sexual behaviors, or those with feelings of anxiety around sex, perhaps from past trauma.
During your sessions, you should expect to provide a bit of background information and history. You’ll talk about any sexual education you have, your beliefs about sex, and any concerns you have about your sex life.
If you’re uncomfortable talking about sex, it’s the responsibility (and goal) of a sex therapist to help you feel at ease. The more open and honest you’re able to be, the easier it will be for them to help you. Over time, you’ll build trust with your therapist and enjoy a healthy and close professional relationship.
But, the work doesn’t start and stop with every session. Sex therapists often give their patients “homework” or things to try that might make a difference. For example, if you’re in a relationship and struggling with your sex life, your therapist might suggest something like roleplaying or other types of experimentation with your partner. When you try these things, you’ll be able to talk about them in a future session to determine if they were effective.
When Should You See a Sex Therapist?
There are a variety of issues that a sex therapist can help with. But, if you’re still on the fence about seeing one, keep this suggestion in mind — it’s time to see a sex therapist when your issues surrounding sex are having a negative impact on your relationship or your personal life. When your quality of life suffers because of a psychological sexual issue, it’s not something to ignore.
If you’re interested in learning more about what to expect from a sex therapist or you’re ready to set up an appointment, feel free to contact me.
