Sex Therapy: What It Is & Why It’s Crucial to Your Sexual Health
When you have a toothache, you go to the dentist. When you have a weird mole, you go to a dermatologist. But what happens when your sex life is not all puppies and rainbows? That’s where sex therapy comes in.
Sexual health is a major part of our overall well-being. Sex therapy goes beyond the birds and the bees to address and restore core identity and intimacy issues for a better, more fulfilling sex life.
Sounds great, right? It is. But a lot of people are unaware of the resources available through sex counseling. Here’s what you need to know about sex therapy and how it can help you feel like your most authentic and connected self.
An Option for Everyone
You don’t have to be on the verge of a breakup to go to sex therapy. Heck, you don’t even have to be having intercourse to benefit from seeing a sex therapist.
Any age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or relationship status can benefit from sex counseling. Whether you go alone, with your partner or family, it’s a safe space with no judgement.
There are two main two goals of sex therapy: 1) to feel like your authentic self and 2) to feel connected and experience pleasure with your partner(s). With counseling starting from the inside-out, you’ll learn the why behind the what in approaching your sexual health.
Common Conditions or Issues
Some common issues or situations that may lead to sex therapy include:
- Sexual identity or orientation discovery
- Feeling a lack of intimacy with your partner(s)
- Sexual addiction
- Relationship issues
- Sexless marriage or mismatched desires
- Lack of emotional connection
- Lack of self-esteem
- The feeling that your sex life could use a boost
No matter your reason, it doesn’t hurt to try. The biggest message for those considering sex therapy? You are not alone.
What to Expect In Sessions
Shame-free Conversation
Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy that requires a dialogue between patient(s) and the couselor. In other words, sharing openly is the most important way to work on finding solutions.
Sometimes, this may require bringing up awkward or uncomfortable topics. But guess what? Sex therapists have heard it all. Nothing is surprising, and they’re not judging you.
Solutions Beyond the Bedroom
In a relaxed setting, a certified sex therapist will help you get to the core of issues or questions related to your sexuality. There will probably be non-sex related techniques (and homework) to navigate mental blocks, trauma, or communication improvements.
For improving physical intimacy, you may work on strategies like learning to eliminate distractions, learning nonsexual touch, enhancing stimulation, or minimizing pain.
No Physical Coaching
Let’s clear the air here: sex therapy isn’t a la Meet the Fockers, where an instructure yells, “Let me hear your bodies talk!” while you girate and partner pose on the floor of their office. This isn’t yoga class, after all.
Sex therapists never touch or have sex with clients.
Privacy
Whether you’re having a session in-person or over video (thanks, pandemic), a certified sex therapist will ensure the technology and methods use are completely HIPAA (aka Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant. This means that your health information, conversations, and data will be kept between you and your provider unless otherwise stated.
Is Sex Therapy for You?
If any of the above info clicked with you, then yes! Sex therapy is worth exploring.
Remember, you’re not alone. Seeking help for any area of wellness can be nerve-wracking, especially for such intimate parts of our lives. Remember, it’s a strength, not a weakness to improve yourself. And it starts with you.
Dr. Michael Stokes with Rhode Island Sex Therapy is a sex therapist who is ready to answer your questions and schedule an appointment that fits your lifestyle and schedule.