Sex Therapy FAQs
Sex therapy is one area of mental health thatdoesn’t always get talked about. Manyindividuals feel hesitant to bring up sexual concerns with their therapist,waiting until later in the therapy process to introduce the topic. Others misunderstand what sex therapy is, andcontinue to struggle on their own.
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is therapy to improve sexualfunctioning and treat sexual dysfunction. Sex therapy can be done in individual and couples therapy.
What happens in sex therapy?
Just like other areas of therapy, in sextherapy, the therapist will complete an intake process with the client togather information on the nature of the problem and begin to create a treatmentplan. This plan might include goalsabout visiting with a medical doctor to rule out or diagnose medical issues.
Is sex therapy safe for my value system?
Just like other areas of therapy, yourtherapist is trained to be respectful of and work within their client’s valuessystem. If you have any concerns thatthe content of sex therapy might not fit within your values, talk to thetherapist up front. Talking about oursexuality with a therapist can be a new experience, and that might feeluncomfortable, but therapists want to make you feel as safe and at ease aspossible.
Will the therapist take sides?
The therapist’s job is not to prove one personright and one person wrong, but to explore the history and nature of theconcern. The therapist will help thecouple or individual explore their beliefs and values surrounding sex,identifying and helping to shift harmful or inaccurate beliefs, and provideresources and educational materials. The therapist will create a safe,supportive environment as the clients create new, value congruent, healthypatterns of behavior.
What can a sex therapist help me with?
A sex therapist can provide support, educationand hope in creating sexual wholeness. They can work with a broad range of sexual issues. Desire discrepancy (where one partner has ahigher or lower libido than the other), problematic sexual behaviors (particularlycompulsive, or what are sometimes referred to as addictive behaviors), LGBTQissues (orientation concerns, transitioning, or parenting), trauma, infidelity,“sexless” marriages, orgasm concerns, ED/premature/delayed ejaculation, painfulintercourse, polyamory, kink, pornography concerns, or resolvingspiritual/sexual conflicts.
If you have been struggling with an area ofyour sexuality or sexual relationships, but have been hesitant to talk aboutit, schedule an appointment with Alice at 801-944-4555 today. Sexual health is an important aspect of goodmental health, and you do not need to suffer alone when there is hope and helpavailable.