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Make ADHD Your Superpower
This article aims to teach you how to utilize a practical framework to advocate for the support you need from coaches and other support providers;
January 30, 2022
Who Is A Sex Therapist and How Do I Choose One?
Sex can be a difficult topic for people, especially couples. Sexual health problems can be even more uncomfortable to discuss. Problems in the bedroom (like sexual performance or low libido) are much broader than what you would discuss with your therapist or doctor. This is where sex therapy becomes important.
Sex therapists are licensed professionals who focus on healthy sexual habits and human sexuality. They offer support through research-based psychological and physiological methods. When might you and your partner consider working with a sex therapist? That is what we will be discussing today.
There are a variety of reasons why a couple or one person might benefit from working with a sex therapist. An estimated 43% of women and 30% of men report struggling with some type of sexual dysfunction. Sex therapists help in so many other ways, including addressing attracted-related issues, boredom, arousal, and more.
Like with all forms of therapy, it is all about finding the right match. Because sex therapy is mostly unregulated and the topic is sensitive, it can feel impossible to find the right person. Read on to find out tips on who sex therapists are, how to find one, and if it will work for you and/or your partner.
What Do Sex Therapists Do?
A sex therapist is a licensed professional with extensive training, experience, and education in sex therapy in addition to mental health. A sex therapist can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, clincal social worker, doctor or nuse, or anyone who has gone through the specialized training.
A qualified sex therapist should be able to address a wide-range of concerns, such as: issues surrounding sexual desire, problems orgagsming, painful sex, ejaculation-related problems, and more.
How a Session Might Look
Sex therapy sessions vary depending on what needs to be addressed and the individual patient(s)’ needs. There is no standard way for what a particular therapy session could go. Sexual contact is not part of any session. It is important to note that sex therapy is talk therapy.
Many sex therapists will begin by going through your sexual history. The might be done before your first session, during, or both. The more of a picture they have, the better.
They want to get a sense of what has shaped your sexual map, as well as your preferences. Most importantly, they want to know your current challenges or complaints.
A sex therapist considers the bio-psych-social determinants that contribute to the client’s concerns. Your biological, psychological, and social factors can greatly contribute to your sex habits and treatment. Sex therapists will work with individuals, couples, or both. Some people begin as individuals and then bring in their partner, though it depends on the specific circumstances.
What to Pay Attention to
Credentials
When researching any therapist, make sure they have all the right experience and credentials required. Certifications require advanced training and degrees (PhD, MD, Master’s), 90 hours of human sexuality training, 60 hours of sexy therapy training, and supervision by a qualified, licensed sex therapist.
Certified sex therapists provide a deeper clinical experience in sexual issues that come with different training and education.
Treatment Plans and Insurance
Although therapy is designed to be flexible and grow as you do, it is more than acceptable to ask yout therapist what they think your treatment plan may entail and what kind of time commitment you are looking at. It is also okay to ask about the costs.
Insurance and payment plans are something you should discuss with your
potential sex therapist upfront. This can really affect your treatment because if you are stressed about finances, it will affect your ability to commit and put in the work. We have a variety of articles on our blog to help find resources for if you do not have insurance. We recommend reading:
Keep Your Options Open
People find their sex therapists in a variety of places. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT), having a therapist or physician refer you, friends, or online resources like Mental Treat are all great places to start looking. It can be really helpful to talk to a few different people to get a better understanding of what you want and who you connect with best. Sex therapists can have very different styles, so it is important you (and your partner, if you plan on attending with him or her) are comfortable.
Teletherapy or virtual therapy are always an option for people who do not have multiple sex therapists in their specific location
Check In With Yourself
Sex, sexual issues, and sexual health are very complicated and personal. You may not feel comfortable opening up in the beginning, but like with anything, the more you do it and the more practice you have, the easier it will be. If you do not feel comfortable after a few sessions, this may mean you have not found the right therapist.
Sexual problems are a universal experience; you are not alone. Others are going through the same thing. You should feel comfortable opening up to your therapist about what is going on.
How to Find a Sex Therapist
How you go about finding a sex therapist is the same way you would find another therapist. Online resources, such as Mental Treat are great places to begin your search. Mental Treat is your one-stop-shop for therapists, specialists, informative blogs, and more. Simply browse our platform and filter until you find the right professional for you.
Choosing a sex therapist might be hard at first, but not impossible. You want to find someone you feel comfortable with and someone you can questions. If you are not comfortable or growing as a result of therapy, it will not work. Here are some blog posts we recommend reading as you start your search:
- Best Therapist-Finder Resources,
- How to Find A Therapist Who Fits Your Needs Perfectly,
- A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Therapy.
We wish you the best of luck as you begin your journey with sex therapy. Remember, there are plenty of professionals ready to help make you feel as comfortable as possible in your sex life. It may be a difficult topic to discuss, but it is important. The more educated you are on sex therapy and sexual health, the easier it becomes. As always, take care, and be well.
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