What is Sex Therapy and How Can it Help You?
Sex therapy is a specialized type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals and couples address and resolve sexual issues that are affecting their lives. Sex therapists are trained to work with people of all genders, sexual orientations, relationship statuses, and relationship orientations to help them overcome a wide range of sexual concerns.
Sex therapy can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, including addressing issues related to sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma, sexual identity, and relationship challenges. Here is a deeper look at what sex therapy is and how it can help individuals and relationships.
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is a type of therapy that focuses specifically on issues related to sexual health, sexual well-being, and relationship health. Sex therapists do not treat physical health conditions but often collaborate with physicians (urologists, OBGYNs, and primary care providers) to support clients. Sex therapy is a collaborative process between a therapist and client that helps to address and resolve sexual problems that are causing distress or impacting one’s quality of life.
Sex therapists are trained to work with individuals and relationships who are experiencing a range of sexual concerns. They can support with navigating the various types of sexual dysfunction, including:
low sexual desire
painful sex
erectile dysfunction
premature ejaculation
difficulty achieving orgasm
Sex therapists can also support you through other concerns, including:
support navigating different relationship structures including non-monogamy
infidelity
sexual trauma
sexual identity concerns
living with sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sex therapy typically involves a combination of talk therapy and exercises that are designed to help clients overcome their specific concerns. These exercises may include mindfulness techniques, communication exercises, and other tools that help to improve sexual function and satisfaction.
What happens during a Sex Therapy appointment?
Sex therapy typically involves a series of sessions with a licensed therapist who specializes in sexual health and well-being. During a first session, I work with the individual or partners to identify their goals and develop a treatment plan. We’ll discuss your background, lifestyle, and your reason for seeking support.
In ongoing sessions, we work together to build insight into your concerns. This may involve exploring underlying emotional and psychological factors that are contributing to sexual issues, and providing tools and exercises to help improve sexual function and satisfaction. We’ll progress on your goals through discussion, tools, and take home assignments. These exercises may include mindfulness techniques, communication exercises, and other tools that help to improve sexual function and satisfaction. Sex therapy does not involve physical contact between therapist and client.
How can sex therapy help?
Individuals who are experiencing sexual dysfunction
Sex therapy can help to identify the root cause of the problem and provide strategies for resolving it. This can help to improve sexual function and satisfaction, as well as overall quality of life.
Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma
Sex therapy can be a safe and supportive space to explore and address the emotional and psychological impacts of the trauma. It can help to reduce anxiety and fear related to sex, improve communication and trust in relationships, and improve overall emotional well-being.
Couples and Groups experiencing challenges related to sex and intimacy
Sex therapy can help to improve communication and understanding between partners, and provide tools for resolving conflicts and improving sexual satisfaction.
Sex therapy can be a safe and supportive space for individuals and relationships to explore and address a wide range of sexual concerns. Whether you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma, or relationship challenges related to sex and intimacy, sex therapy can provide you with the tools and support you need to improve your sexual health and well-being.
What is Relationship Therapy?
Relationship therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on helping couples or groups improve their relationships. It is a process that involves the partners working together with a therapist to identify the issues that are causing problems in their relationship, and to develop skills and strategies to address those concerns.
Relationship therapy can be beneficial for any relationship, regardless of the severity of the concerns. It can help folks who are experiencing problems such as communication difficulties, conflicts over parenting or financial issues, infidelity, or problems with intimacy or sex.
The goal of relationship therapy is to help partners improve their relationship by learning new ways of communicating, resolving conflicts, and building intimacy. A therapist can help partners identify negative patterns of behavior that may be contributing to their problems, and provide them with tools and strategies to break those patterns and build healthier ones.
There are many different types of relationship therapy, including:
cognitive-behavioral therapy
emotionally focused therapy
Gottman method
Each type of therapy has its own approach, but all of them focus on helping couples develop new skills and strategies to improve their relationship. In my work with relationships, I weave multiple approaches to provide clients with evidence based support along with strategies to incorporate outside of sessions.
During a first relationship therapy session, I work with the partners to identify their goals and develop a treatment plan. We’ll discuss your backgrounds, lifestyle, and your relationship. In ongoing sessions, we work together to build insight into your relationship concerns. We work to progress on your goals through discussion, tools, and take home assignments.
Relationship therapy can be utilized briefly (3-8 sessions) but in most cases relationship therapy takes several sessions to see significant improvement.
Benefits of Relationship Therapy
Safe and Neutral Space
This can be especially important for individuals who are dealing with difficult or sensitive issues, as it can be hard to discuss these concerns in the context of their daily lives.
Improve Communication
Relationship therapy can foster an understanding of your existing communication styles as well as provide opportunities to develop more effective and healthy communication strategies.
Deepen Intimacy
Through vulnerability within relationship therapy, partners can experience an increased feeling of closeness and support. If you have experienced a betrayal, this space provides an opportunity to rebuild trust with your partner.
If you are considering relationship therapy, it is important to find a therapist who is trained in this type of therapy and has experience working with couples or groups. Many therapists will offer free consultations to learn if they are a good fit for your concerns.
Relationship therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone who is experiencing concerns in their relationship. With the help of a trained therapist, partners can develop new skills and strategies to build a stronger, healthier relationship. Whether you are navigating challenges in your relationship or looking to deepen your connection, relationship therapy is for you.