What Is Sex Therapy
When people first hear the term “sex therapy,” a variety ofideas might come to mind. Some might feel uncomfortable, while others becomecurious about the “freaky” or “kinky” clients a sex therapist might see. Thesereactions are completely normal. However, once people understand what sextherapy truly involves, they often gain a new perspective and feel more atease.
Demystifying Sex Therapy
One of the first things I tell my clients to lighten themood and debunk common myths is that everyone keeps their clothes on duringsessions. Sex therapy is not sex surrogacy, which is legal only in certainstates in the U.S. Instead, sex therapy involves discussing sexual difficultieswith a specialist. It’s an opportunity to explore how cultural, familial, andsocietal beliefs about sex, relationships, and intimacy have influenced yourlife and led you to seek therapy.
What Can You Expect from Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy offers a safe space to process a variety ofissues. It’s a space to be open and vulnerable about a topic that causes a lotof doubt, fear, discomfort, blissful joy, curiosity, tantalizing excitement,and more. Here’s what you can expect:
- Addressing Misconceptions: A space to debunk myths and clarify misunderstandings about sex.
- Exploring Beliefs: Understand how past influences shape your current sexual experiences.
- Grieving and Healing: Address feelings of betrayal by your body, changes due to hormones or medication, and more.
- Asking Questions: A space to ask questions that may have felt taboo all your life.
- Sex Education: Providing accurate information about sexual health and practices.
- Exploration of Sexual Interests and Identities: Helping you understand and embrace your sexual preferences and identity.
- Improving Communication: Enhancing how you communicate with your partner(s) about sex, desires, and boundaries.
Sex therapy is not just for those with unconventional desires or severe sexual issues. It’s for anyone experiencing concerns such as:
- Painful sex
- Low libido
- Sexual trauma
- Erectile dysfunction
- Vaginismus
- Compulsive sexual behaviors
- Infidelity
- Questioning identity
- General education about sex
- Concerns about sexual desires or fantasies
- Kink exploration
- So much more
The Structure of a Typical Sex Therapy Session
1. Initial Session: The first meeting is about gettingto know each other. We'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy anddetermine if we are a good fit to work together.
2. Second Session: We'll review an assessment youcomplete about your sexual history to understand how past experiences andbeliefs have influenced your current situation.
3. Third Session: We’ll set goals to ensure we arealigned on what you want to achieve through therapy.
Subsequent sessions will involve:
- Goal Review: Checking in on your progress and addressing any new developments.
- Intervention Implementation: Applying different strategies based on education and research to address your specific needs.
Once your goals are met and you have no further concerns,you can transition to maintenance sessions as needed.
Why Choose Sex Therapy?
As you can see, sex therapy isn’t cringe-worthy or altogether full of wild stories. It’s about tapping into an aspect of yourself or your relationship that society often struggles to address openly. It provides a safe space to be your authentic self without judgment, enabling you to achieve the fulfilling sex and intimacy you desire.
By understanding the true nature of sex therapy, you can approach it with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, ready to embark on a journey towards a more satisfying and pleasurable sexual life.
If you’re considering sex therapy, know that it’s a step towards better understanding yourself and your relationships. It’s an opportunity to explore, heal, and grow in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Ready to take the next step? Schedule a session today and begin your journey towards a more fulfilling sex life.
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Feel free to explore other resources on our blog for more tips and advice on sexual health and relationships. Remember, help and support are always available to guide you through your journey.
