What is Sex Therapy and How Can It Help?

Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry

Sex therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals and couples address a range of sexual concerns, improve intimacy, and enhance relationships. While sexual difficulties can stem from a variety of factors, sex therapy provides a confidential and supportive environment to explore these challenges and work toward positive change. Whether it’s due to performance anxiety, communication problems, or deeper emotional issues, sex therapy offers specialized treatment for overcoming these barriers and fostering healthy, fulfilling sexual experiences.

Understanding Sex Therapy

Sex therapy is typically conducted by a licensed professional, such as an AASECT-certified sex therapist, psychologist, or counselor, who is trained to address issues related to sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. The goal is to create a safe space for individuals or couples to openly discuss their concerns, desires, and emotional experiences around sex.

There are many reasons why someone might seek sex therapy, including concerns about sexual performance, low libido, painful intercourse, or difficulties related to sexual orientation or identity. The therapist works with clients to understand the root causes of these challenges, which may be psychological, physical, or relational, and provides strategies to overcome them.

Types of Sex Therapy:

1. Individual Therapy: Focused on one person, helping them explore their sexual concerns, develop a healthier sense of sexuality, and address personal barriers to intimacy.
2. Couples Therapy: Aimed at helping couples address intimacy issues, communication breakdowns, and sexual dissatisfaction. It often involves discussions around emotional connection, trust, and mutual satisfaction.
3. Group Therapy: A less common but useful approach, where individuals can share their experiences and learn from others in a supportive environment.

Sex therapy may also be integrated with other therapeutic methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness techniques, to address underlying emotional or mental health issues that impact sexual well-being.

Benefits of Sex Therapy

Sex therapy can provide numerous benefits to individuals and couples experiencing sexual difficulties. These include:

1. Improved Communication: One of the primary benefits of sex therapy is improved communication between partners. Often, sexual problems arise from a lack of open communication about desires, boundaries, and expectations. Sex therapy helps couples develop healthier ways to express their needs and listen to each other, which can lead to a stronger emotional connection and better intimacy.

2. Addressing Sexual Dysfunction: Sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, or anorgasmia (the inability to reach orgasm) can be addressed in sex therapy. Therapists work with individuals or couples to explore both the psychological and physical components of these issues and provide solutions that enhance sexual satisfaction.

3. Boosting Libido: Many people struggle with low sexual desire, which can be influenced by stress, hormonal imbalances, depression, or relationship issues. Sex therapy can help clients understand the underlying causes of their low libido and explore ways to reignite their sexual interest. This often involves the clinician collaborating with medical providers to rule out health-related concerns.

4. Relieving Performance Anxiety: Performance anxiety is a common issue for both men and women, particularly in new relationships or after traumatic experiences. A sex therapist can help individuals confront their fears and insecurities around sex, providing strategies to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.

5. Healing from Past Trauma: Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, such as abuse or assault, may find it difficult to engage in healthy sexual relationships. Sex therapy can help survivors process their experiences, rebuild trust in their bodies, and restore a sense of agency and control over their sexuality.

6. Enhancing Overall Relationship Satisfaction: For couples experiencing sexual dissatisfaction or a lack of intimacy, sex therapy can foster a greater understanding of each other’s needs and enhance overall relationship satisfaction. By addressing both emotional and sexual concerns, couples can strengthen their connection and improve the quality of their relationship.
   

Sex Therapy for Couples

Sex therapy is especially beneficial for couples who are facing difficulties in their sexual relationship. It can help couples navigate issues such as mismatched libidos, unresolved sexual conflicts, or emotional disconnection. By working with a sex therapist, couples can develop a deeper understanding of each other’s sexual preferences and emotional needs, ultimately improving both their sexual and emotional bonds.

Common Issues Addressed in Couples Therapy:

• Low sexual desire: Differences in libido are common in relationships and can lead to frustration and tension. Sex therapy helps couples find ways to address these differences and explore what might be causing them.
• Infidelity: For couples recovering from infidelity, sex therapy can provide a safe space to rebuild trust and work through the emotional consequences of betrayal.
• Communication problems: Many sexual issues stem from poor communication, such as an inability to express desires or concerns. A sex therapist can help couples learn how to communicate openly and constructively about their sexual needs.

Sex therapy can also help couples navigate changes in their sexual relationship due to aging, illness, or other life changes. With guidance from a therapist, couples can find ways to adapt and maintain a fulfilling sexual connection, even as circumstances change.

Conclusion

Sex therapy offers an invaluable resource for individuals and couples struggling with sexual difficulties or seeking to improve their intimacy. Whether you’re facing performance anxiety, dealing with the aftermath of trauma, or simply want to enhance your relationship, working with a trained sex therapist can help you overcome obstacles and achieve a more satisfying and fulfilling sexual life.

If you’re struggling with sexual issues, seeking help through sex therapy could be the first step toward healing and a deeper emotional and physical connection. A qualified therapist can provide the tools, support, and understanding necessary to address your concerns and ultimately improve your sexual health and overall well-being.

Seek Support

The Mental Health Center in Los Angeles works with kind and qualified mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and therapists, delivering kind, compassionate and non-judgemental care.

For more information about the services we offer, visit Mental Health Center or contact us at (310)601-9999. Your journey toward healing and recovery starts today!

References

• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). (n.d.). What is Sex Therapy? Retrieved from www.aasect.org
• Psychology Today. (2021). Sex Therapy: What It Is and How It Works. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com
• Sexual Health Center, Mayo Clinic. (2022). Sexual Dysfunction. Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org