Sex Therapy: Is It For You?
Tri Valley Relationship Therapy offers a specialized approach to sex therapy in the East Bay, South Bay & Central Valley.
In this fast-paced world, it is not unusual for couples to struggle with sexual intimacy. Whether it’s an issue related to low sexual desire or problems with erection and orgasm, individuals and couples are becoming more open to the idea of seeking sex therapy.
Despite the growing social acceptance of seeking help for sexual issues, an air of mystery continues to surround sex therapy.
There is confusion about what sex therapy is and what happens in sessions. The confusion helps foster the overall discomfort that comes with talking to a stranger about something as intimate as sex.
What is sex therapy?
Sex therapy is strictly talk-therapy. There is no touch or nudity involved. It is considered a specialty within the area of psychotherapy.
A sex therapist is a specialist in treating sexual issues and has specialized training as opposed to a regular therapist who may only have the minimal amount of training in sexuality needed to obtain a professional license.
Sex therapists possess extensive post-graduate training or a named specialization or degree in sexuality, such as a doctorate. Professionally trained sex therapists possess advanced knowledge of the anatomical and physiological responses of the sexual response cycle, are skilled at providing psychotherapy and have expertise in relationship/couples counseling.
Clients searching for a sex therapist are encouraged to request a list of training experiences in these specialized areas if they are unsure about the qualifications of the therapist. Seeing a sex therapist is similar to seeing a gynecologist for gynecological concerns rather than seeing your family doctor. Usually, clients seek sex therapy after general psychotherapy is unsuccessful in resolving their sexual problems.
What happens in sex therapy sessions?
A trained sex therapist conducts a very thorough biopsychosocial assessment of the couple or individual. A biopsychosocial assessment is done to identify the physical, psychological and social issues that underlie the sexual problem. This is followed by a detailed sexual history with both partners which helps the sex therapist to determine if the sexual issue is chronic as opposed to situational or acute. Depending on the specific sexual issue, the therapist may refer the client to a urologist and/or gynecologist to rule out physical causes.
Sex therapy addresses the emotional, social and relational causes of sexual issues.
During the sessions, the therapist helps the couple or individual to uncover and alter their beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors that are contributing to the problem. Behavioral exercises are the cornerstone of sex therapy and are practiced by the clients at home in between sessions. Through these exercises, clients learn the fundamentals of healthy sexuality-communication, flexibility & sensuality.
Is sex therapy for you?
Sex therapy is appropriate for both individuals and couples interested in overcoming a sexual issue or interested in improving their sexual connection.
Mismatched desire in a couple is the most common reason for couples to seek sex therapy. Other reasons include premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, not being able to orgasm, the impact of aging on sexual pleasure, and overall dissatisfaction with the sexual relationship.
People who are not in relationships can also benefit from sex therapy. In fact, you don’t have to be in a relationship or need your partner to attend sessions, in order for you to get the most out of sex therapy.
For example, if you have always struggled with orgasm and want to uncover the psychological barriers that are holding you back from embracing the full range of your sexuality and learn ways of overcoming your inhibitions, sex therapy can be very helpful. The same goes for individuals struggling with performance anxiety or premature ejaculation.
At times, being single or unattached is the best time to tackle these issues because you are not preoccupied with your partner’s response to your problem or worried about your ability/inability to please your partner.
Sex therapy can also help people explore their attraction template, sexual orientation, fetishes, and kinks.
You can access this article and other articles written by Dr. Nagma Clark on the Let's Talk Sex blog on Psych Central by clicking on this link:
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/sex-talk/2018/05/sex-therapy-is-it-for-you/
Written by: Nagma V. Clark, Ph.D., L.P.C.C. specializing in sex therapy, couples therapy & marriage counseling, premarital counseling, individual relationship therapy & LGBTQQI couples counseling at Tri-Valley Relationship Therapy, Inc. in the East Bay, in Dublin & Oakland.
If you or your partner would like to enhance your sexual connection or need help with a sexual issue or concern, sex therapy at Tri-Valley Relationship Therapy, Inc. in the East Bay can help. Dr. Clark has advanced & specialized training in sex therapy and she has helped many couples & individuals resolve their sexual concerns.
Call 925-400-3541 or email doctor.nvclark@gmail.com to schedule a free 15-minute phone consult or fill out the contact form and you will be contacted within 12-24 hours.