We know that mental health impacts sexual function, and we know that sexual function impacts mental health. Sex therapists are trained to help people understand and navigate the connection between the two.
Sex therapists can see both individuals and couples experiencing sexual health issues.
The number of sex therapy sessions needed can vary. While some people just need a session or two for a bit of education, others may need several sessions to help improve communication or an intensive therapy treatment.
What is a sex therapist?
There’s a lot of misunderstanding about what sex therapists do. Sex therapists are counselors, psychologists or social workers who have a specialization and extra training in the link between sexual function and mental health.
When to see a sex therapist
When you’ve experienced distress or changes in sexual function
This might be due to a medical issue, aging or mental health diagnosis. When someone experiences a sexual change, they often hope it will revert back to what they're used to. Sometimes this is the case. Situational stress or depression can cause temporary sexual issues. Not everyone has perfect sexual function through life stressors.
However, when the concern becomes prolonged, over six months, you may want to ask for help. An issue can compound over time and lead to additional anxiety or distress.
When you’ve ruled out physical reasons for the sexual issue
If your concern involves sex function, talk to a primary care doctor, urologist or gynecologist. Rule out certain health issues that can cause sexual changes before seeking sex therapy.
When the sexual issue is distressing or causes conflict
If the issue is distressing to you or you’re not able to navigate it with your partner, you might need to seek help from an outside person. If couples already struggle to communicate and they start to experience sexual distress, it’s likely that they won’t have the tools or the ability to talk through it in a healthy way.
When you have concerns unrelated to your sexual relationship with your partner
A sex therapist can also help with concerns unrelated to your relationship with your partner. If you have questions about sexual or gender expression, a sex therapist can help you explore this and manage any related life changes.
If your sense of sexuality is in conflict with your religious or cultural beliefs or upbringing, a sex therapist can help you talk it through.
If you’re concerned about an addiction to pornography or a sex addiction that’s beginning to impact your general function or your relationships, a sex therapist can help.
What to know about a sex therapy appointment
An initial session will involve gathering a lot of background information, including details on mental health, sexual health, medications, hospitalizations, prior therapy, upbringing and trauma history.
Often, sessions involve working on communicating with a partner, grieving a change in your sexual life or finding ways to feel better about sexual relationships and your sexual sense of self.
How to find a sex therapist
Look for a certified sex therapist at the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists website. View profiles and try to find someone who specializes in your specific area of concern.
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