The idea of seeing a sex therapist may seem scary, but it can be a practical, low-risk step toward improving your sex life. People go to sex therapy for many different reasons, but the goal of every sex therapy session is essentially the same. Sex therapy seeks to identify and address any biological, psychological, interpersonal, or other life factors that may be affecting sexual satisfaction so that individuals and couples can overcome these challenges and have a satisfying sex life.
If you’re wondering if you could benefit from sex therapy, the answer is probably yes. Here are some common reasons why people go to sex therapy.
You want to deal with relationship issues.
Sexual health does not occur in a vacuum. affected by various external factors and influences. Relationship factors are especially important when it comes to maintaining a fulfilling sex life for all parties in a relationship, and conflict, trust issues, and miscommunication can greatly damage a sexual connection. Couples who choose to work through their relationship issues with a sex therapist often find that their sex lives improve as their relationships and communication skills improve.
You are not satisfied with the frequency or quality of sex in your relationship.
There is no “right” frequency of sex, and the ideal amount of sex will vary from person to person. Therefore, it is not uncommon for individuals in a relationship to experience desire mismatch, a condition in which one’s preferred frequency of sexual activity does not match their partner’s preferred frequency. A sex therapist can help couples communicate about discordant desires, express their wants and needs, and find common ground in their relationship. The therapist can also help the couple work through any unresolved issues that may be contributing to the lack of sexual desire.
Those who are not satisfied with the quality of sex in their relationship can also benefit from sex therapy. If sex has become too routine or rehearsed for a couple, a sex therapist can provide practical advice to overcome sexual boredom and reignite the spark in their sex life.
You have a medical condition that affects your sex life.
People with chronic health conditions, sexual dysfunctions, or incurable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are encouraged to seek medical attention for the physical aspects of their conditions, but the psychological aspects are often overlooked. If you have a medical condition that has affected your sexual health, you may feel feelings of sadness, shame, sadness and anger. In situations where the condition has drastically changed your sexual function, you may not know how to go about cultivating intimacy and maintaining your sexual expression. Sex therapists are well equipped to help patients with the emotional aspects of such a medical condition and provide them with suggestions for ways to be intimate moving forward.
You have difficulty reaching orgasm and this bothers you.
Sex can be enjoyable and satisfying without orgasm. However, if you can’t reach orgasm and it’s bothering you, you could consider sex therapy. Sex therapists can offer specific suggestions to help you learn how to reach orgasm. Additionally, in sex therapy, you (and your partner, if applicable) can work on awareness, communication, and other strategies to stay present during sexual activity to increase the likelihood of reaching orgasm.
You would like to talk to someone about your sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Many people in the LGBTQIA+ community face challenges when exploring their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Additionally, sharing important information about themselves with loved ones and other members of their community can be difficult. A sex therapist can help people embrace their unique identities. freely express their sexual preferences, interests and desires. and navigate potentially difficult discussions about sexual orientation or gender identity with others.
You need to process the sexual trauma.
Past sexual trauma can have a big impact on a person’s current sexual experiences, but people are able to work through the trauma and regain a happy, healthy sex life. Sex therapists are uniquely qualified to help individuals process emotions stemming from harmful sexual experiences and find a path to enjoying future positive sexual experiences.
Resources:
Fink, JLW (2021, November 27). Do you need a sex therapist? Health scores.
Mayo Clinic. Rollo, J. [Presenter]. (2014, July 30). Sex Therapy at the Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Clinic – What to Expect from Your Appointment [Video]. YouTube.
NCH Health System. (2019, March 16). Sex therapy.
Watson, LJ (2012, November 4). Should we see a sex therapist? Psychology Today.
