What is sex therapy? That’s a great question and one that MANY often have when they find out that it’s even “a thing”. First off, I can assure you that there are many preconceived notions about sex therapy but it’s probably not exactly what you think it is, so I want to take a moment to explain further so please keep reading!

The truth is that we live in a culture where sex and sexual images are everywhere but our conversations about sex still carry so much shame and negativity. We receive very little sex education throughout our lives and yet we are still expected to show up to sexual situations knowing exactly what we want, have an orgasm every time, be turned on spontaneously and know exactly how to perform in bed. YEAH RIGHT! Rest assured this is not happening for so many folks! For many people, getting to a place of enjoy sexual experiences includes things like deconstructing shameful messaging they received around sex, finding sex education that represents their relationship structure (most sex education is ONLY geared towards heterosexual relationships), learning that sex is ALSO for pleasure and not just pregnancy prevention, learning about their body and how it works, exploring their desires/fantasies/wants, navigating issues around painful sex, deconstructing the messaging around female sexuality in a patriarchal society, and so much more! Simply put, if you’re a person on planet Earth, you are probably navigating the effects of our sex negative culture in some fashion. And because of all these issues, it’s vitally important that there are safe spaces for individuals and couples to navigate issues. Hence a need for sex therapy.

By definition, sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy that addresses issues related to sexual function, intimacy and relationships. It helps individuals, couples, and any relationship structure explore and understand their concerns, improve communication, and work towards enhancing their overall sexual well-being.

Topics commonly discussed during sex therapy might include:

Communication: Improving how partners talk about sexual needs and desires.
Intimacy: Exploring emotional and physical closeness in the relationships.
Desire Discrepancies: Addressing difference in sexual desire between partners.
Performance Anxiety: Managing concerns related to sexual performance.
Body Image: Overcoming negative perceptions about one’s body.
Past Trauma: Addressing any past experiences that may impact sexual well-being.
Exploration and Education: Learning about sexual anatomy, response, and various aspects of human sexuality.
Relationship Dynamics: Understanding how broader relationship issues may affect sexual satisfaction.

Specific areas of training for therapist include a better understanding of issues surrounding sexual orientation, infidelity, female sexual dysfunction, male sexual dysfunction, painful sex, gender orientation, non-monogamy, compulsive sexual behavior and more. But most importantly, sex therapists fully understand that these topics are sensitive and incredibly vulnerable, so we work especially hard to provide a supportive non-judgmental environment to help individuals or couples navigate and improve their sexual experiences and relationships.

Additionally, as a clinician working toward my PMH-C (perinatal mental health certification), I have particular interest in supporting folks in sex therapy during the perinatal period. A perinatal sex therapist specializes in addressing the unique sexual and relational issues that individuals or couples may face during the perinatal period. This specialized form of sex therapy recognizes and addresses the physical, emotional, and relational changes that can occur during this significant life transition. Perinatal sex therapists may help individuals and couples navigate issues such as changes in sexual desire, body image concerns during pregnancy, communication about sexual needs, and the impact of childbirth on intimacy. They provide support and guidance to enhance the sexual well-being of individuals and couples as they navigate the challenges and joys of the perinatal experience.

If you have questions, comments or thoughts about anything you read in the article, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to comment below or reach out via email at lauren@laurenscafetherapy.com. Additionally, if you’re interested in scheduling a session with me to navigate any of the issues listed above, I am here to help and support you in this journey.