What is a sex therapist and do I need one?
At its core, sex therapists help people with all things related to sex and sexuality.
Why would I need a sex therapist?
Sexuality is an essential part of our nature as human beings, yet it’s often not given the consideration it deserves when it comes to mental health and fulfillment. Having a healthy sex life is a key ingredient to well-being, and if you’re experiencing challenges in this department, it can seep into many other aspects of life. Know that with the right support, it can get better.
If you’ve been thinking about reaching out to a sex therapist, you’re in the right place. Today we’ll be talking about some of the key issues sex therapists help their clients with and how to know if it’s a good time to get extra support.
First, let’s identify some of the signs that you could benefit from having a sex therapist.
Have you been struggling with any of the following?
Lack of sexual desire
Excessive libido
Premature ejaculation or other issues with ejaculation
Trouble with orgasms
Lack of intimacy
Pain during sex
Sexual trauma
Unwanted sexual fetishes
Low confidence
Let’s take away the shame.
The most important thing to recognize is that there does not need to be shame surrounding these issues and that there is support available to you that will help you tend to any of the challenges you’re facing relating to sex.
The first step to having a healthier sex life is the willingness to explore what’s underneath the surface.
What to expect when starting sex therapy
Just like with any other type of psychotherapy, sex therapy deals with talking through your concerns, experiences, emotions, and fears and processing them with a trained professional. You can opt-in for solo sessions without a partner or you may invite a partner to join you. Sessions can last approximately 50-90 minutes and can take place in person or virtually.
Sex therapists can help you process the messages you’ve been fed about your body and sex and explore how your upbringing shaped your relationship to sexuality. Sex therapy can help you reflect on your desires, get your needs met, and help you increase your overall sexual satisfaction. It can give language to you and your partner to improve communication when it comes to sex.
Having a trained and qualified professional who helps you reframe sexual challenges and cultivate a healthy sex life can be transformative for all aspects of life. Our sexual health is directly connected to physical, mental, emotional, and well-being.
At Ray Family Therapy, our clinicians are highly trained in sex therapy and are here to help you develop a healthier relationship with sex so you can experience deep fulfillment in all areas of your life.