What is Sex Therapy?
Sex Therapy is a form of talk therapy that is designed to assist individuals and couples explore multiple factors that can impact their sexual satisfaction. Some of these factors can be medical, psychological, or interpersonal. A Sex Therapist is a specialized therapist that is trained to walk along side of their clients and direct them towards overcoming issues that are specific to the topic of sex. It is often a form of therapy used when couples counseling has not been helpful or when medical attempts have not been successful.
Sex Therapy allows space for couples or the individual to process through ideas, beliefs and fears around the topic of sex. It is also designed to explore the barriers that hinder one from finding joy and freedom as a sexual person. Areas that can impact finding freedom sexually can be trauma, abuse, conditioning, anxiety, pain, functioning, and the inability to talk openly about the topic of sex.
What can I expect in session?
Each session varies. The first session, or the intake, is a session where the therapist will learn more about you, your history and what concerns you have around your relationship, sexual functioning, concerns, or overall satisfaction. The second session often involves a more detailed sexual history that explores your education, beliefs, and experiences around the topic of sex. The second session is important as it will assist your therapist to determine the best steps to take in addressing your concerns.
Is Sex Therapy the same as a Sex Surrogate?
No, they are nothing alike, and there is no touching from the therapist to the client at any time. There is often fear and misconceptions around seeing a Sex Therapist. The biggest misconception is that there will be touch from the therapist, that the sessions will solely focus on sex, or be sexual. While sex is the main reason people come to see a Sex Therapist, it is not the only factor to be addressed, as finding joy and freedom in sex is most often multifaceted .
Heather Beeves is a trained Sex Therapist, that specializes in trauma, EMDR and Medical Family Therapy.
