What is Sex Therapy? 

It’s a specialized form of therapy that supports people and couples to overcome a range of concerns in their sex life, such as sexual difficulties or pain with sex, a constant lack of desire for sex, or couples who simply no longer seem to share the same interests in sex but may not know why. Sex therapy is an evidenced-based form of counseling that combines a range of psychotherapy techniques with a sexology perspective.

A key focus of sex therapy is helping people and couples to have satisfying, enjoyable sex. This might mean addressing underlying or specific sexual problems such as difficulty reaching orgasm or erectile dysfunction. Sex therapists can help clients to find strategies to help themselves to overcome sexual issues and be able to have more satisfying sex. A further reason that people may seek out sex therapy is to improve their communication. Sex requires an element of communication, and effective communicative skills help build a satisfying sexual relationship. Sex therapy can help clients improve their sexual communication, enabling them to state their needs, wants, and boundaries to their partner clearly and respectfully. This can lead to increased enjoyment of sexuality and a connection to their sexual partner.

Could You Benefit from Sex Therapy? 

One of the added benefits of sex therapy is that it can help to create healthier sexual relationships between couples. This can involve everything from trying new sexual experiences or fantasies to learning how to negotiate boundaries and pain and developing an understanding of each other’s sexual likes and dislikes. Working with a sex therapist can help to give people the confidence and skills to create satisfying sexual relationships with their partner. Sex therapy is a safe and effective form of therapy for assisting people to improve their sexual health and happiness, regardless of their particular sexual issues or stage in life. For those who struggle with sexual problems or fit into any of the categories we talked about, or for those who want to improve their sexual relationship, sex therapy can help. So, whether you’re someone in a long-term relationship who finds your sex life has become lackluster or a singleton seeking some advice on the best way to break the ice on a first date, a sex therapist could be the place to go for some help towards a better sex life.

Another benefit is often improved sexual functioning – sometimes people have trouble coming, other people may not want it, and sometimes there are erectile issues or premature ejaculation issues that arise; sex therapy can help. Another significant benefit is that sometimes we see people who are sexually aroused and anxious, which is not a good combination for a good sexual experience; with sex therapy, we can help those who have sexual phobias to overcome those and become better able to engage sexually. Another benefit is often improved relationships – sometimes, there are relationship issues that are getting in the way of the sexual activity that we can help with. Improved communication and general relationship satisfaction are things that we frequently see in treatment. Finally, many people experience improved mental health with sex therapy – feeling better about themselves, more confident and more secure with their sexuality, less stressed, and reduced symptoms of depression. In general, treating sexual health issues can lead people to better overall well-being.

What to Expect During Sex Therapy

During sex therapy sessions, individuals can expect their therapist to ask questions about their sexual history, current concerns, and relationship status. Therapists may also ask individuals to keep a journal or monitor their sexual functioning in between sessions. By working with a sex therapist, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their sexual needs and desires and learn new skills to improve their sexual experiences. Sex therapy is an effective treatment that can help individuals or couples overcome sexual difficulties and improve their overall sexual health and well-being. Whether you are struggling with a specific sexual issue or want to enhance your sexual experience, sex therapy sessions can provide you with the guidance and support you need.

Depending on your needs and preferences, these therapy sessions can be conducted individually or with a partner. If you are dealing with a personal sexual issue that you feel uncomfortable discussing with your partner, individual therapy sessions may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you and your partner are experiencing difficulties in your sexual relationship, couples therapy sessions can help you both work through your issues and improve your intimacy.

During your sex therapy sessions, your therapist will work with you to establish goals and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This may involve exploring your sexual history and identifying any underlying psychological or emotional issues that may be contributing to your sexual difficulties. Your therapist may also provide practical techniques and strategies to help you overcome any physical challenges you may be facing. 

Common Issues that sex therapy addresses 

• Concerns with sexual desire or arousal
• Concerns with sexual interests or sexual orientation
• Impulsive sexual behavior/out-of-control sexual behavior (sometimes referred to as “sex addiction”)
• Polyamory, Kink/BDSM, swing lifestyle 
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculating early (premature ejaculation)
• Difficulty reaching orgasm (anorgasmia)
• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Intimacy issues related to a disability or chronic condition
• Concerns regarding past unwanted sexual experiences
• Sexual issue w/ infidelity
• Sex education (a safe place to ask questions) 

Common Reasons Why People Don’t Seek Out Sex Therapy 

Shame and embarrassment are the number one factor that leads people to not seek out sex therapy. We all have different experiences growing up; in some families, we have never even talked about sex or sexuality, thus making it difficult to talk to the person we have sex with about sexual issues. When you seek out therapy from our office, we will help guide you to find your voice in talking about sex, sexual needs, sexual wants, and even sexual fantasies in a safe, secure way. We help our clients learn to work through shame and embarrassment. 

My sexual problem is so (weird, wrong, unique, and different) that no one could help me. This is one shameful story that our culture loves to keep going. We tell ourselves that whatever our sexual hang-up is, it is ours alone, and no one else has it. What we have found in creating a safe space with our clients is that whatever your sexual dysfunction or sexual hang-up is, we can help you understand it. 

Something must be wrong with me if I can’t figure this out on my own. So much of the work we do is to help our clients learn that the thing that keeps the sexual problem going is the judgment of the problem. Learning how to explore and understand our sexual energy and sexual expression can help us create more sef compassion and live life to the fullest. 

What Is A Sexologist?

A sexologist is just a fancy name for a therapist who specializes in working with sex. For Most psychotherapists and counselors, the most training they have on sex or sex-related issues is one minor class in school. To be a sexologist requires getting more training and working with sexual problems for many years. One of the leading organizations that help train and develop sexologists is the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT). 

Our clinical director, Tyler Rich, has over ten years of experience working with sexual issues and earned his Ph.D. in sexology (as of February 2025). If you are interested in working with Tyler, you can book a session with him below, or you can work with any of the other therapists within our practice who work under his direction.