What is Sex Therapy?
WHAT IS SEX THERAPY?
Contemplating sex therapy can be confusing and maybe even anxiety producing. Many people have false information about what sex therapy is so read on to get a better understanding.
First of all and possibly the most important, there is no sexual contact with the therapist and no sexual acts in the presence of the therapist. Sex Therapy is talk therapy. It is similar to a “normal” therapy session but focused on sexual issues.
Ideally sex therapy is with all of those involved. Sexual issues are not isolated problems. They usually affect the relationship with the partner. Also, often the relationship with the partner affects the sexual issues. Unfortunately, partners are often not willing to engage in therapy, looking at it as a “You Problem.” Whether that or if you are not currently in a relationship that is okay. It is better to get that help alone than not at all. Many things can still be accomplished.
The frequency of your sessions may vary. Schedules and finances can make it difficult to attend therapy. Video sessions are very helpful with scheduling. I recommend weekly sessions to begin with. When I have had the opportunity to learn about you and the issues you want to work on and you are understanding what is involved we may decide together to reduce those to every other week. As things improve those sessions may go to once per month. The length of time overall is determined by the issues needing work and how quickly you improve. These decisions are made together.
The first session is usually an assessment with gathering history information. Please remember, I understand counseling in general can be very difficult. Add on an issue that is often avoided (especially with strangers). With that being said, at any point you decide you are not ready to explore or disclose information just say so. Yes, it is important to give as much information as possible but it is more important to do it at a pace you are comfortable with. Some of the history may be the following.
Relationships past and present
Trauma
Physical and mental health issues
Messages learned from parents, peers, and society throughout the years
Religion and how it may be affecting beliefs on sex
Sexual beliefs
Concerns
You will have “homework.” No matter what type of therapy you participate in you are expected to practice the skills you learn during the sessions in your daily life. You may also be assigned specific homework assignments. All homework is based on your needs and abilities. You will be asked to do assignments that your counselor feels will be beneficial to you. If you are someone that just cannot keep your attention to read a book you may be asked to get it in audio or possibly read an article that would be beneficial. Although homework is completed outside of the therapy sessions, it will be talked about in your sessions. Here is a list of some types of homework you may have:
Questionnaires to fill out
Books or articles to read
Journaling
“Check Ins” with your partner
Touching sessions (with your partner or alone)
Mindfulness exercises (don’t freak out. This is not necessarily meditation which I know can be intimidating or just plan yucky to some.)
Going on a date with your partner
Again, homework is tailored to you. It is assigned based on your needs. You will not be asked to run before you can walk.
The relationship will be explored. Sexual issues are often linked to the success/decline of a relationship and visa versa. Things that may be explored are: communication, history, infidelity, traumas or events associated with the relationship, love languages and more.
Some of the approaches I use in counseling sessions are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness, Sensate Focus, psychoeducation, and female empowerment.
I am trained and expected to utilize this PLISSIT Model.
P-Permission- I will provide you with an environment for you to feel safe to report your sexual concerns.
LI- Limited information- I will address specific sexual concerns that you have, educate you, and correct misinformation previously learned.
SS-Specific Suggestions-I will collect a history to understand your concerns better and understand how they evolved over time. I will assist you in understanding and resolving these issues.
IT-Intensive Therapy- I will provide intensive sex therapy to assist you in resolving your sexual health issues. I will also make referrals to other professionals if needed such as urologists, etc.
Please see an upcoming article on this website about why to choose a counselor that specializes in sex therapy.
Karen (Michan) Baum MA, LPCC-S
Phone/Text: 419.277.4355
Instagram: SavingGraceTC
Facebook: Saving Grace Telehealth Counseling
#sextherapy # Ohio #videocounseling #sexualissues #whatissextherapy #menssexualhealth #womenssexualhealth #erectiledysfunction #lowlibido #lowsexdrive #PLISSIT #sensatetouch #sensatefocus #sextherapist #orgasmproblems #prematureejaculation #delayedejaculation #femalearousaldisorder #performanceanxiety
