As sexual medicine has entered everyday discussion in America, the concept of sex therapy continues to be misperceived and misunderstood by many health care providers and patients.
Sex Therapy is a specialization within the mental health profession. Sex therapists meet clients in an office setting and are able to provide intervention for a variety of concerns. Sex therapists never have sex with clients, watch clients have sex, or act as surrogates. They’re able to help their clients learn to reconnect emotionally and sexually with a partner, and to assist in being comfortable with new forms of sexual expression. Because of the specialized training sex therapists undertake, they are also prepared to help patients work through sexual trauma/abuse or through questions of orientation and gender identity.
Here’s an excellent resource that summarizes what sex therapists do and when a referral to a sex therapist would be appropriate.
If you’re interested in becoming a sex therapist, certification is available through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. You can find answers to many questions on AASECT’s FAQ page. And whether you’re just starting on your journey toward certification or are a seasoned profession, you won’t want to miss your chance to learn from top experts in sex and couple’s work at SexTherapyU’s Spring Session May 12-14.
Bringing Sex into Couples Therapy - Dr Tammy NelsonDr Tammy Nelson
[…] written before about how there’s commonly a disconnect between sex therapy and couples therapy. Many couples therapists have little or no training in […]