AFIYA Magazine Jan/Feb | Page 23

LOVE & FAMILY Sex Therapy What to Know and Expect By ARIEL WRIGHT, MSW W hat is sex therapy? Sex therapy, in its most simple definition is counseling or other type of therapy that addresses a person’s psychological or physical sexual issues or problems.  Sex therapy is a strategy for treatment of a sexuality issues such as, but not limited to: sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction, low desire, premature ejaculation or other issues such as sexual fetishes, sexual identity, or even sexual assault or stress in their sex life. What is a sex therapist? A sex therapist is usually a licensed social worker, marriage and family therapist, psychologist, mental health counselor, medical professional or professional counselor. Sex therapists assist clients in overcoming these sexually related issues. A well trained sex therapist will most likely take a very holistic approach to understand psychological, biological, pharmacological, family and social influences on sexuality and the issue that brings the person into therapy. In the United States, the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapist oversee training to become a certified sex therapist, sex counselor, or sex educator.  A sex therapist can also act as a sex educator and provide information on a number of different topics. What happens in a session? With other professions like sex surrogacy being confused with sex therapy it should be noted that Sex therapist have no physical contact with clients at any time. Sex therapist use a variety or theories and mental health techniques to help their client return to a level of functioning that is suitable for them. Sex therapist help with any of the issues previously mentioned and sometimes work closely with medical professionals depending on the issue. What is the purpose of homework? Homework is a term for techniques that the therapist may teach, that the couple can do at home. Homework is important so that the clients can apply the skills that are learned during the 23 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 AFIYA MAGAZINE