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