Sex therapy - meaning and definition
Alsopsychosexual therapysex therapistsexologistsex counsellingsex counselingpsychosexual counselling
Definition
Sex therapy is a form of talking therapy that helps individuals and couples with sexual concerns, such as low desire, pain, performance worries or differences between partners.
At a glance
- Sex therapy is talking therapy for sexual concerns such as low desire, pain or performance worries.
- Sex therapists are usually psychotherapists, counsellors or doctors with extra training.
- There is no physical contact with the therapist; exercises may be suggested for home.
- Therapists often work alongside medical professionals.
- In some countries the title is not regulated, so checking credentials is worthwhile.
In detail
Sex therapists are usually psychotherapists, counsellors or doctors with additional training in sexuality. Sessions involve conversation and sometimes exercises to try at home; there is no physical contact with the therapist. Many concerns have both physical and psychological parts, so therapists often work alongside medical professionals.
In some countries the title is regulated or linked to a professional register, while in others anyone can use it, so it is worth checking credentials. Public health services such as the NHS can refer people to psychosexual services in some areas.
In a sentence
- We started sex therapy after a year of avoiding the topic, and it was much less awkward than I expected.
- My GP referred me to a psychosexual service for sex therapy.
Where the word comes from
Modern sex therapy is usually traced to William Masters and Virginia Johnson's work around 1970, followed by Helen Singer Kaplan's The New Sex Therapy in 1974.
Not to be confused with
- Couples therapy
Couples therapy addresses the relationship broadly; sex therapy focuses on sexual concerns and can be for individuals or couples.
Common questions
What happens in a sex therapy session?
Sessions involve conversation about the concern, its history and the relationship, and sometimes exercises to try privately at home. There is no physical contact or undressing with the therapist.
How do I find a qualified sex therapist?
Look for someone registered with a recognised professional body in your country. In some places, public health services such as the NHS can refer people to psychosexual services. A GP or sexual health clinic can be a good first step.