Sex Therapy – Who Is It for and How It Works

Over 8.9 million adults in the US suffer sexual function problems with Erectile difficulties prevailing in men and lack of sexual desire is commonly seen in women

The ‘bedroom talk’ can be difficult for many people, especially involving sexual health problems. Some people approach close friends to discuss sexual performance issues, while many choose to keep quiet and suffer, not realizing that a trained professional can help.

Here’s everything that you need to know about sex therapy and who it is for.

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy aims to address all sex concerns. This includes sexual functions, intimacy, sexual desires, and any other problem. These issues can be resolved by talking to a mental health professional. It’s effective for people of any age, sexual orientation, or gender.

This psychotherapy might require you to follow a treatment plan, which varies based on the case.

Who Needs It?

One doesn’t need complex problems to consider sex therapy. It aims to resolve sexual issues on every level, something as simple as arousal even. Sex therapy can help you overcome:

• Arousal issues
• Concerns about sexual feelings or desires
• Confused sexual orientation
• Compulsive or impulsive sexual behavior
• Premature ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunctions
• Problems reaching orgasm
• Dryness or pain during intercourse
• Intimacy issues
• Past unwanted sexual experiences that could have caused a trauma

How Does It Work?

Generally, the client and therapist meet in the office as per the chosen session. Depending on your agreement, some clients come alone while some bring their partners along. The length of the therapy and the duration of each session varies based on the problem being addressed.

Therapists, especially at Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling, understand that clients can feel anxious and shy during their initial visits, where talking about sex at all becomes a problem.

That’s why therapists start with general and fundamental questions, such as the client’s health and background, beliefs, etc., to make the client comfortable, eventually building up the conversation toward the elephant in the room – sex.

What’s important to know is that the success of sex therapy depends on how well the client work on the ‘homework’ assigned. It often includes experimentation, sex education, communication-building strategies, sensate focus, and more.  

What Results to Expect?

Sex therapy teaches you to express your sexual concerns to your partner in a clear and better way. Moreover, bringing your partner to sex therapy helps them be aware of your problems and understand the root cause and solution.   

If you consider sex therapy, beware that it requires you to trust and communicate well with your therapist to be effective. The more dedicated you will be, the better results you’ll see.

Sex therapy is a sensitive topic, and we understand how difficult it can be. I

Self-treatment or talk with friends might seem easier. However, it’s best to trust a certified and trained professional to help resolve these issues more effectively.

Schedule an appointment with our trained sex therapists in Palo Alto.