What is Sex Therapy and How Do I Know if I Need It?
Sex therapy is one of the most misunderstood (ahem, and underused) forms of mental health care. In this post, board-certified sex therapist Gabriela Galvan de Antillon breaks down what sex therapy is, what happens in a session, and the wide range of reasons people seek it out. Whether you’re navigating desire differences, communication challenges, identity questions, or just carrying unanswered questions you’ve never had space to explore, this post will help you figure out if sex therapy might be right for you.
Misconceptions abound when it comes to sex therapy, y’all. And oof, have I heard them all (cue your own imagination here). No, there is no nudity. No, there are no awkward demonstrations. And no, there are definitely no performance evaluations.
Sex therapy is a form of talk therapy – and frankly, it’s the kind that does not get talked about enough. Sex is an integral part of intimate relationships, and when couples nurture their connection by openly talking about their past experiences, emotional history, and relational concerns, they tend to find themselves in healthier, more satisfying, and more fulfilling relationships. Full stop.
Here’s a closer look at what sex therapy is, and if you’re wondering whether your concern is “big enough” for sex therapy, the answer is almost certainly yes.
What is Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is facilitated by a board-certified sex therapist. To become board-certified, a sex therapist must have received a master’s degree in the mental health field, completed an approved certification program, and undergone clinical experience, including supervised clinical hours focused on sexual issues.
Credentials are key here. Working with a board-certified sex therapist, like myself, confirms you are working with someone with credentialed expertise, provides ethical practices, and access to evidence-based treatment for sexual and relational issues and concerns.
During a sex therapy session, you should expect an open, inviting, and honest space to discuss your concerns, interests, traumas, and more – all with zero judgment and zero shame. Every single one of us has a history, and we carry that history into the bedroom with us. Without talking about it, resentment can build and disconnect can start to sever relationships.
What Do People Actually Talk About in Sex Therapy?
Sex therapy is deeply personal, so the issues you choose to bring to the table naturally reflect your own unique experiences, but commonly, couples and individuals see a sex therapist to explore things like:
- Differences in sexual desire between partners
- Difficulty reaching orgasm
- Erectile dysfunction or performance anxiety
- Pain during sex
- Communication challenges around intimacy
- Body image concerns
- Sexual shame or anxiety
- LGBTQ+ identity and relationship issues
- Life transitions that affect intimacy (yes, I see you, baby)
During a sex therapy session, we work to unpack factors influencing your experience so you can build a healthier, more satisfying relationship with yourself, your partner, and your sexuality.
How Do I Know if I Need Sex Therapy?
Many people assume they should only seek sex therapy when something feels seriously wrong. Not true!
Sex therapy can be helpful anytime sex, intimacy, or connection starts creating stress, confusion, frustration, or distance in your life.
Sometimes people come to sex therapy because they want a deeper understanding of themselves. Sometimes they’re looking to strengthen an already healthy relationship. Sometimes they’re simply tired of carrying unanswered questions on their own.
All of these are valid reasons.
Ready to Try Sex Therapy? Here’s How to Get Started
Sex and intimacy are a wholly normal part of being human, but that doesn’t mean it always comes easily or naturally.
Whether you’re struggling with desire, communication, identity, pleasure or connection, sex therapy provides a supportive place to explore what’s happening without judgment or shame.
Curious if it may be right for you? I offer FREE 15-minute consultations so you can decide for yourself. Reach out anytime to me, your board-certified sex therapist, to learn more and ask your questions.