Sex Therapy

What is Sex Therapy?

Sex therapy is similar to seeing a therapist for general mental health issues, but a sex therapist has more knowledge and comfort discussing sex with clients than therapists who practice as generalists. Sex therapy can be highly beneficial as it provides a unique space to openly discuss important issues such as sex, sexuality and gender identity without fear of judgment.

Carolina Sexual Wellness Center does not engage in “reparative” or “conversion” therapy, the basis of which erroneously assumes certain sexual identities and interests to be mental disorders which can be changed or “cured.” Many health organizations have taken the position that there is no compelling evidence that these therapies are effective and that they are actually harmful to patients. These organizations include but are not limited to the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. We instead help clients explore their multiple identities and learn to love and accept themselves in their authenticity while navigating a complex world.

What Sex Therapy Looks Like

Typical therapy sessions last 53-60 minutes, and are spent discussing the client’s concerns in the context of their life. This may include exploring relevant aspects of the client’s history, assessing current symptoms, discussing current interpersonal relationships, engaging in relevant exercises, or the therapist providing education on relevant topics. As in all therapeutic relationships, boundaries are important and there will be no physical contact between therapist and client.

While sex is often part of the work in sex therapy, one’s sex life exists in the context of the rest of their life. Therefore it is not uncommon to discuss things that are seemingly unrelated to the presenting concerns, but are usually relevant upon further exploration.

Weekly therapy is usually recommended initially while the client and therapist are building a working relationship, and this frequency may or may not change over time. Therapy is discontinued when the client has made sufficient progress on their treatment goals.

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