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By Mayo Clinic staffThe only preparation needed for sex therapy is to find a therapist. You can ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a sex therapist, or you might check with a local hospital or medical center to see whether they have a sex therapy clinic. As another option, you might check with a professional organization, such as the AASECT. Your health insurer or employee assistance program may offer recommendations as well.
Before scheduling sessions with a specific therapist, consider whether the therapist would be a good fit for you. You might ask questions like these:
- Education and experience. What is your educational and training background? Are you licensed by the state? Are you credentialed by the AASECT? What's your experience with my type of sexual issue?
- Logistics. Where is your office? What are your office hours?
- Treatment plan. How long is each session? How often are sessions scheduled? How long might I expect treatment to continue? What is your policy on canceled sessions?
- Fees and insurance. How much do you charge for each session? Are your services covered by my health insurance plan? Will I need to pay the full fee upfront?
Remember, effective sex therapy requires trust and good communication between you and your therapist. After your initial consultation, consider whether you feel enough rapport with your therapist to lead to effective resolution of your concerns. If the fit doesn't meet your expectations, the therapist may offer a referral to someone else.
- Giommi R, et al. The therapeutic dilemma: How to use psychotherapy. International Journal of Andrology. 2005;28:81.
- Bhasin S, et al. Sexual dysfunction in men and women. In: Kronenberg H. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/199243331-3/992322664/1555/124.html. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Frequently asked questions. American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. http://www.aasect.org/faqs.asp. Accessed June 15, 2010.
- Crowe M. Managing couple relationship and individual psychological problems in psychosexual therapy. Psychiatry. 2006;6:95.
- Al-Azzawi F, et al. Therapeutic options for postmenopausal female sexual dysfunction. Climacteric. 2010;13:103.
- Kedde H, et al. Efficacy of sexological healthcare for people with chronic diseases and physical disabilities. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. 2010;36:282.
- Althof SE. What's new in sex therapy. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2010;7:5.
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