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By Mayo Clinic staffYou'll likely begin sex therapy by describing your specific sexual concerns. Sexual issues can be complicated, and your therapist will want to get a clear idea of all the factors involved. Once your therapist understands the situation, he or she will discuss ways to resolve your concerns and improve your communication and intimacy.
If you're in a relationship, it's usually most helpful to involve your partner in meetings with your sex therapist. You and your partner may be assigned a series of homework exercises, such as:
- Communication exercises with your partner
- Slowing down and focusing on what you're sensing during sexual encounters (mindfulness techniques)
- Reading or watching educational videos about sexual techniques
- Changing the way you interact with your partner during sex
Sex therapy is usually short term. Some concerns can be addressed quickly, in just a few visits. Typically, however, a number of counseling sessions are required.
As sex therapy progresses, you'll use your home experiences to further identify and refine the issues you'd like to work on. Remember, sexual coaching that involves physical contact is not part of mainstream sex therapy.
Keep in mind that concerns about sex and intimacy are often linked to other underlying issues, such as stress, anxiety or depression. In other cases, sexual function is affected by chronic illness, medication side effects, surgery or aging.
Depending on your concerns and your physical health, seeing only a sex therapist may be enough — or your sex therapist may be part of a team that includes your doctor, psychologist or physical therapist. For some sexual concerns, medication may be helpful. A complete medical evaluation can help determine the nature of your problem and the full range of treatment options that may be appropriate for your situation.
- Let's talk facts about psychotherapy. American Psychiatric Association. http://www.healthyminds.org/document-library/brochure-library/lets-talk-facts-psychotherapy.aspx. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Frequently asked questions. American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. http://www.aasect.org/faqs.asp#About_Therapy. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Althof S. Sex therapy: Advances in paradigms, nomenclature, and treatment. Academic Psychiatry. 2010;34:390.
- Hales RE, et al. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/resourceToc.aspx?resourceID=5. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Cope DW. The sexual history and approach to the patient with sexual dysfunction. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 18, 2012.
- Rohe DE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2013.
- Bostwick JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 8, 2013.
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