Sex therapy

Sex therapy is a specialized form of counseling for adults that focuses on sexual issues. Commonly sex problems are sexual dysfunction or major sexual communication problems between partners.The sex therapist will help the patient develop a clearly defined issue and the goal of therapy will be to work on that issue and resolve it.

Sex therapy is usually brief, lasting anywhere from a few sessions to more than a dozen sessions.

A sex therapist can be a psychiatrist, a marriage therapist, a family therapist, a psychologist, or a clinical social worker. Sex therapists tend to have much greater than average knowledge about the physiological processes that are a part of human sexuality. They also tend to work collaboratively with physicians to address the entirety of the causes of sexual concerns. Unfortunately, sex therapy is not federally regulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a sex therapist.

When looking for a sex therapist, consider a therapist who has been certified by a reputable organization. In the United States the "American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists" and the "American Board of Sexology" certify sex therapists.

Sexual Problems

Sexual problems are almost always intertwined with psychological issues. Solving the physical problem (such as erectile dysfunction) is only half the battle. If sexual issues continue to persist, performance anxiety, anger, frustration, low self-esteem, lack of physical affection between you and your partner, and a sense of hopelessness about the problem can further debilitate your sex life.

When sexual problems are not properly addressed, other relationsip problems can occur. Partners may begin to blame each other and further emotional distance may occur.