When To See A Sex Therapist and How to find one

Many people want to explore their sexuality, intimacy issues, gender roles, and other aspects. However, talking about sex can be awkward. Not everyone knows that it's perfectly ok to see a sex therapist for these issues.

Many people do not know when to see a sex therapist. They often imagine that you need to be at the end of a relationship or have significant struggles before you have to ask for help.

The good news is that this is not the case at all. A sex therapist can help you communicate your needs and sexual concerns, so you can work on what's troubling you and improve sexual satisfaction.

What Is Sex Therapy?

It is a type of therapy that asks couples or individuals to explore a range of topics and sexual problems. Everyone is different, which means everyone will need to explore various topics of human sexuality.

Sex therapists on the Heal Your Roots Wellness directory see clients in Florida, Pennsylvania, and other states, and are experienced in helping people talk about things that can be hard to say out loud.

Some of the topics that are covered in sex therapy include:

• Shame or guilt
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fear of intimacy
• Low sexual desire or libido
• Performance anxiety
• Premature ejaculation
• Painful sex
• Mismatched sex drive
• Emotional, sexual, physical, or verbal abuse or trauma

If you'd like to talk about sexual issues that you can't see above, like sex addiction or infidelity, that's okay too. A good sex therapist can help with whatever you'd like to work on.

A sex therapist understands your need for privacy, to be heard, and to work on what you're struggling with. You don't have to deal with this on your own.

It can be difficult to talk about intimacy issues. Working on them is usually the only way through, and that's where a therapist can make a real difference in your life.

A sex therapist can help you talk about sex professionally and confidentially. You might also learn new ways of thinking, so you can look at your issues from a new sex-positive perspective. Sometimes just doing this can make a world of difference.

How Does Sex Therapy Work?

Couples sex therapy works in a similar way to many other types of therapy. However, there is often a misconception surrounding this type of therapy. You will not need to undress or undergo any physical examination, and there will be no touching between you and your partner, or your therapist.

Therapy sessions are conducted in much the same way as other therapy sessions, and the only difference is the topic! Sex therapists are licensed professionals who can help with the mental or emotional aspects of sex-related issues.

In addition to this, you will NOT be pressured to speak about any topic related to your sex life that is too uncomfortable for you to talk about.

You will have the opportunity to speak in a safe and shame-free environment. Therapists also understand that you might feel uncomfortable talking about things that are personal to you, and they will work on building communication with you so you can explore these areas at your own pace.

You can work with a sex therapist on your own through individual therapy, or together with your partner, often with a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) through couples therapy.

How Do I Know If I Need Help with Sexuality?

If you are struggling with intimacy, sexual dysfunction, changing your sexual behavior, or any of the issues listed above, you could benefit from sex therapy.

Sex is a large part of many people's lives, and it's a way to show another person how you feel about them. If you're struggling for any reason, it can potentially impact some important areas of your life.

Sex therapy can help you get the issues related to sex out into the open (in a safe and private environment) so that you can start to work on them. Many therapists on the directory offer sex therapy online, so you can start from home.

If you'd like to talk to someone you can trust about what's concerning you, a sex therapist can help. You do not have to deal with the issues on your own.

Doing the work your therapist suggests makes you much more likely to reach your goal. This is where sex therapy helps. Once your therapy is complete, you could find it easier to be intimate, or you could feel less anxious about the things that have been troubling you.

What Sex Therapy Sessions Are Usually Like

A good sex therapist will make sure you feel comfortable. Sex therapists talk about these topics every day, so nothing you bring up will surprise them.

If you come with a partner, many therapists start with a joint session to get to know you as a couple and see how you communicate with each other. These sessions also help you talk openly about what you're struggling with.

Some therapists then see each partner individually, so you can both speak freely about what's concerning you.

This also helps your therapist understand how your life is being affected. Later, you'll usually come back together for joint sessions to see how you're interacting with each other and work on the progress you've made. Sessions take place in a safe, private setting so you can be open and honest.

Find a Sex Therapist

Not everyone knows when to see a sex therapist. If you find it hard to be intimate with someone, or something about sex or intimacy has been weighing on you, it's a good time to reach out.

Heal Your Roots Wellness is a directory of licensed therapists who run their own practices. Read more about sex therapy, or find a therapist and filter by state, specialty, and insurance. When you find someone who fits, send them a consultation request from their profile, and they'll follow up with you directly.