{"id":51475,"date":"2020-06-11T08:01:58","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T08:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=51475"},"modified":"2026-03-20T06:26:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T06:26:37","slug":"what-to-expect-from-sex-therapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/physical-intimacy\/what-to-expect-from-sex-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect from Sex Therapy: Understanding How It Works"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Reconciled<\/p>\n

If you’re like most people, at one time or another, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, what exactly is sex therapy? And, what does a sex therapist do?<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, like other, more traditional forms of psychotherapy, it is “talk only.” The difference is that a sex therapy session is specifically focused on helping couples or individuals, <\/span>overcome sexual difficulties<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The reasons a couple, or an individual, might seek therapy are many and varied. It could be anything from <\/span>communication issues<\/span><\/a>, performance anxiety, inability to reach orgasm, infidelity, aging, or different libidos.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two factors determine if sex therapy is right for you. One, if there are lasting sexual difficulties in the relationship (or individual’s sex life), and two, if both partners are willing to seek help.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Find the right sex therapist<\/span><\/h2>\n

The first step of this journey is <\/span>finding the right sex therapist<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Be sure whoever you select is not only licensed but also explicitly trained and accredited in sex therapy.<\/b><\/p>\n

It is also important that both partners feel comfortable working with him or her. There likely will not be any forward momentum if one partner or the other doesn’t feel comfortable with the therapist you choose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind; it is completely normal to feel nervous about going. Most people aren’t comfortable <\/span>talking about sex with their own partners<\/span><\/a>, let alone with a complete stranger so that you may feel anxious at first.<\/span><\/p>\n

But fear not, sex therapists are trained professionals<\/b>. They understand that this is a new and uncomfortable experience for most people and will do their best to put you at ease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Generally, if you are <\/span>seeking sex therapy<\/span><\/a> as a couple (which for the rest of this article, we will assume you are doing), expect to attend your first session together. Following that, each partner will likely meet with the therapist individually.<\/span><\/p>\n

This way, the therapist will be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship from all perspectives. Their goal is to make both partners feel seen, heard, and understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What to expect from sex therapy sessions<\/span><\/h2>\n

A few topics that are likely to come up during the therapy session:<\/span><\/p>\n